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Tiramisu Cups are a spin on the classic Italian no-bake dessert recipe, made with coffee soaked ladyfingers and layered with creamy mascarpone filling. If you love tiramisu without all the work, these little tiramisu cups are the perfect dessert.
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Check out my Rocky Road Brownies and my Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies for more delicious dessert recipes.
These tiramisu cups are the best individual desserts for your next dinner party! Made with layers of creamy mascarpone cream and coffee soaked ladyfingers, tiramisu is the ultimate Italian dessert. No-bake and can be ready in minutes.
This dessert is decadent, sweet and creamy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The sweet layers in these easy tiramisu cups are so easy to put together.
- A spin on a traditional coffee flavored Italian dessert made in your own kitchen!
- Serve when you need a special dessert at your next dinner party or festive gathering.
- It's packed full of flavor and takes minutes to put together.
- Encompasses all of the classic elements of tiramisu!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whips and holds its shape in the custard.
- Powdered Sugar: To sweeten and flavor the mascarpone custard.
- Mascarpone: It wouldn’t be true tiramisu without mascarpone!
- Vanilla Extract: I use pure vanilla extract.
- Cocoa Powder: For mixing with the heavy whipping cream and for dusting on top.
- Ladyfinger Cookies: Find them in the cookie isle of most grocery stores.
- Black Coffee: Espresso or any strong black coffee.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1:
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
Step 2:
Add the vanilla, 2 tablespoons of the confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the whipped cream mixture.
Step 3:
In a separate mixing bowl, mix the remaining sugar and mascarpone with electric hand mixer until smooth.
Step 4:
Set out four glasses, break one cookie in the bottom of each glass. Pour a tablespoon of coffee over each crumbled ladyfinger. Next, layer with two tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Repeat the process with the remaining cookies, coffee and cheese mixture.
Step 5:
Layer the whipped cream mixture over the last layer of cookies and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Expert Tips
- Use mascarpone cheese and heavy cream that are at room temperature before you start making your tiramisu. This will help them blend together smoothly and prevent any lumps from forming.
- If you want to create a more visually appealing presentation, you can use a piping bag to layer the mascarpone mixture over the cookies in your serving cups.
- Before serving, dust the tops of the cups with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. This will add a finishing touch and enhance the flavor of the dessert.
- While classic tiramisu uses cocoa powder, you can also try other variations like adding espresso powder, grated chocolate, or even swapping out the coffee for a different flavor like raspberry or hazelnut liqueur.
Variations
- Fruit Tiramisu Cups: Add fresh fruit to your tiramisu cups for a refreshing twist. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries all work well.
- Chocolate Tiramisu Cups: If you're a chocoholic, add melted chocolate to the mascarpone mixture for an even richer flavor. You can also top the cups with grated chocolate for extra texture.
- Matcha Tiramisu Cups: For a unique twist, use matcha powder instead of cocoa powder in the recipe. It will give your tiramisu cups a beautiful green color and a delicious earthy flavor.
- Pumpkin Tiramisu Cups: Add canned pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice to the mascarpone mixture for a seasonal twist on the classic dessert. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive finish.
- Lemon Tiramisu Cups: Add lemon zest and juice to the mascarpone mixture for a tangy twist. Top with whipped cream and a slice of lemon for a beautiful presentation.
- Nutella Tiramisu Cups: Mix Nutella into the mascarpone mixture for a decadent, chocolate-hazelnut twist. You can also top the cups with chopped hazelnuts for added crunch.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Tiramisu will last for several days in the refrigerator. Cover the top of the cups with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, place in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Recipe FAQ's
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert made with ladyfingers, mascarpone, and espresso.
Mascarpone is essentially the Italian version of cream cheese, but has a smoother consistency, is milder in flavor and has twice as much fat as cream cheese.
Cream cheese works as a substitute if mascarpone is not available, but it will change the taste and texture of the filling.
You can use sliced pound cake, sponge cake or vanilla cake if you don't want to use, or don't have access to ladyfingers.
Most tiramisu recipes contain alcohol. If preferred, you can use rum in place of the vanilla.
Coffee is a key ingredients in tiramisu. You can use your favorite coffee, including decaf.
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Tiramisu Cups
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar divided
- 8 ounces mascarpone
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder divided
- 8 ladyfinger cookies
- ½ cup strong black coffee
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Add the vanilla, 2 tablespoons of the confectioners' sugar and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the whipped cream mixture.
- In a separate mixing bowl, mix the remaining sugar and mascarpone with electric hand mixer until smooth.
- Set out four glasses, break one cookie in the bottom of each glass. Pour a tablespoon of coffee over each crumbled ladyfinger. Next, layer with two tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Repeat the process with the remaining cookies, coffee and cheese mixture.
- Layer the whipped cream mixture over the last layer of cookies and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
Notes
- Use mascarpone cheese and heavy cream that are at room temperature before you start making your tiramisu. This will help them blend together smoothly and prevent any lumps from forming.
- If you want to create a more visually appealing presentation, you can use a piping bag to layer the mascarpone mixture over the cookies in your serving cups.
- Before serving, dust the tops of the cups with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. This will add a finishing touch and enhance the flavor of the dessert.
- While classic tiramisu uses cocoa powder, you can also try other variations like adding espresso powder, grated chocolate, or even swapping out the coffee for a different flavor like raspberry or hazelnut liqueur.
- Storing: Tiramisu will last for several days in the refrigerator. Cover the top of the cups with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, place in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
Enjoy!
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