Print

Tiramisu Cups Recipe

5 from 114 reviews

Tiramisu Cups are a delightful and elegant no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy mascarpone, whipped cream, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of rich cocoa powder. This recipe delivers the classic flavors of traditional tiramisu in convenient individual servings, perfect for parties or a decadent treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup Mascarpone cheese – A creamy base that gives tiramisu its rich texture.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream – Adds lightness and volume to the dessert.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar – Sweetens the mixture to balance the flavors.

Coffee Ingredients

  • 1 cup Espresso or strong coffee – Provides the classic coffee flavor; use decaf if preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile with warmth.

Layering Ingredients

  • 24 pieces Ladyfinger cookies – The essential component for layering; choose crisp ones for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Cocoa powder – For dusting on top; use unsweetened for a rich finish.
  • 1/4 cup Milk – Can be used to soak the ladyfingers for added moisture.

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all your ingredients including mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, coffee, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and ladyfinger cookies to ensure a smooth preparation process.
  2. Brew Coffee: Brew a strong cup of espresso or coffee and allow it to cool completely. Decaffeinated coffee can be used as an alternative if preferred.
  3. Whip Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture essential for the tiramisu layers.
  4. Mix Mascarpone and Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, taking care not to deflate the whipped cream, to maintain the desired light texture.
  6. Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture (optionally mixed with milk for added moisture), ensuring they are soaked lightly but not soggy.
  7. Layer Cups: Begin assembling the tiramisu cups by placing a layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers at the bottom, then add a layer of the mascarpone-cream mixture. Repeat the layering until the cups are filled to the desired amount.
  8. Refrigerate: Cover the cups with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
  9. Dust with Cocoa: Just before serving, dust the tops of the tiramisu cups generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic and elegant finish.
  10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled with a spoon and enjoy this rich and creamy dessert either individually or shared with friends and family.

Notes

  • Do not soak the ladyfingers for too long, as they will become soggy and lose their texture.
  • For a stronger coffee flavor, you can brush the ladyfingers with coffee instead of dipping.
  • Use fresh mascarpone cheese for the best creaminess and flavor.
  • To make the dessert ahead, prepare the tiramisu cups the day before to enhance the flavors.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free variation, although this will change the flavor slightly.
  • For an adult version, consider adding a splash of coffee liqueur or Marsala wine to the coffee mixture.

Keywords: tiramisu cups, easy tiramisu recipe, no-bake tiramisu, coffee dessert, mascarpone dessert, layered dessert