Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to assemble, requires no baking, and delivers all the classic flavors of tiramisu in a convenient mini portion. Each cup has the perfect balance of creamy, coffee-infused, and cocoa flavors, making it an impressive yet simple dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ladyfingers or sponge cake
mascarpone cheese
heavy whipping cream
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
strong brewed coffee or espresso
cocoa powder
Directions
Brew the coffee or espresso and allow it to cool. Optionally, add a teaspoon of coffee liqueur for extra flavor.
In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture.
Dip the ladyfingers briefly into the coffee and place a layer at the bottom of each serving cup. Add a layer of the mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat the layers if desired, finishing with a layer of mascarpone cream on top.
Dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine sieve. Refrigerate the mini tiramisu cups for at least 2–3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 to 8 mini cups.
Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with chilling time of 2–3 hours. Total time is around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Variations
Add chocolate shavings or finely grated dark chocolate on top for extra texture. Substitute ladyfingers with sponge cake slices or brownies. For a lighter version, fold a little Greek yogurt into the mascarpone mixture. You can also flavor the cream with a splash of vanilla or liqueur.
Storage/Reheating
Store Mini Tiramisu Cups in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. Serve chilled. Reheating is not recommended.
FAQs
Can I make tiramisu cups ahead of time?
Yes, they are best made a few hours in advance or even the night before.
Can I use decaf coffee?
Yes, decaf works perfectly without affecting the flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free mascarpone alternatives and plant-based cream.
How long should I chill the cups?
At least 2–3 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
Can I use chocolate liqueur or rum?
Yes, a small splash enhances the flavor.
Can I assemble these cups without ladyfingers?
Yes, sponge cake, pound cake, or even brownies work well.
Are these cups suitable for kids?
Omit any alcohol, and they’re perfect for all ages.
Can I freeze mini tiramisu cups?
Freezing is possible but may slightly affect the texture of the cream.
How do I prevent the ladyfingers from becoming soggy?
Dip them briefly into coffee, just enough to soak without saturating.
Can I decorate the cups differently?
Yes, add berries, chocolate curls, or a dusting of cinnamon for variation.
Conclusion
Mini Tiramisu Cups are a delightful, elegant dessert that captures the classic flavors of tiramisu in convenient, individual servings. Creamy, coffee-infused, and perfectly portioned, they’re ideal for entertaining or enjoying a special treat at home.
Mini Tiramisu Cups
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
Individual no-bake tiramisu cups with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder, perfect for elegant, portable desserts.
- Author: Laura
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 mini cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12–16 ladyfingers or sponge cake slices
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Brew coffee or espresso and allow it to cool. Optionally, add 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur.
- In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold into the mascarpone mixture.
- Briefly dip ladyfingers in coffee and layer at the bottom of each serving cup.
- Add a layer of the mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat layers if desired, finishing with mascarpone on top.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
- Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Dip ladyfingers briefly to avoid sogginess.
- Optional toppings: chocolate shavings, berries, or a dusting of cinnamon.
- Substitute sponge cake, pound cake, or brownies for ladyfingers if preferred.
- Chill thoroughly for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
