Mini Tiramisu Cups You Won’t Want to Share

Name: Mini Tiramisu Cups
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz mascarpone cheese; 1 heaping tablespoon sugar; ½ cup heavy whipping cream (cold); ¼ cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅜ cup hot water; 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder; 18 ladyfingers; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

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Creamy and decadent, these tiramisu individual cups are a delightful treat. The rich and creamy texture of this classic treat will melt in your mouth.

Two glass cups of layered tiramisu dessert with cocoa powder on top sit on a white cloth, accompanied by a metal spoon.

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Tiramisu is one of my all-time favorite sweet treats. It is so creamy, luscious, and rich in texture. I just love the hints of cocoa and espresso. The softened biscuit cookies add the perfect cake-like texture to compliment the creamy cheese mixture. It is such a wonderful treat when a sweet craving hits.

These individual tiramisu cups are made with just a few ingredients and are the perfect no bake dessert. They can be assembled in under 20 minutes making them a wonderful treat to enjoy anytime. Unlike a classic Italian tiramisu recipe, this mini version is made without egg yolks, so no need to be concerned about raw eggs.

Just like these mini pavlova nests or this coconut panna cotta, these easy tiramisu cups can be prepared in advance for serving later in the day. This recipe can also be easily doubled or tripled if you have more guests. It is a beloved Italian dessert that can be perfectly portioned and enjoyed by everyone.

Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Tips
Serving suggestions
FAQs

Ingredients

Mascarpone cream cheese: This is an Italian style cheese that is very creamy.
Sugar: Dissolves into the cheese to create a silky-smooth texture for the filling.
Heavy cream: Use cold heavy cream for best results.
Powdered sugar: To be mixed with the cream to create the rich layers of the tiramisu.
Vanilla extract: Adds a splash of vanilla flavoring that pairs perfectly with the coffee and cocoa.
Hot water: Used with instant espresso to dip the Ladyfinger cookies in.
Instant espresso powder: Used to give the tiramisu a bold coffee flavor. You can also use regular strong coffee.
Ladyfingers: The dry biscuit cookies used in traditional tiramisu. Savoiardi is a classic Italian brand that is often used.
Cocoa powder: Just a dusting is needed to top the the cups.

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Let's gather the ingredients needed to make tiramisu. It only takes a few minutes for them to come together for this easy treat.

A glass bowl containing smooth, pale yellow buttercream frosting on a white cloth background.

Combine room temperature mascarpone cheese and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until just combined.

A glass bowl containing evenly mixed, creamy, pale yellow butter mixture placed on a white cloth napkin over a light wooden surface.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

A bowl of whipped butter or cream sits on a white cloth-covered surface.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese mixture with a rubber spatula. Set aside in the fridge.

A ladyfinger biscuit labeled "BOUDOIR" is partially submerged in a dark liquid, likely coffee or cocoa, in a speckled white bowl placed on a white textured cloth.

In another bowl, whisk together the hot water and espresso powder. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee one at a time .

A glass jar of crumbled Biscoff cookies placed on a white textured fabric.

Place 3 dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of each cup, breaking them up as needed.

A glass bowl filled with swirled whipped cream is placed on a white textured cloth.

Pipe or spoon a layer of the creamy mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers.

A small jar of light yellow cream is placed on a textured white cloth.

Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by another layer of mascarpone filling.

A glass cup filled with layered tiramisu sits on a white plate. Cocoa powder is being sprinkled on top.

Dust with cocoa powder and store in the fridge or serve immediately.

Hint: Chill the coffee-dipped ladyfingers for a few minutes before layering them with the mascarpone mixture. This helps prevent the cookies from becoming too soggy, ensuring the dessert holds its structure and has a nice balance of textures.

Variations

Here are a few variations you might want to try to customize this no-bake tiramisu.

Use chocolate. In place of cocoa powder, shave some chocolate from a chocolate bar.
Add a topping. Top with fresh fruit, mint leaves, or drizzle chocolate sauce over each cup.
Add additional layers. You can add in a layer of chocolate ganache, Nutella or even berries to change up the flavor profile.
Use a different cookie. Instead of Ladyfingers, you can easily substitute with vanilla wafers, biscotti or even sponge cake. You can also use gluten-free ladyfingers.
Use fresh espresso. Fresh can be used in place of an instant packet for bolder flavors.
Add liquer. Classic tiramisu adds Marsala wine, but dark rum, coffee liqueur, amaretto, or brandy are great options.

See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)

Two glass jars filled with layered tiramisu topped with cocoa powder sit on a white cloth next to a silver spoon.

Tips

Top tip: It is ideal to use clear cups or glasses to prepare the tiramisu cups. This way you can see and spoon in the mascarpone filling over the Ladyfinger creating even layers.

Use cold heavy cream. This will ensure that the mixture will be light and fluffy in texture.
Avoid overmixing the mascarpone and sugar. Mix until just combined to avoid the mixture thinning out.
Create even layers. This is important so that the layers are uniform and the flavors blend well together.
Soak Ladyfingers lightly. You want to dip them quickly into the hot water/expresso to avoid them getting wet. Do not submerge them into the mixture.
Serve chilled. This dessert is best served chilled to allow the flavors to blend nicely together.

A glass cup filled with layered tiramisu, topped with cocoa powder. A spoon with a portion of the dessert lies on a white plate beside it. Another glass of tiramisu is seen in the background.

Serving suggestions

The tiramisu cups can be served with a side of berries which compliments the cheese and cream mixture well. They can also be enjoyed with an iced coffee or a cup of cold brew especially after lunch or in the afternoon. This treat is a great little pick me up when a sweet tooth craving hits.

You might also enjoy it with a cocktail such as this espresso martini. Since the cookies in this dessert are dipped in instant expresso, it only adds to the rich flavors. If you are looking for a warmer drink, you might want to try one of these winter cocktails.

FAQs

Can I substitute anything for the mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is known for being creamy and smooth however, you can use a whipped cream cheese or whipped ricotta cheese as an alternative. Just know it will change the texture of the tiramisu.

Can you make this mini tiramisu recipe in advance?

Yes! They can be made 1-2 days in advance. For best results, make up the filling and let set in the refrigerator. Then assemble the layers once you are ready to enjoy. This will help avoid the cookies from getting mushy.

How do I make sure the cookies don't get soggy?

The key is to make sure you don't dip the Ladyfingers too long into the expresso mixture. Just dip them enough to get wet. They will absorb the moisture quickly without getting too wet.