These easy individual tiramisu cups are the perfect make-ahead Italian-inspired dessert. Layered with Ladyfingers, a no-egg mascarpone cream, chocolate shavings, and cocoa powder, these mini tiramisu cups are irresistible!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- When it comes to entertaining, the more you can prep ahead the better. Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts for dinner parties because it actually tastes better when made the night before.
- Since these easy tiramisu cups are already portioned, you don't even need to deal with scooping and serving. Plus everyone gets so excited when they are served their own mini cups!
- This is a no bake recipe! No need to turn on the oven or stove for this dessert.
- While this classic Italian dessert is typically made with egg yolks, my modified version requires no raw eggs.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Heavy whipping cream: The heavy cream gets whipped to make this tiramisu light and fluffy.
- Sugar: The cheese already adds some sweetness so all you need is a little bit of granulated white sugar.
- Mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone is traditional in tiramisu. If you have never had mascarpone cheese before, the flavor profile is super creamy and slightly sweet. I recommend bringing the cheese to room temperature first so that it whips easily.
- Coffee liqueur: This is optional, but I absolutely love the depth of flavor that the coffee liqueur adds. Some other recipes use marsala wine or dark rum, which you are welcome to substitute for.
- Ladyfinger biscuits: Ladyfingers are very absorbant cookies. Only soak them in the coffee for 1-2 seconds; any longer and they will become too soggy. I use store-bought ladyfingers, but you are welcome to make yours from scratch.
- Coffee: Since I often serve this dessert at night and don't know my guests' preferences with caffeine, I opt for decaf coffee. Make sure the coffee is cold, otherwise the cream will melt when it touches the coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
- Dark chocolate: For an extra chocolatey flavor, I like to grate a dark chocolate bar into fine shavings over each layer.
- Cocoa powder: Use a sifter to dust the top of each cup with 100% unsweetened cocoa powder.
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How to make tiramisu cups
Using a handheld or stand mixer with the whisk attachment on medium speed, whip together the heavy whipping cream, vanilla, sugar, and salt until soft peaks form. Whip in the mascarpone until there are stiff peaks.
In a small bowl, combine the coffee and coffee liqueur (if using).
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Dip ladyfingers in the coffee mixture for 1-2 seconds, then layer them in the bottom of the cup. Top with the cream mixture, then chocolate shavings. Repeat for another layer then dust with cocoa powder.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Prep ahead tips
Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts to make when serving company because it tastes even better when prepped ahead
Storing in the refrigerator: Tightly cover each cup and store in the refrigerator, ideally overnight but up to 3-4 days. If storing for longer than a day or two you may need to refresh the cocoa powder dusting on top.
Storing in the freezer: Tiramisu is a great dessert to freeze! Ideally, wait to add the dusting of cocoa powder until you are ready to serve. If you have already dusted it with cocoa powder, just refresh it with more before serving.
To freeze, tightly cover the cups with plastic wrap then foil, or in an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Chef tips
- Don't soak the ladyfingers for more than 1 to 2 seconds. They are highly absorbent and if you soak them any longer, they will get super soggy, or even begin to fall apart.
- For best results, make this recipe at least 4 hours in advance, preferably overnight. The coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, whipped cream, and chocolate flavors will all meld together.
- To see the beautiful layers, I love serving these in glass cups.
- Prefer to serve this in a baking dish? Go for it! Follow the same steps, just layer the ingredients in a small shallow dish, instead of individual cups.
Pair with an Italian-inspired dinner party:
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📖 Recipe
Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups (no eggs)
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 Tbsp. granulated white sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp. Kosher salt
- 8 oz. mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup black coffee cold; I use decaf
- 2 tablespoon coffee liqueur optional
- 3.5 oz ladyfingers
- 2 oz dark chocolate grated
- 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
Instructions
- Using a handheld or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt until soft peaks form. Add in the mascarpone and whip until fully incorporated.
- In a small bowl, combine the coffee and coffee liqueur if using.
- Dip a ladyfinger in coffee for 1-2 seconds, then add to the bottom of a cup. Repeat with ladyfingers until there is a full single layer on the bottom of the cups. Top with a layer of the mascarpone cream and then chocolate shavings. Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers, then cream, then chocolate shavings. Use a sifter to dust the top with cocoa powder.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight.
Notes
- Serves 4-6 depending on the size of cup you use.
- A piping bag can be helpful for the mascarpone layer.
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