No-Bake Tiramisu Cups
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that’s loved around the world for its smooth layers of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and dusting of cocoa powder.
But let’s be real—sometimes you don’t want the hassle of turning on the oven to make this indulgent treat. Enter No-Bake Tiramisu Cups, the perfect solution!
These bite-sized treats bring all the flavors of the traditional tiramisu, but with a faster, no-bake twist. The creamy mascarpone layer pairs perfectly with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and the cocoa topping ties it all together.
Whether you’re serving these for a dinner party or enjoying them as a sweet pick-me-up, they are sure to impress with minimal effort. Plus, they’re made in individual cups, making them super convenient and perfect for portion control. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!
Things You Need for This Recipe:
- Small bowls or mixing bowls
- Hand mixer (or whisk)
- 4 small cups, glasses, or jars for layering
- Shallow dish for soaking the ladyfingers
- Sifter or fine-mesh strainer (for cocoa powder)
Major Steps for This Recipe:
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture: Brew the coffee and let it cool slightly.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream: Whisk together mascarpone, whipped cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Layer the Cups: Dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture and place them at the bottom of each cup. Add a layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, and repeat.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu cups for at least 2 hours to let them firm up and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Top and Serve: Before serving, dust the tiramisu cups with cocoa powder and enjoy!
Ellie’s Secret Tips On This Recipe:
- Use Strong Coffee: The flavor of the coffee is essential, so make sure to brew strong coffee or espresso for that authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Don’t Soak the Ladyfingers Too Long: You want to quickly dip the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture to prevent them from becoming soggy. A quick dip is all they need to absorb just the right amount of coffee.
- Use Full-Fat Mascarpone Cheese: The creaminess of tiramisu comes from mascarpone cheese, and the full-fat version will give you the best texture and flavor.
- Chill for Best Results: Letting the tiramisu cups chill for a couple of hours (or even overnight) makes the flavors come together beautifully. Don’t skip the chilling time—it’s essential for the perfect texture.
- Add a Touch of Rum or Coffee Liqueur: If you prefer an adult twist, try adding a splash of rum or coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the coffee soak. It adds an extra layer of richness!
No-Bake Tiramisu Cups
Enter No-Bake Tiramisu Cups, the perfect solution! These bite-sized treats bring all the flavors of the traditional tiramisu, but with a faster, no-bake twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee cooled
- 12-14 ladyfingers adjust based on the size of cups
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream chilled
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting on top
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
- Brew 1 cup of strong coffee (or espresso) and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the coffee to a shallow dish for dipping.
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream
- In a medium bowl, whip together 1 cup of mascarpone cheese, 1 cup of chilled heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth, thick, and creamy.
Step 3: Layer the Cups
- Take the ladyfingers and quickly dip each one into the cooled coffee mixture (about 1-2 seconds per side). Layer them at the bottom of each of your serving cups. After the first layer, spoon a generous amount of the mascarpone cream on top, smoothing it out evenly. Repeat the process of layering dipped ladyfingers and cream until your cups are filled.
Step 4: Chill and Set
- Cover the cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or longer if possible. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together, so feel free to make it ahead of time!
Step 5: Top and Serve
- Before serving, dust a light layer of cocoa powder on top of the tiramisu cups using a sifter. Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect individual portion of tiramisu!
