Quick Tiramisu Cups: An Easy 20-Minute Recipe

If you love the elegant flavor of classic tiramisu but want a charming, single-serving dessert, these quick tiramisu cups are the perfect solution. They offer all the rich, creamy, and coffee-infused goodness of the traditional version, but with the added convenience of individual portions. This simple, no-bake recipe allows you to assemble a beautiful and delicious dessert in just 20 minutes, perfect for a dinner party or a special treat.

What Are Tiramisu Cups?

Tiramisu cups are a modern, individual-sized version of the classic Italian dessert. The core ingredients remain the same—ladyfingers, a rich mascarpone cream, and a coffee and cocoa flavor. However, instead of being layered in a large dish, the components are carefully arranged in individual glasses, jars, or cups. This not only makes for a stunning visual presentation but also makes serving effortless and mess-free. The name tiramisu itself, which literally means “pick me up” or “cheer me up,” is a reference to the espresso and cocoa that traditionally give it a caffeinated boost.

Ingredients for Your Tiramisu Cups

• 1 1/2 cups strong brewed espresso or very strong coffee, cooled
• 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, cold
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
• 1 (7 oz) package of ladyfingers (savoiardi)

How to Prepare and Assemble Your Tiramisu Cups

1. Make the Mascarpone Cream: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg yolks and sugar on high speed until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add the mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
2. Prepare the Coffee Dip: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee or espresso and the coffee liqueur (if using).
3. Assemble the Cups: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, one at a time, making sure not to let it get too soggy. Break the ladyfingers into pieces that fit the size of your glasses.
4. Layer the Dessert: Place a layer of the soaked ladyfinger pieces at the bottom of each cup. Spoon a layer of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers and top with the remaining cream.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The chilling time allows the ladyfingers to soften and the flavors to fully meld. Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder.

Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Cups

• Use Cold Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your heavy cream and mascarpone cheese are well-chilled before you begin.
• Customize Your Layers: You can add a layer of shaved chocolate, berries, or even a different liqueur to make this recipe your own.
• Make Ahead: These cups are perfect for preparing a day in advance. The flavor will only get better as it chills.
• Family size: If you have a family gathering or a party with friends, you can try the larger chocolate tiramisu.

Conclusion

These tiramisu cups are an elegant and convenient way to enjoy a classic dessert. Their beautiful presentation and irresistible flavor make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Simple to make and a delight to serve, they are sure to become a new favorite.

Quick Tiramisu Cups An Easy 20-Minute Recipe

foodifa

An elegant, no-bake dessert served in individual cups with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Chilling Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups strong brewed espresso or very strong coffee cooled
• 2 tbsp coffee liqueur optional
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream cold
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese cold
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder plus more for dusting
• 1 7 oz package of ladyfingers (savoiardi)

Instructions

 

• Make the Mascarpone Cream: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg yolks and sugar on high speed until the mixture is thick, pale, and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add the mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
• Prepare the Coffee Dip: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee or espresso and the coffee liqueur (if using).
• Assemble the Cups: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, one at a time, making sure not to let it get too soggy. Break the ladyfingers into pieces that fit the size of your glasses.
• Layer the Dessert: Place a layer of the soaked ladyfinger pieces at the bottom of each cup. Spoon a layer of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers and top with the remaining cream.
• Chill and Serve: Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The chilling time allows the ladyfingers to soften and the flavors to fully meld. Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the coffee liqueur and use only espresso.

Keyword easy dessert, italian dessert, single-serving, Tiramisu cups, tiramisu recipe