Mini Tiramisu Desserts Recipe

Dreamy Mini Tiramisu Desserts Recipe: Effortless Italian Delight

Those creamy mini tiramisu treats will transport you straight to an Italian café with their delicate layers of rich flavor.

Soft mascarpone cheese blends seamlessly with delicate espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creating a miniature dessert that feels elegantly indulgent.

Sweet coffee undertones dance across each tiny bite, promising a sophisticated experience.

Delicate and compact, these individual portions make entertaining effortlessly chic.

Coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate balance of textures and intense flavors.

Serving these bite-sized delicacies guarantees you’ll become the most impressive host at any gathering.

Prepare to charm everyone with this irresistible sweet Italian classic.

Why Mini Tiramisu Desserts Are a Treat in Every Bite

  • Individual mini cups create adorable, single-serve treats that are easy to serve, transport, and enjoy without messy cutting or portioning.
  • Classic Italian dessert transformed into cute, Instagram-worthy mini versions that impress guests with minimal effort and maximum visual appeal.
  • Prepare these delightful desserts a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious time during dinner parties or special occasions.

What You’ll Need to Make Mini Tiramisu Cups

Coffee Ingredients:
  • Coffee: Provides a rich, deep flavor for soaking ladyfingers.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Optional ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the coffee mixture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the coffee mixture and balances the bitter coffee flavor.
Cream Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that creates a smooth, luxurious filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and helps create a fluffy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
Assembly Ingredients:
  • Ladyfingers: Light, spongy cookies that absorb coffee mixture and form the base of the dessert. Choose fresh, crisp ladyfingers for best results.
  • Cocoa Powder: Used for dusting and adds a classic tiramisu finishing touch.
  • Chocolate Shavings: Decorative garnish that provides extra texture and visual appeal. Use dark or milk chocolate depending on preference.

Layering Instructions for Mini Tiramisu

Step 1: Brew Coffee Mixture

Mix coffee, sugar, and coffee liqueur in a small bowl. Let the mixture cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Mascarpone Base

Beat mascarpone cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Create Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until soft peaks form.

Step 4: Combine Cream Layers

Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Prepare Ladyfinger Base

Lightly dip ladyfingers into the coffee mixture. Be careful not to soak them too long to prevent sogginess.

Step 6: Build Individual Desserts

Place a soaked ladyfinger at the bottom of each mini cup or jar.

Step 7: Layer Mascarpone Filling

Pipe or spoon a layer of mascarpone cream on top of the ladyfinger.

Step 8: Create Multiple Layers

Repeat layering ladyfingers and mascarpone cream until the jar is full, finishing with mascarpone on top.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Cover desserts and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.

Tiramisu Tips for Creamy and Bold Flavor

  • Choose Strong Coffee: Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee for deep, rich flavor that enhances the authentic tiramisu taste.
  • Prevent Soggy Ladyfingers: Quickly dip ladyfingers into coffee mixture for just 1-2 seconds to maintain their delicate texture and prevent falling apart.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate mini tiramisu for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more intense taste profile.
  • Control Cream Consistency: Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form to ensure light, airy mascarpone filling without becoming too stiff or runny.
  • Customize Liqueur Options: Swap coffee liqueur with rum, marsala wine, or skip alcohol entirely for a family-friendly dessert that suits different preferences.

How to Chill and Reheat Mini Tiramisu

  • Store mini tiramisu desserts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the delicate layers intact and preserving their creamy texture.
  • Wrap each mini dessert tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks, ensuring no moisture seeps in.
  • Transfer frozen tiramisu from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it defrost slowly for several hours, allowing the flavors to return to their original richness.
  • Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator, as tiramisu is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating to maintain its delicate structure and taste.

Pairings That Complement Mini Tiramisu

  • Select a robust espresso or strong Italian roast coffee to complement the tiramisu's deep, rich flavors and enhance the dessert's coffee-infused profile.
  • Enjoy a small glass of Amaretto or Marsala wine alongside the mini tiramisu, which will mirror the dessert's sweet, complex notes and provide a delightful alcoholic counterpoint.
  • Serve with dark chocolate truffles or a small piece of high-quality dark chocolate to intensify the cocoa undertones and create a luxurious dessert experience that elevates the tiramisu's creamy texture.
  • Include a small glass of sparkling water or prosecco to refresh the taste buds between bites, cutting through the richness of the mascarpone and helping to balance the dessert's intense flavors.

Variations on Mini Tiramisu Desserts

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional ladyfingers with gluten-free ladyfingers or almond flour-based sponge cake, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this creamy dessert.
  • Vegan Version: Swap mascarpone with cashew cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream, and replace ladyfingers with vegan sponge cake for a plant-based alternative.
  • Decaf Option: Substitute regular coffee with decaffeinated coffee for those avoiding caffeine, maintaining the rich flavor profile while accommodating different dietary needs.
  • Alcohol-Free Alternative: Remove coffee liqueur and replace with additional brewed coffee or coffee extract, making the dessert suitable for non-alcoholic preferences.

Tiramisu FAQs for Curious Bakers

  • What are ladyfingers, and can I substitute them?

Ladyfingers are light, sweet sponge cookies. You can substitute with pound cake, sponge cake, or biscotti if needed.

  • How long can I keep these mini tiramisu desserts?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered. The flavor actually improves after 24 hours.

  • Do I need to use coffee liqueur?

No, coffee liqueur is optional. You can skip it and just use strong brewed coffee for a non-alcoholic version.

  • What type of mascarpone cheese works best?

Use fresh, high-quality mascarpone at room temperature for the smoothest texture. Avoid low-fat versions as they can affect the creamy consistency.

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Mini Tiramisu Desserts Recipe

Mini Tiramisu Desserts Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Indulgent mini tiramisu desserts bring Italian elegance to your dessert table with delicate layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. Rich coffee flavors and delicate textures combine for a luxurious bite-sized treat you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1012 ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits), broken in half
  • ½ cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled

Dairy and Cream Components:

  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers and Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlua)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a rich coffee syrup by whisking together freshly brewed espresso, granulated sugar, and optional coffee liqueur in a shallow dish.
  2. Allow the coffee mixture to cool completely to room temperature, ensuring it won’t compromise the texture of the ladyfingers.
  3. Whip mascarpone cheese in a mixing bowl until it becomes incredibly smooth and creamy.
  4. In a separate clean bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft, billowy peaks form.
  5. Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the mascarpone, folding gently to create a light, airy filling.
  6. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee syrup, ensuring a brief coating that adds flavor without making the cookies soggy.
  7. Carefully place the coffee-kissed ladyfinger at the base of each individual serving cup or glass.
  8. Use a piping bag or spoon to create an even layer of the luxurious mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
  9. Repeat the layering process, alternating between soaked ladyfingers and cream, until the container is filled to the brim.
  10. Finish with a final generous layer of mascarpone cream on top.
  11. Seal the mini desserts and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
  12. Just before serving, dust the surface with rich cocoa powder and sprinkle with delicate chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature mascarpone for a smoother, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with whipped cream.
  • Select sturdy ladyfingers that can absorb coffee without disintegrating, maintaining their delicate texture.
  • Customize the coffee mixture by swapping liqueur with almond extract or rum for different flavor profiles.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free ladyfingers or replacing them with almond sponge cake slices.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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