Mini Tiramisu Cups

Introduction

Tiramisu is one of those timeless desserts that’s always a crowd-pleaser. But sometimes, when you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a bite of something indulgent, individual servings are the way to go. Enter Mini Tiramisu Cups! These little cups are packed with all the classic flavors of the traditional tiramisu—espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and a dusting of cocoa powder—only in a perfectly portable, bite-sized format.

These mini tiramisu cups are great for dinner parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve something elegant but easy to eat. I love how simple they are to assemble, and you can make them ahead of time, letting the flavors blend together for the perfect bite every time. Ready to create these little delights? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Individual Portions: No slicing needed—just grab a cup and go! Perfect for portion control.
• No-Bake: There’s no baking involved in this recipe, making it quick and easy to prepare.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The coffee-soaked ladyfingers paired with the smooth mascarpone cream are the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
• Make-Ahead: These mini cups can be made a day in advance, which makes them great for entertaining.
• Impressive: Even though they’re simple to make, they look stunning and will impress your guests.

Preparation Time and Assembly Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: At least 2 hours
• Servings: 8 mini cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 5g

Ingredients

For the Mascarpone Cream:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

the Coffee Syrup:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Assembly:

• 1 package of ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
• Dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy, Italian cheese is the key to achieving that luscious, smooth filling. It has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the coffee.
• Coffee Liqueur: Adding a little splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to the syrup brings a rich depth of flavor, but it’s completely optional. You can also skip it for a non-alcoholic version.
• Ladyfingers: These sponge biscuits absorb the coffee syrup wonderfully, becoming soft and fluffy while still holding their shape. If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can substitute with sponge cake or even a simple biscuit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Mascarpone Cream:

1. Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Combine with Mascarpone: In another bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; the mixture should stay light and fluffy.

Prepare the Coffee Syrup:

1. Brew the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Mix the Syrup: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Assemble the Mini Tiramisu Cups:

1. Soak the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee syrup. You want them to absorb just enough liquid to soften but not become soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of each cup (about 1-2 per cup, depending on the size of your cups).
2. Add the Mascarpone Cream: Spoon or pipe a layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers in each cup. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out evenly.
3. Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers and then top with another layer of mascarpone cream. Depending on the size of your cups, you may get two or three layers of each.
4. Finish with Cocoa Powder: Sift a light dusting of cocoa powder on top of the mascarpone cream layer. If you want, you can also sprinkle some grated chocolate on top for extra flavor and garnish.

Chill and Serve:

• Chill: Place the mini tiramisu cups in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the ladyfingers to soften further.
• Serve: When ready to serve, take the cups out of the fridge, dust with additional cocoa powder (if needed), and enjoy!

How to Serve

These mini tiramisu cups are perfect for individual servings at a party or dinner gathering. Here are a few serving suggestions:

1. Elegant Presentation: Serve the cups on a decorative tray for an elegant dessert presentation.
2. Optional Garnish: Add extra chocolate shavings or even a dollop of whipped cream on top for a finishing touch.
3. Pair with a Drink: Serve with a small glass of espresso or a dessert wine like a sweet Marsala for a complete Italian-inspired experience.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare these mini tiramisu cups the day before your event. In fact, they taste even better after a few hours (or overnight) of chilling.
• Soaking the Ladyfingers: Be quick when dipping the ladyfingers in the coffee syrup. If you leave them in too long, they’ll become too soggy and lose their texture. A quick dip (about 1-2 seconds) is all they need.
• Variation Ideas: If you’re looking to switch things up, try using flavored syrups (like chocolate or hazelnut) instead of coffee for a fun twist.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Tiramisu: Replace the mascarpone with vegan mascarpone cheese or cashew cream, and use coconut milk or another plant-based cream for the whipped topping.
• Alcohol-Free: Skip the coffee liqueur and just use the brewed coffee for a non-alcoholic version.
• Chocolate Lovers: For a chocolate twist, add a layer of chocolate mousse or drizzle some melted dark chocolate between the layers.
• Berries: For a fruity version, layer in some fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries along with the coffee-soaked ladyfingers.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: These mini tiramisu cups can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.
• Freezing: While tiramisu isn’t typically a freezer-friendly dessert due to the texture of the mascarpone cream, you can freeze individual cups for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment

• Mini Cups or Jars: You’ll need small cups or mason jars to assemble the tiramisu. You can also use dessert glasses or even small bowls if you don’t have mini cups.
• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is helpful for whipping the cream, but a hand whisk will also work.
• Sifter: A fine-mesh sifter is perfect for dusting cocoa powder on top of the tiramisu cups.

FAQ Section

I know you might have a few questions before you dive into making these mini tiramisu cups, and I’m happy to help! Whether it’s about ingredients, substitutions, or storing leftovers, here are some common queries I get. Check them out for some extra tips and tricks to ensure your mini tiramisu cups turn out perfectly!

• Can I use store-bought mascarpone cheese?
  Yes, store-bought mascarpone works perfectly for this recipe! Just make sure to soften it before using.
• Can I make these cups the day before?
  Absolutely! In fact, they taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, which lets the flavors meld together.
• What if I don’t have ladyfingers?
  You can substitute with sponge cake or even a sturdy biscuit, though ladyfingers are ideal for their ability to soak up the coffee without falling apart.
• Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
• Definitely! Espresso gives a stronger coffee flavor, but if you don’t have it, just use brewed coffee instead. Make sure it’s strong and concentrated for the best result.
• Tip: If you’re not a coffee fan, you can try chocolate or hazelnut syrups as a base for soaking the ladyfingers for a twist.

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Conclusion

Mini tiramisu cups are the perfect way to enjoy a classic dessert in a fun, bite-sized form! With their layers of creamy mascarpone, rich coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder, they bring all the indulgent flavors of tiramisu into a single, portable treat. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Add a splash of liqueur for an extra kick, or switch up the layers with a twist on the traditional ingredients!

These Mini Tiramisu Cups are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a special gathering, a weeknight indulgence, or just because you deserve something sweet. They can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, making them a super convenient treat to have on hand.

So gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible mini tiramisu cups. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy every bite!