Print

Perfect Make-Ahead Tiramisu Cups

make-ahead tiramisu cups - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for individual tiramisu cups that can be made ahead and chilled, offering a creamy, coffee-soaked dessert perfect for solo indulgence or small gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • About 24 ladyfingers (savoiardi), firm
  • 1 cup (240 ml) strong espresso or coffee, cooled (decaf optional)
  • 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature (pasteurized if preferred)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Optional: 2 tbsp Marsala wine or coffee liqueur

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coffee soak: Brew 1 cup (240 ml) of strong espresso or coffee and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in 2 tbsp granulated sugar and the optional Marsala wine or coffee liqueur if using.
  2. Whip the egg yolks and sugar: In a medium bowl, beat 3 large egg yolks with ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Mix mascarpone and vanilla: Gently fold 8 oz (225 g) room-temperature mascarpone cheese and 1 tsp vanilla extract into the egg yolk mixture until smooth and lump-free.
  4. Whip the heavy cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in batches.
  5. Soak the ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for 1-2 seconds—do not soak too long to avoid mushiness. Line the bottom of each serving cup with a layer of soaked ladyfingers.
  6. Layer the cups: Spoon a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and finish with a final layer of mascarpone cream. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  7. Chill and set: Cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Before serving: Dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.

Notes

Use firm ladyfingers to hold shape when soaked. Do not soak ladyfingers too long to avoid mushiness. Chill mixing bowl and beaters for easier whipping of cream. Use pasteurized eggs or substitute egg yolks with whipped cream and mascarpone for no-raw-egg version. Make ahead for best flavor. Can freeze up to 1 month, thaw overnight in fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: tiramisu, make-ahead dessert, individual tiramisu cups, easy tiramisu, coffee dessert, mascarpone dessert, no-bake dessert

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/perfect-make-ahead-tiramisu-cups-recipe-easy-individual-dessert-ideas/