Name: Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces mascarpone at room temperature; 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold from the fridge; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or hazelnut extract (optional); 2/3 cup cooled espresso or double-strength brewed coffee; 2 tablespoons brandy or marsala wine, rum, hazelnut liqueur, almond liqueur, or coffee liqueur (optional; or use more espresso); 12 ladyfingers, each broken in half; 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder for topping; 2 teaspoons dark chocolate curls or shaved dark chocolate (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 10 reviews

If you love tiramisu but want to skip the fuss of slicing and assembling one big cake, you’re going to adore this Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups Recipe. These little dessert cups are perfect for when you want something elegant but simple, and honestly, they’re so fun to make and serve. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself whipping them up again and again for dinner parties or a cozy night in!

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Why This Recipe Works

Portion Control Made Easy: Individual cups mean no slicing or serving debates—everyone gets their perfect amount.
Quick and Simple Assembly: No complicated layering on trays; just dip, layer, and chill in your favorite glassware.
Flexible Flavor Boosters: Add your favorite liqueur or extra espresso for a personalized touch every time.
Lasts for Days: These cups keep well in the fridge, and you can even freeze them, making dessert prep a breeze for busy days.

Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups, individual tiramisu dessert, simple tiramisu recipes, quick tiramisu cups, elegant dessert ideas - This image shows a close-up view of two white cups of dessert and a white cup of coffee on a white marbled surface. One dessert cup is partly eaten, revealing three layers: a light brown crumbly base at the bottom, a thick creamy white middle layer, and a dusting of cocoa powder topping with scattered dark chocolate chunks and whole hazelnuts. A golden spoon is scooping some from the partly eaten cup. The other dessert cup is full with the same creamy white layer topped with cocoa powder, chocolate chunks, and hazelnuts. Coffee beans and broken chocolate pieces are scattered around the cups. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups Recipe is in how these ingredients blend classic Italian flavors with practicality. Each component brings its own magic, and picking good quality mascarpone and fresh espresso really elevates the end result. Here are some insights to help you shop smart for this delicious treat.

Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups, individual tiramisu dessert, simple tiramisu recipes, quick tiramisu cups, elegant dessert ideas - Flat lay of a small mound of fresh mascarpone cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of cold heavy whipping cream, a small white bowl filled with fine powdered sugar, a single vanilla bean pod beside a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with amber brandy, a shallow white ceramic bowl filled with dark cooled espresso, a neat stack of golden ladyfinger biscuits, a small white bowl with unsweetened cocoa powder, and a few dark chocolate curls scattered nearby, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mascarpone Cheese: It’s the creamy heart of tiramisu — make sure it’s at room temperature for a super smooth mousse.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Cold cream whips best and gives that luscious, airy texture you want in the mousse.
Powdered Sugar: Dissolves quickly for sweet, smooth flavor without any graininess.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to your cream mixture, making every bite comforting.
Almond or Hazelnut Extract: Totally optional but trust me, it adds a subtle nutty aroma that’s delightful.
Espresso or Double-Strength Coffee: The secret to that classic tiramisu kick—make it strong but not bitter.
Brandy, Marsala, or Liqueur: This optional splash magically boosts flavor without overpowering, but you can always skip or swap it.
Ladyfingers: These spongy biscuits soak up coffee perfectly without becoming mushy; if unavailable, there are fun alternatives.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For dusting, to keep things bright and slightly bitter—balances the creamy sweetness.
Dark Chocolate Curls: Adds a touch of indulgence and texture on the top—totally optional but highly recommended!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to dial back the booze, swap ladyfingers for a cookie you love, or even infuse the mascarpone mousse with a twist of citrus, the options are endless!

Less Alcohol: I sometimes skip the liqueur for a kid-friendly version—just use extra coffee, and no one even notices.
Cookie Swap: For a crunchy texture, I’ve replaced ladyfingers with Biscoff cookies, which adds a spicy caramel flavor to the dessert.
Seasonal Touches: Around the holidays, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the mascarpone mousse adds warm festive notes that everyone raves about.
Mini Versions: If you want to impress with small bites, try using espresso cups or shot glasses; just be mindful the layers won’t be quite as thick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Mascarpone Mousse

Start by adding your room-temperature mascarpone, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the optional almond extract into a mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer, whip everything together on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy—about 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely because over-mixing can cause it to curdle, and nobody wants a broken mousse!

Step 2: Prepare the Espresso Soak

While the mousse rests, mix your cooled espresso (or double-strength coffee) with the optional brandy or liqueur in a shallow dish. This combo is where that iconic tiramisu coffee buzz comes from. I usually taste the mixture, so it’s strong but not overly bitter, and adjust by adding a dash more coffee or a splash of water as needed.

Step 3: Dip and Layer Your Ladyfingers

Here’s where the magic begins! Dip two ladyfinger halves into the espresso mixture—just 1 to 2 seconds per side so they’re soaked but still hold their shape. Too long, and they’ll get soggy and fall apart in your cup. Start with a layer of mascarpone mousse at the bottom of each 12-ounce glass, then place your dipped ladyfingers on top. Repeat: add another layer of mousse, then more soaked ladyfingers, ending with a final smooth layer of mousse. This layering creates that perfect balance of creamy to coffee-soaked texture in every bite.

Step 4: Finish with Cocoa and Chocolate

Once all cups are layered, lightly sift unsweetened cocoa powder on top for that classic tiramisu look and a gentle bitterness that cuts through the sweetness. If you want to get fancy like me, sprinkle some dark chocolate curls or shavings over the top—it adds a nice texture and extra flavor pop.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor and texture, let your tiramisu cups rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before serving. If you have the patience (and I recommend trying this), chilling for several hours or even overnight lets everything meld beautifully. I’ve even prepped these a day ahead for gatherings with zero hassle.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Right Dip Time: Quickly dip ladyfingers just 1-2 seconds per side to avoid sogginess—this keeps layers distinct and prevents leaks.
Use Cold Cream: Keep your heavy cream fridge cold until mixing—it whips up light and fluffy when cold!
Room Temperature Mascarpone: Bring mascarpone out early so it blends easily without lumps for that perfect mousse.
Chill Time is Key: Allow the cups to rest before serving; flavor intensifies and texture softens into dreamy deliciousness.

How to Serve Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups Recipe

Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups, individual tiramisu dessert, simple tiramisu recipes, quick tiramisu cups, elegant dessert ideas - The image shows five glass cups filled with a creamy, light beige dessert topped with a layer of sprinkled cocoa powder and dark chocolate curls, creating a textured and slightly swirled surface. Each cup has a frothy, airy cream layer on top, while the lower part appears smooth and dense. A white coffee cup filled with dark brown espresso is placed to the right side, partially visible. Scattered dark brown coffee beans and uneven chocolate pieces are placed around the cups on a white marbled surface. Two light brown ladyfinger biscuits lie near the bottom right, and a fine metal sieve with some cocoa powder and coffee beans rests on the left side. There is also a beige linen cloth on the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I typically keep it simple with a dusting of cocoa powder on top because it balances sweetness and looks so classy. But my absolute favorite is adding freshly grated dark chocolate or chocolate curls—they melt ever so slightly into the mousse, adding a subtle crunch and aroma. Sometimes, I even toss on a few espresso beans for a crunchy surprise that amps up the coffee vibe.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but when I serve it, I like pairing it with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to add brightness. A tiny biscotti on the side is also nice for that extra crunch and coffee-friendly combo. If you’re making this for a party, a light sparkling wine or a rich, dark roast coffee pairs beautifully alongside these cups.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups Recipe in clear stemmed glasses to show off those pretty layers. Adding edible flowers or a sprig of mint on top brings a pop of color and elegance. If you want to impress without extra work, serve the cups on a mirrored tray with gold spoons—such a simple way to make your dessert feel festive and luxe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best perks of this recipe is how well the tiramisu cups hold up. I keep them covered tightly with plastic wrap or lids in the fridge, and they stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days—perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying leftovers without compromise.

Freezing

I’ve even frozen these cups successfully by wrapping them well with plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. Frozen tiramisu cups are a fun treat you can thaw overnight in the fridge or enjoy straight from the freezer like an ice cream dessert—perfect for hot summer days!

Reheating

Tiramisu is best served chilled, so I don’t reheat it. If you thaw frozen cups, just let them sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving to bring back that creamy texture. Patience here pays off because warming it will spoil that luscious mousse consistency.

FAQs

Can I make the Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups Recipe without raw eggs?

Absolutely! This recipe uses no raw eggs, relying instead on the rich mascarpone mousse and whipped cream to provide the signature creamy texture safely and deliciously. That’s one of the reasons I love it for any crowd.
What if I don’t have espresso—can I use regular coffee?

You can use strong brewed coffee if espresso isn’t available—just brew it double strength so your tiramisu doesn’t taste weak. Adding a splash of coffee liqueur or vanilla extract can add extra flavor depth too.
How long can I store these tiramisu cups?

You can store your assembled tiramisu cups tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cover them well so they don’t absorb any fridge odors and keep the texture smooth and lovely.
Can I substitute ladyfingers with other cookies?

Yes! Ladyfingers are classic because they soak coffee well without falling apart, but I’ve enjoyed this recipe with sponge cake, Biscoff, or even shortbread. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift a bit depending on your choice.
What size glasses work best for serving these cups?

I use 12-ounce glasses because they’re the perfect size for a satisfying single dessert portion—not too big, not too small. But feel free to get creative—you can make mini tiramisu shots or bigger parfait-style cups depending on your occasion!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Individual Tiramisu Cups Recipe is one of those desserts I always come back to when I want something impressive but stress-free. It’s like having a slice of Italy served up in your favorite cozy spot, but without the mess. Give it a try—I promise you’ll enjoy making them as much as eating them. Plus, sharing these little cups always sparks compliments and happy smiles. Here’s to your next delicious kitchen adventure!