Description
This Individual Tiramisu Cups recipe offers a delightful and elegant way to enjoy classic tiramisu in perfectly portioned servings. Featuring a creamy mascarpone mousse layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and topped with cocoa powder and dark chocolate shavings, this no-bake dessert is simple to assemble and perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Ingredients
Scale
Mascarpone Mousse:
- 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)
Other Ingredients:
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the mascarpone mousse: Add mascarpone, heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional almond or hazelnut extract to a large bowl. Use a handheld electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy, being careful not to over-mix to avoid curdling.
- Mix espresso and liqueur: Combine the cooled espresso and brandy or chosen liqueur in a shallow bowl, stirring to mix thoroughly.
- Assemble the tiramisu cups: Spread a layer of mascarpone cream at the bottom of each 12-ounce glass. Dip 2 ladyfinger halves in the espresso mixture for 1 to 2 seconds per side—just enough to saturate but not soak. Place the soaked ladyfingers atop the cream layer. Add another layer of cream, then another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by a final layer of cream. Repeat this process for all 6 glasses.
- Add finishing touches: Sift unsweetened cocoa powder over the top of each tiramisu cup and sprinkle with dark chocolate curls or shavings if desired.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the tiramisu cups for at least 10 minutes to set, or up to 4 days for best flavor and texture before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ladyfingers with sponge cake, pound cake, Nilla wafers, shortbread cookies, Biscoff cookies, or graham crackers; note that substitutes will affect the flavor.
- Use 12-ounce glasses for generous individual servings, but adjust glass size to preference for smaller or larger portions.
- Do not soak ladyfingers too long in espresso to prevent sogginess and leakage.
- Store tiramisu cups covered in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before serving or enjoy frozen for an ice cream-like treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
