Tiramisu Cups

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When you crave a luxurious dessert but want individual portions that look as elegant as they taste, these Tiramisu Cups are the perfect treat. With layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder, they bring all the charm of the classic Italian dessert into a convenient single-serve version. Each spoonful delivers rich, velvety flavor with a satisfying contrast of textures.

These cups are ideal for dinner parties, celebrations, or just when you want to treat yourself without making a whole tray. Plus, they’re make-ahead friendly and travel well, making them a favorite for potlucks and holiday gatherings. Once you taste how perfectly balanced they are—sweet, creamy, and just a little bitter from the coffee—you’ll want to make them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Cups Recipe

• Portion perfection: Individual cups make serving easy and elegant.
• Make-ahead magic: Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Classic flavors: Just like traditional tiramisu with layers of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa.
• No baking required: Quick, easy, and oven-free.
• Customizable: Add a touch of liqueur or chocolate shavings for a personal twist.

What Kind of Coffee Should I Use for Tiramisu Cups?

For the most authentic flavor, strong brewed espresso or very bold coffee is best. You can use freshly brewed espresso, stovetop Moka pot coffee, or even instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water. The key is intensity—since the coffee flavor needs to cut through the rich cream layers. If you prefer a non-caffeinated version, decaf works just as well without sacrificing taste.

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Ingredients for the Tiramisu Cups

Each ingredient in this dessert plays a key role in delivering that classic tiramisu flavor and texture:

• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): These light and crisp biscuits soak up the coffee mixture beautifully without becoming mushy.
• Espresso or strong coffee: Provides the deep, robust base flavor essential to tiramisu.
• Mascarpone cheese: This Italian cream cheese gives the filling its signature rich, velvety smoothness.
• Egg yolks: Combined with sugar, they create a luscious zabaglione base for the cream.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture without overpowering.
• Heavy cream: Whipped and folded in for a light, airy texture.
• Cocoa powder: A generous dusting on top adds a bittersweet contrast.
• Coffee liqueur (optional): Enhances the coffee depth with a grown-up twist.

How To Make the Tiramisu Cups

Step 1: Brew and Cool the Coffee

Make strong espresso or coffee and let it cool completely. Add coffee liqueur if using, and pour into a shallow bowl for dipping.

Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Filling

Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until thick and pale. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then mix in mascarpone until smooth.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture to keep the texture light and airy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cups

Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee and layer into the bottom of serving glasses. Add a spoonful of mascarpone filling over the cookies. Repeat layers until the glass is full, finishing with a cream layer on top.

Step 5: Chill and Dust

Refrigerate the tiramisu cups for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results). Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and top with a few coffee beans for garnish if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Tiramisu Cups

Tiramisu Cups are best served chilled and straight from the fridge. Their creamy texture and bold flavors shine when cold, making them the ultimate refreshing dessert. They can be served as-is or with an extra dusting of cocoa or a few chocolate curls for visual appeal.

This recipe yields about 6 individual cups, depending on the size of your serving glasses. You can scale up or down as needed, which makes it very flexible for gatherings.

To store, cover each cup tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to 3 days. These are not freezer-friendly, as freezing can affect the texture of the mascarpone cream.

What to Serve With Tiramisu Cups?

Espresso or Coffee

A natural pairing that mirrors the dessert’s coffee base. Serve alongside for an authentic Italian feel.

Fresh Berries

The tartness of raspberries or strawberries contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweetness.

Biscotti

Crispy almond biscotti offer a delightful textural contrast and Italian flair.

Sparkling Wine or Prosecco

A bubbly drink cuts through the richness and adds elegance to the occasion.

Dark Chocolate Squares

Serve a small piece on the side for an extra touch of indulgence.

Vanilla Gelato

An ultra-creamy scoop next to tiramisu creates a decadent dessert duo.

Almond Liqueur

A small glass of Amaretto enhances the flavor profile if you’ve used it in the dessert.

Mint Leaves

A sprig of fresh mint adds color and a pop of freshness on top.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Tiramisu Cups without raw eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the egg yolks with pasteurized eggs or skip them altogether and simply whip mascarpone with whipped cream and sugar for a lighter version.

How far in advance can I make Tiramisu Cups?
They taste best after chilling for at least 4 hours, but you can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings.

What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, use a mix of full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. It won’t be quite as silky, but it will still be delicious.

Are Tiramisu Cups suitable for kids?
Absolutely, just use decaffeinated coffee and skip the liqueur to make it kid-friendly without compromising the flavor.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.
Find more recipes like this on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

These Tiramisu Cups deliver all the rich indulgence of traditional tiramisu in a charming, portion-controlled format. With layers of creamy mascarpone and bold coffee-soaked ladyfingers, they’re a showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping ahead for a family treat, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

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