Easy Tiramisu Cups Recipe for Individual Italian Desserts

The first time I attempted traditional tiramisu in a large dish, the beautiful layers turned into a messy scoop by the third serving. That’s when I discovered the magic of tiramisu cups – individual portions that keep those gorgeous coffee-soaked layers intact while making serving effortless. These single-serve tiramisu desserts capture all the beloved flavors of the classic Italian treat: rich mascarpone, bold espresso, sweet ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa that makes your kitchen smell like a Roman café.

What makes these individual tiramisu cups so special is their perfect portion control and elegant presentation. Each guest gets their own beautiful dessert that looks restaurant-quality but comes together with simple techniques any home cook can master. The personal-sized format also means faster chilling time and easier transport to dinner parties. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or treating your family to something extraordinary, these portioned desserts deliver authentic Italian comfort in the most delightful way.

Ingredients

For the Coffee Mixture:

• 1 cup strong espresso or dark roast coffee, cooled
• 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (Kahlua or Marsala wine)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Mascarpone Cream:

• 6 large egg yolks
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1¼ cups mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1¾ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• 2 packages (7 oz each) ladyfinger cookies
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Substitution Options:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free ladyfinger cookies or substitute with gluten-free sponge cake cut into strips
• Dairy-free: Replace mascarpone with cashew cream cheese and use coconut whipping cream
• Alcohol-free: Substitute coffee liqueur with additional strong coffee mixed with 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Time & Planning

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Make-Ahead Tips:
These individual tiramisu desserts actually improve with overnight chilling, making them perfect for advance preparation. You can assemble the cups up to 24 hours before serving. The coffee mixture can be prepared 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Time-Saving Strategy:
While the egg yolk mixture cools, prepare your coffee mixture and arrange your serving cups. This multitasking approach keeps the process flowing smoothly and prevents any mixture from sitting too long.

How to Make It

1. Prepare the Coffee Base

Combine the cooled espresso, coffee liqueur, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a shallow bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. The mixture should taste bold but not bitter – this coffee base will provide the signature flavor that makes tiramisu irresistible.

2. Create the Egg Yolk Mixture

In a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water, whisk together egg yolks and ¾ cup sugar. Continue whisking for 5-8 minutes until the mixture becomes pale yellow and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes – this step creates the rich foundation for your cream.

3. Blend in the Mascarpone

Gradually fold the room-temperature mascarpone into the cooled egg mixture using a gentle stirring motion. Work slowly to avoid lumps – the mixture should be smooth and creamy. Room temperature mascarpone blends much easier than cold, so plan ahead.

4. Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract to soft peaks. Don’t overwhip – you want billowy, soft peaks that will fold easily into the mascarpone mixture without deflating.

5. Fold Everything Together

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in three additions. Use a rubber spatula and fold from bottom to top, maintaining the airy texture that gives tiramisu its signature lightness.

6. Assemble the Layers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture – about 1 second per side. The cookies should be moistened but not soggy. Break fingers as needed to fit snugly in your cups. Layer half the soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of 8 individual glasses or cups, then spread half the mascarpone cream over them. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and cream.

7. Chill and Finish

Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Just before serving, dust the tops generously with cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings if desired.

Nutrition Overview

Each serving of these single-serve tiramisu cups contains approximately 380 calories, with a rich balance of carbohydrates from the ladyfingers and healthy fats from the mascarpone and cream. The dessert provides calcium from the dairy ingredients and a moderate amount of protein from the eggs.

These individual portions help with portion control while still delivering the indulgent experience that makes tiramisu such a beloved dessert. Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Healthier Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half the mascarpone with Greek yogurt and use sugar-free sweetener in place of granulated sugar. This reduces calories while maintaining much of the creamy texture.

Create a lower-fat version by using whipped cottage cheese blended until smooth instead of heavy cream, though this will create a slightly denser texture. You can also reduce the egg yolks to 4 and add an extra ¼ cup of mascarpone for a lighter but still rich result.

For those watching sugar intake, fresh berries between layers add natural sweetness and beautiful color without additional refined sugars.

Serving Ideas

These elegant individual tiramisu cups shine at dinner parties when served alongside fresh berries and a small biscotti. The presentation is naturally sophisticated – no additional plating required.

Pair with a bold espresso or cappuccino to echo the coffee flavors, or serve with a dessert wine like Moscato. For larger gatherings, arrange the cups on a marble board with small spoons and cloth napkins for an Italian café atmosphere.

These portioned desserts work beautifully for romantic dinners, holiday celebrations, or any time you want to create a memorable ending to a meal.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Over-soaking the ladyfingers is the most frequent issue – they become mushy and lose structure. Aim for a quick dip that moistens but doesn’t saturate.

Adding mascarpone when it’s too cold creates lumps that are difficult to smooth out. Always bring mascarpone to room temperature before mixing.

Over-whipping the cream leads to a grainy texture that doesn’t fold smoothly. Stop at soft peaks for the best results.

Skipping the chilling time results in layers that don’t set properly. Plan ahead and give your tiramisu the full 4 hours minimum to develop proper texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store covered individual tiramisu cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first day, making these perfect make-ahead desserts.

These desserts don’t require reheating – they’re meant to be served chilled directly from the refrigerator. Add the cocoa powder dusting just before serving to prevent it from dissolving into the cream.

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled cups for up to 1 month, though the texture of the ladyfingers may change slightly upon thawing.

Conclusion

These individual tiramisu cups bring the sophisticated flavors of Italy right to your table while solving the presentation challenges of traditional tiramisu. Each perfectly portioned dessert delivers the classic combination of coffee, cream, and cocoa in an elegant, restaurant-quality presentation that’s surprisingly achievable at home.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its make-ahead convenience and foolproof results. Once you master these single-serve portions, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe for special occasions and weeknight treats alike. The individual format makes every serving feel special and ensures those beautiful layers stay intact from kitchen to table.

I’d love to hear about your own variations and experiences with these tiramisu cups. Do you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, or have you experimented with different liqueurs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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