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Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Cups Recipe Easy Perfect Espresso Dessert

no-bake tiramisu cups - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake tiramisu dessert made with creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for a fuss-free, indulgent treat with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) freshly brewed espresso, cooled
  • About 24 ladyfingers
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 cup (240 ml) of espresso and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in 2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur if using.
  2. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream with 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar until soft peaks form.
  3. In another bowl, gently fold 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Carefully fold in the whipped cream until creamy and uniform.
  4. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso for 1-2 seconds, just enough to soak but not soggy. Place a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of each serving cup (3-4 ladyfingers per cup).
  5. Spoon a generous layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
  6. Repeat layers with espresso-dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone cream until cups are about 3/4 full.
  7. Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Just before serving, dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder using a sifter or fine mesh strainer. Optionally, sprinkle shaved dark chocolate or a few espresso beans on top.

Notes

Do not over-soak ladyfingers to avoid sogginess; a quick 1-2 second dip is sufficient. Use cold heavy cream and mascarpone straight from the fridge for best results. The dessert tastes better after chilling overnight but can be enjoyed after 2 hours. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute mascarpone and ladyfingers accordingly. Avoid warming leftovers to prevent mascarpone separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake tiramisu, tiramisu cups, espresso dessert, easy dessert, creamy tiramisu, no oven dessert, mascarpone dessert