Get all the flavor of traditional tiramisu without the fuss. These espresso tiramisu bites are no-bake, bite-sized, and ready in 20 minutes. They’re perfect for parties or when you want an elegant dessert without turning on the oven.
Quick Answer: Espresso tiramisu bites use ladyfinger cookies dipped in espresso, layered with mascarpone cream, and dusted with cocoa. Assemble in mini cups or on a platter, refrigerate for 2 hours, and serve cold. No eggs or baking required.
What Makes This Version Special
Traditional tiramisu uses raw eggs in the mascarpone mixture, which many home cooks find intimidating. This simplified version skips the eggs entirely by using whipped cream for lightness instead. The result is just as creamy and delicious, but safer and easier to make.
The individual portion sizes also solve the common tiramisu problem of soggy ladyfingers—each bite gets assembled fresh, so the cookies maintain the perfect balance of soft and structured.
Ingredients
For the espresso soak:
- 1 cup strong espresso or coffee, cooled completely
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur like Kahlúa (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (if using unsweetened espresso)
For the mascarpone cream:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup heavy cream, cold
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For assembly:
- 20 ladyfinger cookies (Savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate shavings or espresso beans for garnish (optional)
How to Make Them
Step 1: Prepare the espresso
Brew espresso and let it cool completely—hot coffee will melt your cream. Stir in coffee liqueur and sugar if using. Pour into a shallow dish for easy dipping.
Step 2: Make the mascarpone cream
In a medium bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy—about 1 minute with a hand mixer. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture in two additions to keep it light and airy.
Step 3: Dip the ladyfingers
Break ladyfingers in half for bite-sized pieces. Quickly dip each piece in espresso – just 1 second per side. The cookies should be moistened but not saturated. Too long and they’ll fall apart.
Step 4: Assemble
Place dipped ladyfingers in small cups, shot glasses, or on a serving platter. Pipe or spoon mascarpone cream over ladyfingers. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then more cream. Finish with a generous dusting of cocoa powder through a fine sieve.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cream to set slightly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in shot glasses for cocktail parties
- Make in mini mason jars for gifting
- Use clear plastic cups for easy transport to potlucks
- Assemble in wine glasses for an elegant dinner party
- Garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans or shaved dark chocolate
Make-Ahead Tips
These tiramisu bites taste even better the next day after flavors meld. Make them up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the fridge. Add cocoa powder dusting just before serving for the freshest look—cocoa absorbs moisture and can look patchy if added too early.
The mascarpone cream can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Re-whip briefly before assembling.
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- Chocolate Coffee Protein Balls Recipe – Another no-bake treat
- 13 Best Snacks That Go With Coffee – Dessert pairings
- 5 Best Nespresso Vertuo Recipes – Coffee drink ideas
These espresso tiramisu bites deliver authentic Italian flavor in a simplified format. They’re impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dessert craving.