Easy No-Bake Tiramisu Cups Recipe

These No-Bake Tiramisu Cups are rich, creamy, and packed with bold espresso flavor. Layers of coffee soaked ladyfingers and silky Mascarpone come together in an easy, elegant dessert that feels special without the fuss. It’s a classic Italian treat made simple.

Three glass jars filled with layers of creamy tiramisu and coffee-soaked cake, topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder. A spoon lifts a portion from one jar, showcasing the desserts rich, layered texture.

Quick Facts: Tiramisu

Prep

20 minutes

Chill

2 Hours

Serves

4

Cost Estimate

$9.75

Ingredient Notes

Top-down view of ingredients for tiramisu, including ladyfinger cookies, espresso coffee, heavy cream, powdered sugar, coffee liqueur, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, each labeled on a marble surface.
  • Coffee alternatives: If you don’t like espresso, try using decaf coffee or even a flavored syrup for a caffeine-free version.
  • Mascarpone: You can use a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to add creaminess and acidity.
  • Liqueur: You can substitute it with hazelnut liqueur, rum, brandy, or Baileys, according to your preference. For a non-alcoholic version, use vanilla extract or more coffee.

Tiramisu Tips

  • Serving: Instead of glasses, assemble the tiramisu in wine glasses or individual mason jars.
  • Additional Flavorings: Add a touch of cinnamon, orange zest, or almond extract to the cream for a different flavor.
  • Layering tip: For a fancier look, use a piping bag with a decorating tip to layer Mascarpone cream.

Alternate Serving – Prepare in a Small Baking Dish

You can also make this in a small 5 x 7 baking dish, the one used in the phot below is the Emile Henry Individual Baker. Use the same layering, just no need to break up the lady fingers.

A white ceramic dish filled with tiramisu, topped with creamy mascarpone and sprinkled with cocoa powder. In the background, a small white bowl holds extra cocoa powder on a light marbled surface.

Questions People Ask About Making Tiramisu

Can I freeze leftover tiramisu?

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture may soften slightly but remains delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add the cocoa dusting just before serving so it doesn’t absorb moisture.

What’s the best cake base; sponge cake, muffins, or ladyfingers?

Traditional tiramisu uses ladyfingers, but sponge cake or even vanilla muffins give a softer texture and a slightly different, homemade feel. Avoid overly dense cakes.

Can I make tiramisu without alcohol?

Absolutely. Simply omit the booze and add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.

Can I substitute Mascarpone cheese?

If Mascarpone isn’t available, blend 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of sour cream to mimic its texture and taste.

Process Images

Numbered images correspond to numbered steps in recipe card below.

A four-step collage shows: 1) Whipped cream cheese mixture in a bowl. 2) Cream in a piping bag. 3) Crumbled biscuits in three glass jars. 4) Pouring coffee over the crumbled biscuits in jars.
Four-step collage showing tiramisu being assembled in glass jars: adding cream over cake, jars topped with crumbled cake, more cream piped on, and finished jars dusted with cocoa powder.
A close-up of a spoon holding a bite of creamy tiramisu, with jars of tiramisu and scattered coffee beans on a white textured surface in the background.
Sydney

No-Bake Tiramisu

This small batch tiramisu delivers all the creamy, coffee soaked indulgence of the Italian classic, but made in a small jar or a couple of dessert cups. Layers of espresso-soaked lady fingers and mascarpone cream come together with a dusting of cocoa for a decadent yet simple dessert that feels special any night of the week.
Estimate Recipe Cost $9.65
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 jars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 8 each lady fingers cut into small cubes
  • ¾ cup espresso coffee
Mascarpone Cream
  • 1 cup 8-ounce Package mascarpone cheese
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp amaretto or coffee liqueur
  • Cocoa powder

Step by Step Directions
 

  1. In a bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until slightly thickened. Add the Mascarpone cheese. Continue beating until the mixture is firm and well combined.
  2. Pour the cream into a piping bag for easier assembly (or use a spoon). Set aside.
  3. Cut the lady fingers into small cubes. In small cups, add a layer of cake cubes and spoon over the top with coffee.
  4. 8 each lady fingers cut into small cubes, ¾ cup espresso coffee
  5. Pipe or spoon a layer of Mascarpone cream onto the cake.
  6. Repeat the layers: soaked cake, Mascarpone cream.
  7. Finish with a final layer of Mascarpone cream.
  8. Generously dust the top layer with cocoa powder.
  9. Cocoa powder
  10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hour to let the flavors blend (or serve immediately if desired).

The provided nutrition information is an estimate and not guaranteed, and that the reader is responsible for verifying ingredients for allergies and dietary needs

Notes

To substitute the Mascarpone, you can use a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to add creaminess and acidity.
For a non-alcoholic version, use vanilla extract or more coffee.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating