Name: Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces mascarpone at room temperature; 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold from the fridge; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract or hazelnut extract (optional); 2/3 cup cooled espresso or double-strength brewed coffee; 2 tablespoons brandy or marsala wine, rum, hazelnut liqueur, almond liqueur, or coffee liqueur (optional; or you can use more espresso); 12 ladyfingers each broken in half; 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder for topping; 2 teaspoons dark chocolate curls or shaved dark chocolate (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 42 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to serve tiramisu but dreaded the fuss of slicing and layering a whole cake, then I’ve got something you’re going to love. This Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups Recipe is my go-to for whipping up that classic Italian flavor in individual servings that feel fancy but are surprisingly simple. I remember the first time I made these cups—they were a total crowd-pleaser, and honestly, they saved me from spending hours fussing over a multi-layered tiramisu. Ready to impress your friends (or just treat yourself) without breaking a sweat? Let’s dig in!

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Why This Recipe Works

Individual Servings: Makes portion control easy and adds an elegant touch without extra effort.
Simple Mascarpone Mousse: The mascarpone mixture is silky, rich, and whipped to just the right consistency—no complicated steps.
Quick Soaking Method: Ladyfingers get dipped just long enough to soak flavor without getting soggy, so no mess or leaks.
Flexible Ingredients: Optional extracts and liqueurs let you customize flavor without changing the base recipe.

Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups, mascarpone tiramisu individual servings, quick tiramisu dessert, no-bake tiramisu cups, Italian tiramisu with mascarpone - This image shows a close-up view of two white cups of dessert and a white cup of coffee on a white marbled surface. One dessert cup is partly eaten, revealing three layers: a light brown crumbly base at the bottom, a thick creamy white middle layer, and a dusting of cocoa powder topping with scattered dark chocolate chunks and whole hazelnuts. A golden spoon is scooping some from the partly eaten cup. The other dessert cup is full with the same creamy white layer topped with cocoa powder, chocolate chunks, and hazelnuts. Coffee beans and broken chocolate pieces are scattered around the cups. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups Recipe has a job in making your dessert creamy, flavorful, and just the right texture. From mascarpone to ladyfingers, understanding why these work together helps you know what you can swap or tweak without losing that classic tiramisu magic.

Mascarpone: This rich Italian cheese provides the creamy base—you want it at room temperature for easier mixing and a silky smooth texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Adding this gives lightness and volume to the mascarpone mousse—chilled cream whips best and holds shape perfectly.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mousse effortlessly and dissolves completely, so you avoid any graininess.
Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, comforting aroma that balances the coffee and chocolate layers.
Almond or Hazelnut Extract: Optional, but it adds a subtle nutty note that I personally love—it deepens the flavor.
Espresso or Strong Coffee: The classic soak for ladyfingers. I recommend cooling it completely so it doesn’t melt the cream when dipped.
Brandy or Marsala Wine (optional): Adds an adult twist and complexity, but you can skip or replace with more coffee for a non-alcoholic version.
Ladyfingers: The delicate sponge that soaks up coffee without falling apart—ensure you dip them briefly to keep that perfect texture.
Cocoa Powder: For dusting on top—unsweetened cocoa keeps it authentic and balances sweetness.
Dark Chocolate Shavings (optional): Adds a bit of crunch and intense chocolate flavor—a small fancy detail that really elevates the presentation.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

The beauty of this Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups Recipe is how easily it adapts to your flavor preferences. Like when I first made it, I tried swapping the almond extract with hazelnut—and it was a total hit! But feel free to get creative and make it your own.

Decaf Version: I once made this with decaf espresso for a late-night treat—just as delicious without the caffeine kick.
Non-Alcoholic: Skip the brandy and add a splash more coffee or a drop of vanilla extract to keep it flavorful but kid-friendly.
Different Cookies: If ladyfingers aren’t available, try using pound cake cubes or even thin shortbread cookies for a different texture, but expect a slight flavor shift.
Extra Chocolate: I love sprinkling a little extra shaved chocolate in between the layers when I’m feeling indulgent.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Mascarpone Mousse to Perfection

Start by combining mascarpone, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional almond extract in a large bowl. Grab your handheld electric mixer and beat everything until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Take it slow here—if you over-mix, the mascarpone can curdle, so stop when you see soft peaks forming and the mixture feels fluffy but still rich. I like to test by lifting the beaters gently to see that luscious texture—it’s the heart of this tiramisu!

Step 2: Prep the Coffee Mixture

While the mousse is resting, mix your cooled espresso with brandy or your choice of liqueur in a shallow bowl. Keep the coffee cold—hot coffee will melt your cream layers and get soggy fast. I always make sure this step is done ahead, sometimes chilling the coffee mixture in the fridge to keep everything cool and refreshing.

Step 3: Assemble Your Tiramisu Cups

Grab your 12-ounce glasses or cups, and spread a spoonful of the mascarpone mousse on the bottom. Quickly dip two ladyfinger halves in the coffee mixture—just 1 to 2 seconds per side; they should be moistened but not soggy. Lay them on top of the cream layer, then add another layer of mascarpone mousse. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish with a final layer of mousse. I usually go with two layers of ladyfingers and three layers of cream for a nice balance. Repeat until you’ve filled all six cups—this assembly feels like building your own dessert puzzle, and it’s so satisfying!

Step 4: Top and Chill

Sift a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top of each cup and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings if you’re using them. These little touches add that classic tiramisu look and a hint of bitter contrast. If you can, pop them in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors marry—you can also make them up to 4 days ahead, which is a lifesaver for entertaining.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups Recipe

Don’t Over-Soak Ladyfingers: Just a quick dip keeps them tender but prevents your cups from turning into coffee soup.
Use Cold Heavy Cream: Chilled cream whips faster and holds those soft peaks longer, ensuring a fluffy mousse.
Room Temp Mascarpone: It blends more easily and prevents lumps in your mousse for that perfectly smooth texture.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the cups rest in the fridge helps flavors meld and creates a more cohesive dessert experience.

How to Serve Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes are a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder paired with a few dark chocolate curls or even a single espresso bean perched on top for a touch of elegance—and yes, it makes you feel fancy! Sometimes, I like to add a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon if I want a spicy note that surprises guests in the best way.

Side Dishes

Though these tiramisu cups shine on their own, if I’m serving a full meal, I pair them with light sides like fresh berries or a simple almond biscotti on the side to keep things balanced. The fresh berries cut through the richness, making every bite feel fresh and inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered these tiramisu cups in clear glass jars tied with twine or placed them on a wooden board with a dusting of cocoa and edible flowers for added flair. These presentations are simple but make guests feel like you put in serious effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I cover the tiramisu cups tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so leftovers taste even better the next day (if there’s any left!). Just make sure to store them upright to keep the layers perfect.

Freezing

If you want to prep well in advance, these cups freeze surprisingly well—wrap each one in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When I’ve frozen them, I usually thaw them in the fridge overnight, though some friends swear by serving them slightly frozen for a firmer, ice-cream-like texture.

Reheating

Since tiramisu is best served chilled, I don’t recommend reheating. Just take them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off but keep that creamy texture intact. If frozen, thaw overnight for best results, avoiding any microwaving to prevent the mousse from breaking down.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The alcohol adds flavor complexity, but you can simply omit it or replace it with extra espresso or a splash of vanilla extract. This keeps the dessert kid-friendly and perfect for anyone avoiding alcohol.
What can I use instead of ladyfingers?

Ladyfingers are traditional for their sponge texture and ability to soak up coffee without falling apart. That said, you can use pound cake, sponge cake, Nilla wafers, shortbread, or even Biscoff cookies as alternatives. Keep in mind each swap will subtly change the flavor and texture.
How long do these tiramisu cups last in the fridge?

They stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when covered tightly. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day, so don’t hesitate to make them ahead of time!
Can I prepare these tiramisu cups in larger or smaller glasses?

Yes! You can assemble tiramisu in any size glass you like. Just keep in mind that smaller glasses will be more like dessert shooters, while larger ones make for a full dessert portion. The layering process stays the same regardless.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Mascarpone Tiramisu Cups Recipe has been a staple in my dessert repertoire whenever I want something impressive but effortless. The freshest mascarpone, a quick dip of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a rich whipped cream base come together for a dreamy dessert that tastes like you spent hours crafting it. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a festive gathering, I promise you’ll love how simple and delicious these cups are. Give it a try, and I’m betting it’ll become a favorite for you and your friends, just like it did for me!