No-Bake Tiramisu Cups: 5 Steps to Dessert Bliss

Name: No-Bake Tiramisu Cups: 5 Steps to Dessert Bliss
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled; 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional); 12 ladyfinger cookies; Cocoa powder for dusting

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 18, 2025

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There’s just something magical about whipping up simple desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face, don’t you think? I can still remember the first time I made No-Bake Tiramisu Cups for a gathering. I was racing against time, trying to impress my friends while keeping it easy and stress-free. The best part? No oven required! Just a few ingredients and some layering magic, and voilà – little cups of Italian bliss ready to be devoured.

No-Bake Tiramisu Cups - detail 1

These No-Bake Tiramisu Cups are like a cozy hug in dessert form. There’s creamy mascarpone, rich coffee, and those delightful ladyfingers all coming together to create an indulgent yet effortless treat. What I love most is how versatile they are! You can whip them up for a dinner party, a casual get-together, or just because you’re craving something sweet. Trust me, once you taste that smooth, coffee-infused cream with the light crunch of ladyfingers, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make these sooner. So, let’s dive into the joy of creating this delightful dessert together – your taste buds are in for a treat!

Ingredients List

Getting the right ingredients is the first step to making these No-Bake Tiramisu Cups shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup mascarpone cheese: This creamy Italian cheese gives the dessert its signature richness.
1 cup heavy cream: Essential for whipping up light and airy layers that balance the mascarpone.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: This sweetener adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.
1 cup brewed coffee, cooled: Use strong coffee for a robust flavor that really shines through.
1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional): A splash of this adds depth and enhances the coffee flavor if you’re feeling fancy!
12 ladyfinger cookies: These delicate cookies soak up the coffee beautifully and add a delightful texture.
Cocoa powder for dusting: A light sprinkle on top adds that perfect finishing touch and a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.

Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating a dessert that’s both simple and oh-so-delicious!

How to Prepare No-Bake Tiramisu Cups

Making No-Bake Tiramisu Cups is all about layering those delicious flavors together, and the best part? It’s super easy! Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started on creating these delightful cups. Follow each step carefully, and don’t rush the chilling process – it’s key to achieving that perfect texture!

Preparing the Mascarpone Mixture

First, grab a mixing bowl and add your 1 cup of mascarpone cheese and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat them together with a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want it to be thick yet spreadable – think of a luscious frosting! If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of heavy cream to loosen it up just a bit.

Be careful not to overmix; we just want everything blended well without creating air bubbles. Once it’s smooth, set it aside for a moment while you whip the cream.

Whipping the Cream

In a separate bowl, pour in your 1 cup of heavy cream. Use a clean whisk or mixer to whip it until you see stiff peaks forming. This means when you pull the whisk out, the peaks hold their shape without collapsing. It should look fluffy and light, like a cloud! If you’re unsure, just keep whipping until it looks perfect – it’s a crucial step for that light texture in your cups.

Once whipped, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Be careful here; you want to keep that airiness intact. Use a gentle motion, folding from the bottom up until everything is combined. It should be thick but airy!

Layering the Cups

Now comes the fun part – layering! Take your 12 ladyfinger cookies and dip each one in the 1 cup of cooled brewed coffee for just a second. You don’t want them to get soggy, just enough to soak up that rich coffee flavor!

Start layering by placing a dipped ladyfinger at the bottom of your cup. Then, spoon a layer of the mascarpone mixture on top. Repeat this process, alternating layers until your cups are filled, usually about 2-3 layers. You want the last layer to be the mascarpone mixture, so it looks pretty on top!

Chilling and Serving

Once your cups are assembled, pop them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours – this is crucial! Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and gives the dessert that perfect texture. Trust me, patience pays off!

When you’re ready to serve, take them out and dust the tops with cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu look. A light sprinkle is all you need to add a touch of elegance and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness. Now, dig in and enjoy your homemade No-Bake Tiramisu Cups! They’re sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, you’re going to love making these No-Bake Tiramisu Cups! Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to chill in no time.
Flavorful Bliss: The combination of rich coffee, creamy mascarpone, and delicate ladyfingers creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for Entertaining: These cups look fancy but are simple to make, making them ideal for impressing guests at any gathering.
No Oven Required: Beat the heat! You won’t need to turn on the oven, making this a great dessert for warm days.
Customizable: Feel free to play with flavors; add a splash of your favorite coffee liqueur or even a hint of vanilla!

Trust me, once you serve these little delights, they’ll become a go-to dessert for any occasion!

Tips for Success

To make sure your No-Bake Tiramisu Cups turn out perfectly, here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh mascarpone and heavy cream. Freshness ensures a rich flavor and creamy texture that brings your dessert to life.
Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the cups sit for at least 2 hours in the fridge helps the flavors meld beautifully and improves the texture.
Experiment with Coffee: If you want to switch things up, try using different types of coffee or even espresso for a bolder flavor. You can also adjust the amount of coffee liqueur to suit your taste!
Layer Wisely: Aim for even layers for a beautiful presentation. Don’t rush through the layering process; take your time to create those stunning visual effects.
Presentation Matters: When serving, a light dusting of cocoa powder not only adds flavor but also makes your cups look absolutely irresistible!

With these tips, you’re on your way to making No-Bake Tiramisu Cups that will wow everyone!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to desserts, knowing what you’re indulging in can be helpful, right? Just keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’m sharing some typical numbers for these No-Bake Tiramisu Cups, they’re not set in stone.

Each serving (1 cup) of this delightful treat generally contains around 350 calories. You’ll find about 18g of sugar, which adds that lovely sweetness to balance the coffee. The fat content is around 25g, with 15g of saturated fat mostly coming from the mascarpone and cream. Plus, there’s 5g of protein to give you a little boost! Just be aware of the 80mg of cholesterol as well.

Enjoy your dessert guilt-free, but remember to savor every bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these delicious No-Bake Tiramisu Cups? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my tried-and-true answers:

Q1: Can I make these No-Bake Tiramisu Cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making them a day in advance is a great idea. The flavors have time to meld together in the fridge, making them even more delightful. Just be sure to keep them covered to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors.

Q2: What can I use instead of coffee liqueur?
If you want to skip the coffee liqueur, no worries! You can simply use more brewed coffee or even a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor. The key is to maintain that delicious coffee essence that makes tiramisu so special.

Q3: How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?
Great question! You’ll know your whipped cream is ready when it forms stiff peaks. This means when you lift your whisk out, the peaks hold their shape without flopping over. If you’re unsure, just keep whipping until it looks fluffy and holds its form!

Q4: Can I substitute the mascarpone cheese?
While mascarpone is the star of this dessert, you can try cream cheese as a substitute. Just keep in mind it will alter the flavor and texture a bit, so make sure to whip it well to achieve a creamy consistency. Another option is ricotta cheese blended smooth!

Q5: How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just make sure they’re covered tightly to keep them fresh. But trust me, they’re so good, they might not last long!

Hopefully, that clears up some of your questions! Enjoy making these No-Bake Tiramisu Cups, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more queries!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious No-Bake Tiramisu Cups is super simple! If you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, might be a challenge), just cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. Just remember to keep them chilled to maintain that creamy texture and delightful flavor.

Now, here’s the best part – there’s no need to reheat these cups! They’re meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. In fact, chilling enhances the flavors even more, making each bite a little piece of heaven. So, dig in whenever you’re ready, and enjoy that refreshing taste of Italy!