What if you could serve an elegant, show-stopping dessert this holiday season that requires absolutely no oven time? Imagine capturing the rich, decadent flavors of classic tiramisu in a stunning, single-serving format that will leave your guests speechless. This is where the magic of these individual Holiday Tiramisu Cups comes to life, transforming a beloved Italian classic into a festive masterpiece.
This recipe is designed for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking for a stress-free yet impressive treat. These delightful cups are perfect for Christmas gatherings, New Year’s Eve parties, or any festive occasion. They offer a sophisticated blend of coffee, cream, and cocoa in a convenient, personal portion. Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this simple, no-bake recipe.
Ingredients for Your Festive Tiramisu Cups
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need to create about 6-8 individual dessert cups.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 ½ cups, chilled. This creates the light, airy structure of the cream filling. For a richer flavor, ensure it has at least 36% milk fat.
- Mascarpone Cheese: 8 ounces (1 cup), softened to room temperature. This is the heart of tiramisu! Its velvety texture and slightly sweet taste are irreplaceable. Substitution: In a pinch, you can blend 8 oz of full-fat cream cheese with ¼ cup of heavy cream.
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup. This sweetens the mascarpone cream. You can adjust this amount based on your preference for sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Use pure vanilla extract for the best, most authentic flavor profile.
- Strong Brewed Coffee or Espresso: 1 ½ cups, cooled completely. A dark roast provides the robust flavor needed to stand up to the cream.
- Coffee Liqueur (Optional): 2-3 tablespoons, such as Kahlúa or Tia Maria. This adds a traditional boozy kick and depth. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit it.
- Ladyfinger Cookies (Savoiardi): About 24 cookies. These crisp, airy biscuits are essential for their ability to absorb the coffee mixture without turning to mush.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For dusting. This provides the classic, slightly bitter chocolate finish that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cream.
- Chocolate Shavings or Curls: For garnish. This adds a final touch of elegance and texture.
Timing: Faster Than Your Average Holiday Bake
One of the most significant advantages of this recipe is its efficiency. Compared to traditional cakes or pies, these tiramisu cups come together remarkably quickly, freeing up your time during the busy holiday season.
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: At least 4 hours (overnight is best)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
The active prep time of just 25 minutes is nearly 50% less than many layered holiday desserts. This makes it a perfect make-ahead option, allowing you to focus on other hosting duties while your dessert sets to perfection in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Perfect Holiday Tiramisu Cups
Follow these simple steps to assemble your beautiful individual desserts. The key is to work efficiently but gently, especially when handling the cream and ladyfingers. This is an easy tiramisu recipe that anyone can master.
Step 1: Prepare the Velvety Mascarpone Cream
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the chilled heavy whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip, or it will turn grainy. Set the whipped cream aside.
In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix with the electric mixer on low speed until just combined and smooth. Avoid over-mixing, as mascarpone can curdle if overworked.
Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to lighten it. Then, carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream until the mixture is uniform in color and texture. Your luscious tiramisu cream is now ready!
Step 2: Create the Coffee-Liqueur Soak
In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the cooled strong coffee and the optional coffee liqueur. Stir them together. This aromatic blend will be used to soak the ladyfingers, infusing them with that signature tiramisu flavor. Having a shallow dish makes dipping the cookies quick and easy.
Step 3: Assemble Your Holiday Tiramisu Cups
Now for the fun part—assembly! You can use small glass cups, ramekins, or even mason jars for a rustic look.
- Briefly dip one ladyfinger at a time into the coffee mixture for just 1-2 seconds per side. They absorb liquid very quickly!
- Break the soaked ladyfingers in half and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your first cup.
- Spoon or pipe a generous layer of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat the process: add another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, followed by a final layer of the mascarpone cream, filling the cup almost to the top.
- Repeat this layering process for all your remaining cups. This recipe should yield 6-8 individual Holiday Tiramisu Cups.
Step 4: Chill to Perfection
Cover each cup with plastic wrap, pressing it gently against the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Place the cups in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours. For the absolute best flavor and texture, let them chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the ladyfingers to soften perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap from your Holiday Tiramisu Cups. Using a fine-mesh sieve, dust the tops generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. For an extra festive touch, add some dark chocolate shavings or curls. Serve chilled and watch your guests’ faces light up!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
While this is an indulgent dessert, understanding its nutritional profile can be helpful. The following is an estimation per serving (assuming 8 servings). Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of your cream and mascarpone.
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Fat: 35g (largely from mascarpone and heavy cream)
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 6g
This dessert is a rich treat, perfect for a special occasion. The combination of fat and protein helps create a satisfying dessert that feels decadent in small portions.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to enjoy these Holiday Tiramisu Cups with a few healthy tweaks? It’s entirely possible to modify the recipe without sacrificing too much of its delicious character. Here are some ideas:
- Lower the Fat: Substitute half of the mascarpone with Greek yogurt or Neufchâtel cheese. This will slightly alter the texture, making it tangier, but it significantly reduces the fat content.
- Reduce the Sugar: You can reduce the granulated sugar by up to a third without a major impact. Alternatively, use a natural sweetener like monk fruit or stevia, following the package instructions for conversion.
- Go Gluten-Free: Swap the traditional Savoiardi for gluten-free ladyfingers, which are now widely available online and in specialty grocery stores.
- Alcohol-Free: Simply omit the coffee liqueur. You can add a splash of rum extract or almond extract to the coffee mixture if you still want an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for a Festive Flair
Presentation is key, especially during the holidays. Beyond the cocoa powder and chocolate shavings, here are a few ways to elevate your serving style:
- Berry Garnish: Add a few fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint on top for a pop of color that looks incredibly festive against the dark cocoa.
- Edible Glitter: A tiny sprinkle of edible gold or silver glitter can make your dessert cups look truly magical and ready for a New Year’s Eve celebration.
Name: Yumi Hwag
Byline: Founder & Recipe Developer, Yumimeals
Bio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]