Tiramisu cups are everything we love about the classic Italian dessert—just in a more adorable, mess-free form. Whether you’re hosting brunch, planning a dinner party, or just craving something sweet midweek, these individual cups deliver elegance and flavor in every layer. Creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa come together beautifully in each serving. And the best part? These tiramisu cups are no-bake and easy to prep ahead—ideal for busy fall days and festive tables alike.
Where My Obsession with Tiramisu Cups Began
I’ll never forget the first time I served tiramisu in cups. It was a rainy Sunday, and I was preparing dessert for a last-minute family lunch. I didn’t have time to chill a full pan of tiramisu or slice it neatly, so I reached for some mini glasses, layered everything in, and hoped for the best. The result? Not only did they look like something out of a boutique café, but everyone loved having their own personal dessert. It felt thoughtful—like each guest got something made just for them.
Since then, tiramisu cups have become my go-to for holidays and celebrations. They’re portion-controlled, prettier than a big tray, and perfect for customizing. I’ve made countless versions—from tiramisu martini to our fan-favorite pistachio tiramisu, but nothing beats the charm and practicality of individual tiramisu cups.
Not to mention, they’re ideal for no-bake days when the oven just isn’t an option. Whether you’re making mini tiramisu for a party or a batch of Costco-inspired tiramisu cups at home, this format delivers everything you love—just cuter.
How to Make No-Bake Tiramisu Cups (Step by Step)
What makes tiramisu cups so brilliant is how easy and mess-free they are to prepare. This version is a total no bake tiramisu, so you won’t need to turn on the oven, even on hot days. You just need a few mixing bowls, some patience for chilling, and a few delicious layers to build these beauties.
Start with the ladyfingers—soaked briefly in a cooled espresso mixture. Don’t drench them; a quick dip gives the perfect texture inside each cup. Next, whip together mascarpone, cream, vanilla, and a touch of sugar until smooth and fluffy. This is the heart of your tiramisu cream. Spoon or pipe the cream into small jars or glasses, alternating with the espresso-soaked cookies.
If you want that extra visual flair, try building mini tiramisu cups in wine glasses or dessert tumblers. The layered presentation always impresses. Chill the cups for at least four hours—overnight is even better. Just before serving, dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder and maybe add a few chocolate curls for that wow factor.
These tiramisu in a cup creations also store beautifully. You can prep them up to two days in advance, making them ideal for gatherings. For variation, try folding in pumpkin puree, matcha, or fruit compote like we did in our vibrant ube tiramisu and fresh strawberry tiramisu dessert.
They’re fun, adaptable, and seriously indulgent—without the stress. That’s the magic of tiramisu cups.
Print
Tiramisu Cups – The Cutest No-Bake Dessert You’ll Fall in Love With
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These creamy tiramisu cups are the perfect make-ahead dessert, layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and whipped mascarpone cream in elegant glass portions.
Ingredients
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled)
12–14 ladyfingers
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for dusting)
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until thick and fluffy.
2. Quickly dip ladyfingers into the cooled espresso (don’t oversoak).
3. Place one or two soaked ladyfingers into the bottom of each glass cup.
4. Spoon a layer of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
5. Repeat layering once more with dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
6. Smooth the tops and refrigerate the cups for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Before serving, dust each cup with cocoa powder and top with chocolate shavings.
Notes
Don’t soak the ladyfingers too long in espresso—they’ll fall apart.
You can substitute decaf espresso or use a coffee-flavored extract if needed.
For dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free mascarpone alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
The Secret Joy of Customizing Your Tiramisu Cups
Every time I make tiramisu cups, I realize how versatile they really are. They’re one of those desserts that adapts to the moment—whether you’re prepping for a birthday, a dinner date, or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
One of my favorite tricks is to serve individual tiramisu cups in mismatched glassware. Not only does it make each one feel special, but it also lets me get creative with the layers and textures. The more visible the contrast between the cream and soaked biscuits, the better.
On busier days, I fall back on shortcuts that still taste amazing. I call these my easy tiramisu cups. Using store-bought elements and prepping a day ahead means I can have dessert ready in minutes without sacrificing flavor. Honestly, no one ever knows they weren’t made from scratch.
If you enjoy experimenting, you’ll love how these cups respond to flavor swaps. A sprinkle of cardamom, a spoonful of raspberry jam, or even a layer of crushed nuts can completely transform your tiramisu dessert cups into something bold and exciting.
Curious to go even further? You might enjoy the gentle twist in this matcha tiramisu, or the fruity elegance of strawberry tiramisu dessert. Both are proof that the classics can evolve—and still delight.
In the end, these cups are more than a recipe. They’re a way to express creativity in the most delicious way possible.
Serving and Storing Your Tiramisu Cups the Right Way
When I prepare desserts in advance, there’s nothing more convenient—or satisfying—than single-serve portions. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a family brunch, mini tiramisu always feels just right. The presentation is charming, and guests love having their own little cup to dig into.
I like to use small glass jars or clear tumblers. They showcase the layers beautifully and are easy to stack in the fridge. Before serving, I sprinkle cocoa powder or even some grated dark chocolate over the top—it adds that final, professional-looking touch.
If you’re prepping for a crowd, these individual tiramisu desserts can be made the night before and chilled until you’re ready. In fact, I think the flavor deepens after a few hours. The layers settle, and the cream blends more smoothly with the espresso-soaked biscuits.
For extra variety, I sometimes switch things up with playful alternatives. The lemon blueberry cupcakes on my blog offer a fruity counterpoint, while the carrot cake cookies bring in those warm, spiced notes—perfect for pairing with coffee-based desserts.
Storage is simple: seal each portion with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate. If needed, they’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Though in my house, they rarely last that long.
What I love most? They’re elegant enough for celebrations, yet easy enough to enjoy anytime.
FAQ – Answers to Your Common Tiramisu Cups Questions
What’s a simple way to make a tiramisu cups recipe?
If you’re new to this dessert, start by layering espresso-dipped ladyfingers and a sweet mascarpone mixture into small cups. Top with cocoa powder and refrigerate for several hours. It’s a no-bake treat that looks elegant and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
Can I prepare tiramisu in a jar instead of regular cups?
Yes, and it’s one of my favorite tricks. Wide-mouth jars are great for layering and transporting. They work beautifully for events or as edible gifts. You can also pair them with recipes like this strawberry tiramisu dessert for variety.
How long can tiramisu dessert cups recipe be stored?
Once assembled, store them in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. I actually find they taste better the next day—the flavors settle and become even more balanced.
What’s the best version for an individual tiramisu?
Use smaller glasses or ramekins to build single portions. Not only are they cute and practical, but they also avoid waste. For guests with dietary needs, try gluten-free versions with custom ladyfingers.
Conclusion – One Dessert, Endless Delight
Creating tiramisu cups isn’t just about layering cream and coffee-soaked biscuits. It’s about crafting a dessert that feels personal, shareable, and thoughtful. Whether you serve them in elegant glasses or casual jars, they transform simple ingredients into something truly special.
The flexibility of these cups makes them ideal for modern lifestyles—easy to prep, beautiful to serve, and satisfying in every bite.
They’re not just convenient; they’re a fresh way to enjoy a timeless classic.
