Laura Mariano
What Are Tiramisu Truffles?
Tiramisu truffles are a delightful, bite-sized twist on the beloved Italian dessert. These no-bake treats capture the essence of classic tiramisu—mascarpone, espresso, ladyfingers, and cocoa—wrapped into creamy, indulgent spheres. Each truffle delivers the rich flavor of coffee-soaked sponge and velvety mascarpone in a compact, elegant form.
Perfect for parties, gifting, or a quick after-dinner indulgence, tiramisu truffles offer all the sophistication of tiramisu without the layering or baking. Their simplicity makes them ideal for both novice and seasoned home cooks. Whether dusted with cocoa or dipped in chocolate, these truffles are a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a dream for anyone who loves quick, elegant desserts. With no baking required, it’s perfect for warm days or last-minute entertaining. The truffles come together in minutes and look stunning with just a dusting of cocoa or a glossy chocolate coating.
They’re endlessly customizable—add a splash of coffee liqueur for depth, a Nutella center for surprise, or roll them in crushed cookies for crunch. The flavor is rich and authentic, especially when you use high-quality espresso and mascarpone.
Whether you’re making them for a dinner party or as a homemade gift, tiramisu truffles deliver gourmet taste with minimal fuss. Tip: Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance their creamy texture.
Ingredient Breakdown
Base mixture:
- Mascarpone cheese (1 cup / 250g) – creamy and rich
- Ladyfingers (5.5 oz / 160g), crushed – adds texture and classic tiramisu flavor
- Brewed espresso or strong coffee (⅓ cup / 80ml), cooled – deepens the taste
- Powdered sugar (½ cup / 60g) – balances the bitterness
- Vanilla extract (optional) – adds warmth and aroma
Coating options:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – for a traditional finish
- Melted dark chocolate – adds richness and sheen
- Crushed cookies or sprinkles – playful and crunchy
Optional add-ins:
- Coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa) – enhances the espresso notes
- Nutella or chocolate ganache center – for a decadent surprise
- Whipped cream or heavy cream – softens texture if desired
These ingredients come together to create a luxurious, no-bake dessert that’s easy to adapt to your taste and occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep: Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. Let it cool completely to avoid melting the mascarpone.
Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract (if using), and cooled espresso. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add crumbs: Fold in the crushed ladyfingers gradually. Mix until the dough holds its shape and is slightly firm but pliable.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 30 to 60 minutes. This helps firm it up for easier shaping.
Shape: Once chilled, scoop out portions and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop.
Coat: Roll each ball in unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic look, or dip in melted dark chocolate for a glossy finish. You can also roll them in crushed cookies or sprinkles for added texture and flair.
Set: Place the coated truffles on a parchment-lined tray and chill again until firm—about 30 minutes.
Serve: Store the truffles in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve cold, but let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before enjoying for the best texture.
Flavor & Texture Notes
Tiramisu truffles offer a luxurious blend of creamy mascarpone and bold espresso, wrapped in a subtly sweet shell. The crushed ladyfingers add a gentle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth interior.
Each bite delivers a balanced sweetness, complemented by the bitter edge of cocoa or dark chocolate. The flavor is unmistakably tiramisu—rich, aromatic, and satisfying.
Tip: Allow truffles to rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving. This softens the texture slightly and enhances the flavor, making them even more irresistible.
Tiramisu Truffles – Creamy, Coffee-Kissed & Irresistibly Elegant
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Parchment paper
- Tray or plate
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
Base mixture:
- 1 cup (250g) mascarpone cheese
- 5.5 oz (160g) ladyfingers, crushed
- ⅓ cup (80ml) brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Coating options:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Melted dark chocolate
- Crushed cookies or sprinkles
Optional add-ins:
- 1–2 tbsp coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)
- Nutella or chocolate ganache center
- Whipped cream or heavy cream (for softer texture)
Instructions
- Prep: Brew espresso and let it cool completely.
- Mix: In a bowl, combine mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, and espresso until smooth.
- Add crumbs: Fold in crushed ladyfingers until the mixture holds its shape.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 30–60 minutes until firm.
- Shape: Roll into 1-inch balls using a scoop or hands.
- Coat: Dust with cocoa powder or dip in melted chocolate. Add sprinkles or nuts if desired.
- Set: Chill again until coating is firm.
- Serve: Store in fridge and serve cold. Let sit at room temp for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality espresso and mascarpone for authentic flavor.
- Freeze truffles briefly before dipping for smoother chocolate coating.
- Taste mixture before shaping to adjust sweetness.
- Use parchment between layers when storing to prevent sticking.
- Substitute cream cheese for mascarpone if needed (flavor will be tangier).
- Gluten-free ladyfingers or cookies can be used for dietary needs.
