If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance with simplicity, Classic Tiramisu Cups with Cocoa Dust are the perfect choice. This delightful treat layers rich mascarpone cream with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, topped with a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the beloved Italian dessert without the need for slicing or plating. These individual cups make serving effortless and add a touch of charm to any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration, this recipe hits all the right notes with its creamy texture and bold coffee flavor.

Why It’s My Go-To

One of the reasons I always reach for this recipe is its incredible balance of flavors. The strong brewed coffee infuses the ladyfingers with a deep, robust taste, while the mascarpone and whipped cream create a luscious, smooth filling that melts in your mouth. Plus, assembling these tiramisu cups is surprisingly quick and fuss-free, making them ideal for last-minute guests or when you want to impress without stress. Another bonus? The individual cups mean everyone gets their own perfectly portioned dessert, which is both practical and appealing.

What You’ll Need

1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled – This is the base for soaking the ladyfingers, giving that signature coffee essence.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the cream mixture.
1 cup mascarpone cheese – The creamy heart of the tiramisu filling.
1 cup heavy cream – Whipped to soft peaks for lightness and volume.
1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the cream without overpowering the coffee flavor.
24 ladyfinger cookies – These act as the cake layers, soaking up the coffee beautifully.
Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting – Finishes the cups with a classic, slightly bitter contrast.

What’s in the Gear List

Mixing bowls – For whipping cream and mixing mascarpone.
Electric mixer or whisk – To whip heavy cream to soft peaks.
Small shallow bowl – Perfect for dipping ladyfingers into coffee.
Individual serving cups or small glasses – To create the layered tiramisu cups.
Sifter or fine mesh strainer – For dusting cocoa powder evenly.
Spatula – To fold ingredients gently and layer the cups.

Mastering Classic Tiramisu Cups with Cocoa Dust: How-To

Step 1: Brew and Cool the Coffee

Start by brewing 1 cup of strong coffee. You want it bold enough to stand up to the sweet cream. Pour the coffee into a shallow bowl and let it cool completely before use. This prevents the ladyfingers from becoming soggy right away.

Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and sugar. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix just until incorporated. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to keep it light and airy.

Step 3: Dip the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee, making sure not to soak them for too long to avoid them falling apart. A quick one-second dip on each side is perfect. Place the dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of each serving cup to create the first layer.

Step 4: Layer the Cream

Spoon or pipe a generous layer of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers in each cup. Smooth it out gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Repeat Layers

Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the cream, then another layer of mascarpone cream. Fill the cups almost to the top, finishing with a creamy layer for that perfect presentation.

Step 6: Chill and Dust

Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set. Just before serving, dust the tops generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a sifter or fine mesh strainer.

Better Choices & Swaps

Mascarpone substitute: If mascarpone is hard to find, try using cream cheese blended with a bit of heavy cream for a similar texture.
Sweetener options: You can swap sugar for honey or maple syrup, but adjust the amount to taste.
Ladyfingers alternative: Sponge cake or pound cake cubes can be used if ladyfingers aren’t available.
Coffee variation: For a caffeine-free version, use strong brewed decaffeinated coffee or a rich chai tea.
Flavor twist: Add a splash of almond extract or coffee liqueur (non-alcoholic versions like coffee syrup) for added depth.

Chef’s Rationale

The success of these Classic Tiramisu Cups with Cocoa Dust lies in the harmony between the bold coffee-soaked ladyfingers and the smooth, lightly sweetened mascarpone cream. The whipped heavy cream folded in creates a delicate, fluffy texture that balances the dense richness of the mascarpone. Using individual cups not only makes serving easier but also allows the coffee flavor to soak perfectly into each layer without becoming soggy. Lastly, the unsweetened cocoa powder gives a slightly bitter contrast that cuts through the creaminess, making every bite a perfect blend of sweet, bitter, and creamy sensations.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

These tiramisu cups are best served chilled. After assembling, refrigerate them for at least 4 hours to let the flavors marry and the texture develop. Overnight chilling is ideal if you have the time.

Storage: Keep the cups covered tightly with plastic wrap or lids to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While not recommended due to the delicate texture of mascarpone and whipped cream, if needed, freeze the cups unassembled (ladyfingers and cream separately) and assemble after thawing.
Rewarming: This dessert is best enjoyed cold and should not be reheated.

Reader Favorites

Pinch of Yum’s Classic Tiramisu – A traditional take with rich flavors.
Sally’s Baking Addiction Creamy Tiramisu – Known for its luscious texture and easy steps.
Minimalist Baker’s Easy Tiramisu – Simplified with a few ingredients for quick prep.
Simply Recipes’ Tiramisu – A classic recipe with in-depth technique tips.

Serve & Enjoy

When it’s time to serve your Classic Tiramisu Cups with Cocoa Dust, grab a small spoon and dive right in. The layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone will delight your taste buds with every bite. The cocoa dust on top adds the perfect finishing touch, balancing sweetness with a hint of bitterness. These cups are elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a cozy night in. Pair them with a cup of espresso or your favorite dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience. Enjoy every spoonful of this classic Italian favorite reinvented in an easy-to-serve format!

With its luscious layers and timeless flavors, this recipe for Classic Tiramisu Cups with Cocoa Dust is sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. It’s a celebration of creamy textures and bold coffee notes that never fail to impress. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved classic. Happy baking and buon appetito!

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