Tiramisu Cups-Without Mascarpone

These delightful tiramisu cups feature a rich and creamy cream cheese filling layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, all beautifully arranged in a cup for an irresistible treat!

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About The Recipe

I love desserts that can be turned into cup form like cheesecakes, mousse, cake, and tiramisu! These tiramisu cups are made without eggs and mascarpone cheese. I used cream cheese instead, which is much cheaper and more easily available so anyone can make these delicious treats! But if you want to use mascarpone, you can do that too!

I also have a regular Tiramisu recipe (without mascarpone) which is one of my most popular recipes here on the blog as well as on TikTok, so make sure to check that out if you want to make a large tiramisu that’s perfect for parties!

Tiramisu cups are a delightful twist on the classic dessert. The cream cheese brings a slightly tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers. The texture is rich and creamy, yet a bit denser than traditional tiramisu, giving each spoonful a satisfying, velvety feel. The cocoa dusting on top adds a hint of bitterness that balances the layers of flavors, making these tiramisu cups a comforting and indulgent treat.

What I love most about this recipe is that it requires absolutely no baking, and it can be whipped up in a matter of minutes! It’s not too sweet and is made with a handful of ingredients.

Just like these tiramisu cups, my Banana Pudding recipe is also made with layers of deliciousness and requires no baking either!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Cream Cheese: you’ll need full-fat, brick-style cream cheese for this recipe. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, this will ensure that your tiramisu mixture turns out smooth and creamy. If you have mascarpone cheese, then you can use that instead, you’ll have to use the same amount as in the recipe for cream cheese.

Heavy Cream: make sure the heavy cream is chilled and has a fat percentage of 35% or above, otherwise it will not whip into soft peaks. (Heavy cream is also known as double cream.)

Powdered sugar: also known as confectioner’s or icing sugar. Granulated sugar will not work for this recipe.

Instant coffee: tiramisu cannot be made without coffee! I used instant espresso powder.

Cocoa powder: you’ll need this for dusting on top of the soaked ladyfingers.

Granulated sugar: this is for the coffee, I like to add a bit so that the ladyfingers don’t taste too bitter.

Vanilla extract: adding a bit of vanilla extract to the tiramisu mixture gives it a beautiful taste and aroma.

Ladyfingers: I used store-bought ladyfingers, but you could also make them at home, here’s a recipe (not mine)

How To Make Tiramisu Cups

Step 1: Combine hot water, instant coffee, and granulated sugar and set that aside to cool down.

Step 2: Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks, this will take about 4-5 minutes with an electric hand/stand mixer. It can also be done with a whisk, but it’ll take a bit longer.

Step 3: Add in softened cream cheese and beat until fully combined.

Step 4: Add a layer of the tiramisu mixture to the bottom of your glasses (makes about 6 cups).

Step 5: Break the ladyfingers so that they fit into the cups. Quickly soak them on both sides and place them on top of the cream layer. Add a dusting of cocoa powder over the soaked ladyfingers.

Step 6: Add another layer of the tiramisu cream, then another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers and a dusting of cocoa powder. Next, add one last layer of the tiramisu mixture and finish it off with a dusting of cocoa powder. You can fill the cups all the way to the top with the cream cheese mixture, smooth it out then dust it with cocoa powder, or do what I did and not add the cream all the way to the top. I also topped mine with a couple of blueberries, slices of strawberry, and mint leaves. Chill the tiramisu cups for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Storing the Tiramisu Cups

Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator as the cream cheese in the desserts could easily go bad. Plus this dessert is best served cold anyway.

You could make the tiramisu cream a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, this will make the process even quicker.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Coffee: Use strong espresso or coffee to soak the ladyfingers to ensure a bold flavor. Let the coffee cool completely before dipping the ladyfingers to avoid sogginess.
Balance Sweetness: Cream cheese can be tangier than mascarpone, so adjust the sugar to balance the flavors. Taste the cream mixture as you go to achieve your desired sweetness.
Layer Carefully: When assembling the tiramisu cups, layer the ingredients evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy filling. Use a piping bag for neat layers.
Chill for Best Results: Allow the tiramisu cups to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together and the texture to set properly.
Cocoa Dusting: Dust the top layer with high-quality cocoa powder just before serving. For a twist, you can mix cocoa powder with a little powdered sugar for a milder flavor.

FAQ’s

Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese in tiramisu cups?

Of course! Traditional tiramisu is made with mascarpone cheese, so if that’s easily available for you, you should definitely use it. You’ll need the same amount as cream cheese in the recipe.

How long should I chill the tiramisu cups before serving?

It’s best to chill the tiramisu cups for at least 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to set. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will do.

What type of coffee should I use for soaking the ladyfingers?

Strong espresso or robust brewed coffee is ideal for soaking the ladyfingers, as it provides a rich coffee flavor.

Can I make tiramisu cups in advance?

Yes, tiramisu cups are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare them a day before and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How can I prevent the ladyfingers from getting too soggy?

Dip the ladyfingers quickly into the coffee, just enough to moisten them without soaking. This will prevent them from becoming overly soggy.

Check out my YouTube Channel for detailed recipe tutorials! Made one of my recipes? Tag me on Instagram, I would love to see your creations!

If you love easy, no-bake recipes, then you have to try out my No-bake Lemon Cheesecake, and my Homemade No-Churn Pistachio Ice Cream!

Recipe Card

Tiramisu Cups-Without Mascarpone

These delightful tiramisu cups feature a rich and creamy cream cheese filling layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, all beautifully arranged in a cup for an irresistible treat!

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 0 min

Chill Time: 60 min

Total Time: 1 hrs. 20 min

Course: Dessert

Servings: 6-8

Calories: 255kcal

Ingredients

1 cup hot water (240ml)
2 tbsp instant coffee (28g)
1 tbsp granulated sugar (14g)
1 cup heavy cream, cold (240ml)
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp powdered sugar (150g)
1 cup cream cheese, room temp. (240g)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Ladyfingers, as needed
Cocoa powder for dusting, as needed

Equipment/Utensils

Small bowl
Large bowl
Electric hand mixer (optional) or whisk
Spatula
6-8 cups
small sieve (to dust cocoa powder)

Instructions

In a small bowl combine hot water, instant coffee, and granulated sugar. Give this a good mix and set it aside to cool down completely while you make the tiramisu cream.
In a large bowl, whip cold heavy cream along with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, this takes 4-5 minutes with an electric mixer. This step can also be done with a whisk, but it will take longer.
Add in softened (room temp.) cream cheese and vanilla extract and beat just until combined. The tiramisu cream is now ready, if you want you can transfer it into a large piping bag or just use a spoon to add it to the cups.
Prepare the cups: Add a layer of the cream cheese mixture onto the bottom of all the cups.
Break the ladyfingers so that they fit into the cups. Slightly dip the ladyfingers on both sides into the fully-cooled coffee you prepared earlier. Be quick, because it’s very easy to over-soak the ladyfingers. Arrange the soaked ladyfinger on top of the cream layer, use as much as you need.
This step is optional, but I like to dust cocoa powder over the soaked ladyfingers.
Repeat this process with another layer of cream, then a layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers (dust with cocoa powder), and finally another layer of cream. For the last layer of cream, you could add the cream all the way to the top of the cups and smooth it out, or leave it a little bit below the edge of the cups as I did.
Chill the tiramisu cups for at least an hour or up to 4 hours.
Dust with cocoa powder before serving. I also topped it off with some blueberries, strawberries, and some mint. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 254.64kcal

Total Fat: 21.88g

Carbs: 11.76g

Sugars: 3.83g

Protein: 4.07g

Sodium: 113.94mg

Fiber: 0.44g

** Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, cooking methods, portion sizes, and more. **