These Tiramisu Truffles are an easy no-bake dessert that turns the classic tiramisu flavor into a bite-size finger dessert. Rich, creamy, and lightly dusted with cocoa, they’re perfect when you want an elegant treat without turning on the oven.
These no-bake tiramisu truffles are made with simple ingredients. Coffee adds a gentle energy lift, cocoa brings deep flavor, and the creamy base gives a rich, satisfying texture. Together, they create coffee flavored truffles that feel indulgent but balanced, making them perfect for both dessert and quick treats.
They’re great for gifting, parties, and special occasions, and pair beautifully with tea party food, coffee, or after-dinner dessert spreads. Serve them on a platter or pack them in little boxes for a sweet, shareable snack.
What You'll Need
⅓ cup mascarpone cheese
12 savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers)
3 tablespoons brewed espresso coffee
3 teaspoons sifted powdered sugar
Cacao powder
Step-by-Step Guide to Make the Perfect Tiramisu Truffles
- Start with a fresh shot of espresso or a small amount of strong brewed coffee. Allow it to cool completely before using. This is crucial because hot coffee can melt the mascarpone, altering the creamy texture of your truffle base.
- Place your savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers) in a blender or food processor. Blitz them until they become a fine, powder-like consistency. The goal is a texture that will blend seamlessly into the creamy mixture without leaving chunks.
If you don’t have a blender, place the biscuits in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar. Stir gently until smooth and creamy. Slowly pour in the cooled espresso, folding it in carefully. The mixture should be silky and evenly colored, with no lumps. Avoid overmixing, which can make the base too runny.
- Add the biscuit crumbs to the mascarpone-coffee mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold the crumbs in until the mixture thickens and achieves a dough-like consistency, similar to cookie dough. This gives the truffles structure and ensures they hold their shape.
- Scoop small portions (about a teaspoon each) of the mixture and roll them into balls using your hands. Place each truffle on a plate or tray. You should get roughly 10 truffles depending on size.
- Transfer the truffles to the fridge and let them chill for at least 1 hour. This allows them to firm up and develop a slightly denser, richer texture. For an even firmer bite, leave them for 2 hours or overnight.
- Your tiramisu truffles are now ready! Serve them chilled for the best flavor. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Once chilled, pour cacao powder into a small bowl. Roll each truffle gently in the powder until fully coated. This final step not only adds a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness but also gives your truffles a professional, polished appearance.
Nutritional Snapshot
| Nutrient | Amount per Truffle |
|---|---|
| Calories | 87 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Calcium | 18 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
What Makes These Truffles Irresistible?
- These truffles are quick and easy to make, taking only about 15 minutes with no baking or complicated steps.
- You can easily customize them by adding a splash of coffee liqueur or coating them in chocolate for extra flavor.
- The inside is soft and creamy, with a rich texture that melts in your mouth.
- The recipe uses simple ingredients and requires no eggs or layering, making it straightforward to prepare.
- Their small, bite-sized shape makes them perfect for sharing at parties, giving as gifts, or enjoying as a treat at home.
Ingredient Swaps You’ll Love
1. Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone is the heart of tiramisu, giving it that rich, creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. If you can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese works well as a substitute.
Keep in mind, cream cheese has a tangier taste, which will slightly change the flavor profile but still deliver a creamy consistency. For an even lighter version, you can mix cream cheese with a tablespoon of heavy cream to mimic mascarpone’s smoothness.
2. Powdered Sugar
Powdered sugar (also called icing sugar) dissolves quickly into the mascarpone, creating a smooth, sweet filling. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference for sweetness.
For a healthier alternative, finely ground coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol can be used, though the texture might be slightly grainier.
3. Espresso
Espresso provides the signature coffee flavor of tiramisu. If espresso is unavailable, strong brewed coffee can be used, but ensure it’s concentrated to maintain the robust taste.
For a non-caffeinated version, use decaf coffee or even a coffee-flavored syrup. Make sure the liquid is cooled before mixing with the mascarpone to avoid curdling the cheese.
4. Savoiardi Ladyfinger Biscuits
Ladyfingers are delicate sponge biscuits that add structure and absorb the coffee flavor beautifully. If you can’t find savoiardi, sponge cake or even vanilla wafer cookies can be crushed and used as a substitute.
The key is to keep them light and airy so they blend smoothly into the truffle mixture.
5. Cacao Powder
Cacao powder adds that final touch of bitterness and a visually appealing finish. Regular cocoa powder works as well, though it’s sweeter and less intense.
For a twist, try mixing cacao with a tiny pinch of instant coffee or cinnamon for a flavor boost.
Secret for the Perfect Texture and Flavor
1. Choose Quality Coffee
Use freshly brewed, high-quality espresso or strong coffee. This is the flavor backbone of your truffles, so a rich, aromatic coffee will make every bite taste indulgent and authentic. Avoid instant coffee, as it may give a bitter or flat flavor.
2. Respect the Resting Time
Patience is key. Let the truffles chill in the fridge for at least one hour. This resting period allows the mixture to firm up while keeping the interior soft and creamy — exactly how tiramisu should feel in miniature form.
3. Adjust for Firmness
If you prefer truffles with a slightly denser bite, extend the chilling time or place them briefly in the freezer before rolling in cocoa powder. This ensures they hold their shape perfectly while still melting in your mouth.
4. Dust with Care
Roll the chilled truffles gently in cocoa powder just before serving. A light, even coating adds a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness, enhances texture, and gives them a polished, professional look.
5. Optional Flavor Boosts
For a subtle twist, mix a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or instant coffee into the cocoa powder. This adds depth without overpowering the classic tiramisu taste.
Vegan-Friendly Tiramisu Truffles
You can enjoy these tiramisu truffles even on a vegan diet with a few simple swaps. Replace the mascarpone cheese with a smooth vegan cream cheese or cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture.
Instead of traditional ladyfingers, use vegan biscuits or sponge cookies that don’t contain eggs or dairy. Swap the espresso or coffee liqueur with coffee or a coffee-flavored almond milk mixture to keep the flavor gentle and smooth. For dusting, stick with unsweetened cocoa powder or even finely ground vegan chocolate.
How to Store Your Tiramisu Truffles?
Tiramisu truffles are best enjoyed fresh, but with proper storage, you can keep them delicious for several days. Storing them correctly helps maintain their soft, creamy texture and rich flavor.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Keep truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, place truffles on a parchment-lined tray for a few hours, then move them to a sealed freezer bag for up to 1 month.
- Thaw frozen truffles in the refrigerator before serving so they soften properly.
- Serve chilled to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
These tiramisu truffles are perfect for making ahead of time, which makes dessert planning much easier. You can prepare them a day or two before you need them and store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh and maintain their soft, creamy texture.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Truffles
- Let the mascarpone cheese come to room temperature before mixing so it blends smoothly and easily.
- Make sure the coffee is completely cooled before adding it to the mascarpone to prevent the mixture from becoming runny.
- If the mixture feels too soft to roll into balls, chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes before shaping.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlua or a little Marsala wine to the mixture.
- Dust the truffles with cacao powder just before serving to keep the coating clean and even.
- Using a small cookie scoop helps make all the truffles the same size for a neat, professional look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these tiramisu truffles without coffee?
A: Yes! You can replace the espresso with hot chocolate, decaf coffee, or even flavored almond milk if you prefer a milder taste. The texture will remain the same, and the truffles will still be creamy and delicious.
Q2: How long do these truffles last?
A: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q3: Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prepare the truffle mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Roll them into balls and dust with cocoa powder right before serving for the freshest look.
Q4: Can I make a vegan version?
A: Yes. Replace mascarpone with vegan cream cheese or cashew cream and use vegan biscuits instead of ladyfingers. Use plant-based milk with coffee if needed. The truffles will be just as creamy and flavorful.
Q5: How do I make them kid-friendly?
A: To make them suitable for children, reduce or omit the coffee, or mix it with milk or hot chocolate. You can also add sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate for a fun twist.
Q6: Can I coat the truffles in chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
A: Yes. Melt dark, milk, or white chocolate and dip the truffles for a richer, dessert-like finish. Let them set in the fridge for a firmer bitee.
Tiramisu Truffles
Course: Dessert10-12
servings15
minutes1
hour1
hour15
minutesIngredients
⅓ cup mascarpone cheese
12 savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers), crushed
3 tablespoons brewed espresso, cooled
3 teaspoons powdered sugar
Cocoa powder for dusting
Directions
- Start by making a fresh shot of espresso or a small amount of strong coffee. Allow it to cool completely before using so it doesn’t melt the mascarpone and keeps the mixture smooth.
- Place the savoiardi biscuits in a blender or food processor and crush them into a fine, powdery crumb. If you don’t have a blender, you can place the biscuits in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar. Mix gently until smooth and creamy, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the cooled espresso into the mascarpone mixture. Stir slowly and evenly until the coffee is fully incorporated and the mixture has a silky texture.
- Add the crushed ladyfingers to the mixture. Fold them in gently using a spatula until the mixture thickens and resembles a cookie-dough-like consistency that can be shaped easily.
- Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll it into small balls with your hands. Place the truffles on a plate or tray, leaving a little space between each.
- Transfer the plate to the refrigerator and chill the truffles for at least 1 hour. This helps them firm up while keeping the inside soft and creamy.
- Just before serving, roll each chilled truffle in cocoa powder until evenly coated. This adds a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet, creamy interior and gives them a polished, professional look.
Notes
- Always use fresh, high-quality mascarpone for the creamiest texture. Low-fat or overly soft substitutes may make the mixture runny.
- Strong espresso or concentrated coffee gives the truffles a rich flavor. If using regular coffee, brew it extra strong.
- Even a short chill in the fridge helps the truffles hold their shape. For firmer truffles, extend the chilling time or freeze briefly.
- Lightly dampen your hands before rolling the truffles to prevent sticking and create smoother balls.
