Espresso-Infused Tiramisu Cups with Mascarpone Cream
Individual tiramisu cups layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a fluffy mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder for a classic Italian dessert. This Italian-inspired recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, layers strong brewed espresso, cooled, ladyfinger cookies, mascarpone cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 24 pieces ladyfinger cookies
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp dark rum (optional)
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup cooled strong brewed espresso with 2 tbsp dark rum (optional) to create the soaking liquid for ladyfingers.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat 8 oz mascarpone cheese with 1 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract using an electric mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form and the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Step 3: Quickly dip 24 ladyfinger cookies one at a time into the espresso mixture for 1-2 seconds, ensuring they absorb liquid but do not become soggy.
- Step 4: In 4 clear serving cups, arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom, spoon 1/4 of the mascarpone cream over them, then repeat the layers once more.
- Step 5: Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6: Before serving, dust the tops with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve for a classic finish.








