Quick Classic Tiramisu Cups

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Individual cups of creamy mascarpone layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and dusted with cocoa powder for a speedy Italian dessert. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, granulated sugar 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 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gently fold 1 cup mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Quickly dip 12 ladyfinger cookies into 1/2 cup cooled strong brewed espresso, soaking each side for about 2 seconds, then layer 6 dipped ladyfingers evenly in the bottom of four 6-ounce serving cups.
  4. Step 4: Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing the surface.
  5. Step 5: Repeat with the remaining dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture, layering evenly.
  6. Step 6: Dust the top with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
  7. Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Classic Tiramisu Cups take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Quick Classic Tiramisu Cups?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Classic Tiramisu Cups?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Classic Tiramisu Cups for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Quick Classic Tiramisu Cups?

Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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