By Tiramisu shots are mini versions of the classic Italian dessert, served in small glasses or cups with beautiful layers of coffee-soaked biscuits, creamy mascarpone filling, and cocoa dusting. They’re rich, soft, creamy, and full of coffee flavor — basically happiness in a glass.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10 shots)
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Layer:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso (cooled completely)
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on coffee bitterness)
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional, for authentic flavor)
For the Base Layer:
- 10–12 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
(You can also use sponge cake pieces if ladyfingers are not available)
For Garnish:
- 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (optional)
🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
First, brew a strong cup of coffee or espresso. Tiramisu tastes best when the coffee flavor is bold, so avoid light coffee. Let the coffee cool completely; hot coffee will make the biscuits too soggy.
If you like slightly sweet coffee, mix in 1–2 tablespoons of sugar while it’s still warm so it dissolves easily. For a traditional tiramisu taste, add 1 tablespoon of coffee liqueur. This step is optional, especially if serving kids.
Set the coffee mixture aside.
🍶 Step 2: Make the Creamy Mascarpone Filling
Take a large mixing bowl and add the cold heavy whipping cream. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat it until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds shape but slightly bends at the tip.
In another bowl, add mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until smooth and creamy. Do not overbeat mascarpone, as it can turn grainy.
Now slowly fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and fold gently in a circular motion. This keeps the cream light and fluffy. Your tiramisu cream should be thick, smooth, and airy.
🍪 Step 3: Prepare the Biscuits
Take the ladyfinger biscuits and break them into small pieces that can fit inside your shot glasses. Don’t make them too tiny — medium chunks work best for layering.
Quickly dip each piece into the cooled coffee mixture for 1–2 seconds only. Do NOT soak them too long, or they will become mushy.
🥄 Step 4: Start Layering the Shots
Take small dessert glasses, shot glasses, or mini cups.
Layering Order:
- First Layer – Coffee Biscuits
Add a layer of coffee-dipped biscuit pieces at the bottom. Press lightly so they settle. - Second Layer – Cream
Add 2–3 spoonfuls of the mascarpone cream on top. Spread gently. - Repeat Layers
Add another layer of coffee-soaked biscuits, then another layer of cream.
Finish with a cream layer on top.
This layering gives the perfect balance of soft cake and creamy texture in every spoonful.
❄️ Step 5: Chill the Tiramisu Shots
Cover the glasses with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Overnight chilling is even better. This helps the flavors blend and the biscuits soften perfectly.
Tiramisu tastes best when it’s properly chilled and set.
🍫 Step 6: Final Garnish
Just before serving, dust cocoa powder on top using a small sieve. This gives the classic tiramisu look and adds a slight chocolate bitterness that balances the sweetness.
You can also add:
- Chocolate curls
- Chocolate chips
- A coffee bean on top for decoration
💡 Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Shots
✔ Use good quality mascarpone — it makes a big difference.
✔ Don’t over-soak the biscuits. Slightly soft is perfect; soggy ruins texture.
✔ Always chill before serving — fresh tiramisu is too soft.
✔ For eggless tiramisu, this recipe is perfect as it contains no raw eggs.
✔ You can prepare these shots 1 day in advance for parties.
🍓 Variations You Can Try
- Chocolate Tiramisu: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder into the cream.
- Strawberry Tiramisu: Replace coffee with strawberry syrup and add chopped strawberries.
- Oreo Tiramisu Shots: Use crushed Oreos instead of ladyfingers.
🍽️ Serving Suggestion
Serve chilled with a small spoon. These mini desserts look elegant and are perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, or special occasions. Once you start eating, it’s hard to stop at one!
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