If you’re dreaming of a quick, elegant Italian-inspired treat that melts in your mouth, you’re in for a real delight with these Tiramisu Truffles! Each bite is a mini tiramisu—lush mascarpone, punchy espresso, tender savoiardi, and a cloud of cocoa. No oven, no stress, just gorgeous flavor in a bite-size package perfect for sharing (or stashing away for yourself!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Magic: Tiramisu Truffles require absolutely no baking—perfect for summer, holidays, and last-minute cravings.
- Authentic Italian Flavors: Every truffle captures the blissful taste of classic tiramisu, from rich espresso to silky mascarpone and the airy sweetness of ladyfingers.
- So Simple, So Impressive: You only need a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps to create a dessert that looks (and tastes) like it came from a fancy café.
- Party-Perfect & Portable: These truffles are made for sharing—elegant on dessert platters or boxed up as a sweet edible gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at just how few ingredients stand between you and dreamy Tiramisu Truffles! Each component brings a burst of flavor and texture, transforming something simple into pure bliss.
- Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy Italian cheese is the rich, velvety heart of tiramisu—make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Savoiardi Biscuits (Ladyfingers): These crisp, airy cookies soak up espresso and transform into soft, cake-like bites in each truffle.
- Brewed Espresso Coffee: Deep, aromatic espresso infuses the truffles with that classic tiramisu zing—let it cool before mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: Sifted powdered sugar melds seamlessly into the mascarpone for the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Cacao Powder: A dusting of cocoa gives each truffle a beautiful, cafe-style finish and a whisper of chocolaty depth.
Variations
The beauty of Tiramisu Truffles is how easy they are to make your own—tweak the recipe to suit your pantry, your sweet tooth, or any special dietary needs!
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip the chilled truffles in melted dark or white chocolate before dusting with cocoa for a decadent shell and extra flair.
- Liqueur Boost: Add a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlua) or Marsala wine to the mascarpone mixture for a grown-up twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Roll your truffles in finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds for a lovely textural contrast and nutty flavor.
- Vegan & Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based mascarpone and vegan ladyfingers so everyone can enjoy these irresistible truffles.
How to Make Tiramisu Truffles
Step 1: Blitz the Ladyfingers
Start by blitzing your savoiardi biscuits in a food processor or blender until they become a fine, sandy powder. This is what gives your Tiramisu Truffles that classic, super-soft texture. A few quick pulses and you’re ready for the next stage!
Step 2: Whip Up the Mascarpone Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and sifted powdered sugar. Add the cooled espresso—this is where all that tiramisu flavor rushes in! Mix gently with a spatula until everything is smooth and creamy, almost like a dreamy dessert cloud.
Step 3: Combine and Form the Truffles
Tip in your powdered ladyfingers and stir everything together until a thick, sticky dough forms. This is where you’ll start to see and smell that unmistakable tiramisu magic. Use a teaspoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough and roll into truffle-sized balls—aim for about 10 from the mixture.
Step 4: Chill to Perfection
Arrange the truffle balls on a plate and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This gives them time to set, plump up, and develop that lovely soft-yet-firm truffle texture. If you prefer a firmer bite, leave them chilling a bit longer.
Step 5: Finish with Cocoa
Add cacao powder to a small bowl and roll each chilled truffle until beautifully dusted. The cocoa finish is the crowning touch—classic, dramatic, and oh-so-tasty! Now, your Tiramisu Truffles are ready to serve, snack, or devour on the spot.
Pro Tips for Making Tiramisu Truffles
- Mascarpone Matters: Use full-fat, high-quality mascarpone for the richest, creamiest results—low-fat versions can be watery and less stable when rolling.
- Espresso Intensity: If you love a bold coffee flavor, brew your espresso a touch stronger or add an extra teaspoon for a more robust tiramisu taste.
- Chill for Control: If your mixture feels too soft to roll, pop the bowl in the fridge for 15 minutes before shaping into truffles—it makes the process a breeze!
- Beautiful Dusting: Roll truffles in cacao powder just before serving for the freshest look—otherwise, the cocoa can get absorbed and lose its velvety finish.
How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles
Garnishes
Cacao powder is a classic, but try grating a little dark chocolate, adding a light sprinkle of espresso powder, or even placing a chocolate-covered coffee bean on each truffle for a playful (and tasty) finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These Tiramisu Truffles love a good Italian coffee or a little pousse-café on the side. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla gelato, fresh berries, or a crisp glass of sweet dessert wine for a real dolce vita experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the truffles on a beautiful platter with doilies or mini cupcake wrappers for an elegant dessert spread. For special occasions or gifts, box them up with a ribbon, or tuck a few into mason jars with a cute label.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Tiramisu Truffles will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to layer parchment between them if you’re stacking to keep them picture-perfect!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, these truffles freeze brilliantly! Arrange them on a baking tray to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
No reheating required—just bring the Tiramisu Truffles to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to let all those creamy flavors shine. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt or over-soften the mascarpone filling.
FAQs
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Can I make Tiramisu Truffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, they get even more flavorful after chilling. Prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
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What if I don’t have a food processor to crush the ladyfingers?
No worries—simply place the savoiardi biscuits in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. It’s old-school and effective!
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Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso in Tiramisu Truffles?
Yes—just mix a tablespoon of strong instant coffee with hot water and let it cool. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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How do I make these truffles gluten-free?
Simply swap out the regular ladyfingers for gluten-free versions—they’re available in most grocery stores or online, and the result will be just as delightful.
Final Thoughts
If you adore the classic flavors of Italian desserts but want something quick and fuss-free, these Tiramisu Truffles are calling your name. They’re creamy, dreamy, and delightfully easy to make—just waiting for you to take that first irresistible bite. Give them a try and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a little taste of la dolce vita!
Print
Tiramisu Truffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 truffles 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional tiramisu with these delightful Tiramisu Truffles. Creamy mascarpone cheese and espresso-soaked ladyfingers come together in a decadent bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
Mascarpone Cream Mixture:
- 1/3 cup mascarpone cheese, preferably at room temperature
- 3 teaspoons sifted powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons brewed espresso coffee
Truffle Base:
- 12 (3.5oz / 100g) savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers)
Additional:
- Cacao powder for dusting
Instructions
- Brew Espresso: Brew espresso coffee and allow it to cool.
- Prepare Ladyfinger Base: Blitz the savoiardi biscuits in a blender or food processor to a powder consistency.
- Create Cream Mixture: In a bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and cooled espresso to make the cream mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the crushed ladyfingers to the bowl and mix until well combined, creating a thick batter.
- Form Truffle Balls: Roll spoonfuls of the mixture into balls and place on a plate.
- Chill Truffles: Refrigerate the truffle balls for at least 1 hour to set.
- Dust with Cacao: Coat the truffles in cacao powder before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
