Imagine all the creamy, dreamy bliss of tiramisu wrapped up in a bite-sized treasure – that’s exactly what you get with these Tiramisu Truffles! Each one is an irresistibly rich, chocolate-coated treat infused with bold espresso, velvety mascarpone, and the gentle crunch of ladyfinger cookies. Whether you’re craving a quick no-bake dessert for a dinner party or simply want to treat yourself to something special after a long day, these Tiramisu Truffles are about to become your new go-to indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of making Tiramisu Truffles is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create pure dessert magic. Every component brings its own personality to the party, building layers of flavor and texture you’ll absolutely adore.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 oz, softened): This Italian cream cheese is luxuriously smooth and creates the truffle’s signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Crushed ladyfinger cookies (1 cup): Their classic vanilla flavor and light crunch echo the beloved tiramisu base and help shape the truffles.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Softens and sweetens the truffle dough without any hint of grit.
- Strong brewed espresso or coffee (2 tablespoons, cooled): Delivers that deep, robust coffee kick — the heart and soul of tiramisu flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, cozy aromatic that enhances all the other ingredients.
- Cocoa powder (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch folded into the mixture deepens the chocolate notes and brings balance to the sweetness.
- Melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate (1/2 cup): Dipping each truffle in chocolate creates a decadent shell and complements the creamy center.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Perfect for dusting as a garnish, providing a classic tiramisu finish.
- Optional espresso powder or chocolate shavings: For an extra flourish on top, these bring a café-worthy finish to your truffles.
How to Make Tiramisu Truffles
Step 1: Make the Truffle Base
In a medium bowl, combine the softened mascarpone, crushed ladyfingers, powdered sugar, cooled espresso or coffee, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of cocoa powder. Stir everything together until you get a thick, smooth mixture. The mascarpone keeps things creamy, while the crushed cookies pull it all together for a scoopable dough you’ll want to taste right away (but resist — the flavor gets even better chilled!).
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the truffle dough for about 30 minutes. This quick chill makes the mixture firm enough to handle easily and helps intensify all those coffee and cocoa notes.
Step 3: Shape the Tiramisu Truffles
Once the mixture is chilled, use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion it out into 1-inch balls. Roll each gently between your palms until smooth, then arrange the balls on a parchment-lined baking tray. Pop the tray in the freezer for 15–20 minutes — this step keeps the truffles intact and prevents melting when you dip them in chocolate.
Step 4: Dip in Chocolate
Melt your dark or semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or gently over a double boiler until silky and pourable. Working one at a time, dip each chilled truffle into the chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Return the coated truffle to the parchment-lined tray. If you want perfect little domes with a shiny finish, use a fork to lift the truffles out of the chocolate and tap off any extra coating.
Step 5: Finish with Garnish
While the chocolate is still tacky, dust each truffle with unsweetened cocoa powder for that signature tiramisu look. If you like, add a sprinkle of espresso powder or a few chocolate shavings for a coffee shop-style finish. Then, let the truffles set in the fridge until the chocolate shell is firm and ready to bite.
How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles
Garnishes
Dress up your Tiramisu Truffles with a flourish of unsweetened cocoa powder, a dash of espresso powder, or delicate curls of chocolate shavings. These simple touches amplify their Italian café charm and make every bite extra special, both for the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Tiramisu Truffles are wonderful after a meal served alongside a demitasse of espresso, a steamy cappuccino, or a glass of dessert wine. If you’re planning a big dessert spread, they mingle perfectly with fresh berries, fruit salad, or a platter of crisp almond biscotti.
Creative Ways to Present
Place each truffle in an elegant mini-cupcake liner for a professionally polished look, or arrange them in a pyramid on a pretty cake stand as a stunning centerpiece. You can even skewer them on decorative picks to make Tiramisu Truffles the stars of a dessert grazing board at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Tiramisu Truffles tucked in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to five days. They’ll retain their creamy, dreamy texture and fresh coffee flavor, making them the perfect little treat to sneak all week long.
Freezing
These Tiramisu Truffles freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container (separated by parchment if you’re stacking), and they’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and they’ll taste just as heavenly as the day you made them.
Reheating
No reheating is needed — in fact, these truffles are best enjoyed chilled straight from the refrigerator. If you do freeze them, just give them time to thaw in the fridge before serving for the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Truffles ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These truffles are a make-ahead wonder. Prepare them a day or two in advance, store in the fridge, and your dessert will be show-stoppingly delicious with zero last-minute stress.
What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone is hard to find, you can substitute with full-fat cream cheese for a similar richness, though the flavor will be slightly tangier. For a more authentic taste, mix cream cheese and a bit of heavy cream until smooth.
Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Of course! For a simpler (and slightly quicker) version, just roll your truffles in cocoa powder or extra crushed cookies. They’ll still pack all the tiramisu flavor you love, with a more classic truffle texture.
Are these Tiramisu Truffles gluten-free?
Not by default, since most ladyfinger cookies contain wheat. To make a gluten-free version, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free vanilla wafers or ladyfingers. The result will be just as scrumptious!
How long do Tiramisu Truffles last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these truffles will stay fresh for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer for up to two months and enjoy whenever the mood strikes.
Final Thoughts
Go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to the pure delight of these Tiramisu Truffles! They’re easy, impressive, and completely irresistible — trust me, everyone will be asking for your secret. Now is the perfect time to indulge in a little Italian-inspired magic, one dreamy bite at a time.
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Tiramisu Truffles Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Tiramisu Truffles are a bite-sized take on the classic Italian dessert, combining the flavors of mascarpone, espresso, and cocoa in a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Mascarpone Mixture:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed ladyfinger cookies or vanilla wafers
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder
Coating and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Optional espresso powder or chocolate shavings for topping
Instructions
- Mix Mascarpone Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine mascarpone, crushed cookies, powdered sugar, espresso, vanilla, and cocoa powder until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Form Truffles: Scoop mixture into 1-inch balls, roll them smooth, and freeze for 15–20 minutes.
- Coat Truffles: Melt chocolate, dip truffles, allow excess to drip off, then dust with cocoa powder or shavings. Chill until set.
Notes
- Store truffles in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a no-coating version, roll truffles in cocoa powder or crushed cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
