Name: Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ⅓ cup mascarpone cheese - preferably at room temperature; 12 savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers) - 3.5 oz / 100 g; 3 tablespoons brewed espresso coffee; 3 teaspoons sifted powdered sugar; Cacao powder for dusting

If you adore the rich, creamy flavors of tiramisu but want something bite-sized and fuss-free, you’re going to flip for this Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe. It’s like having a mini dessert party in your mouth—quick to make and utterly indulgent.

A white plate with a leaf pattern edge holds a pile of round chocolate balls, each covered in a light layer of cocoa powder giving a soft brown dusty texture. The balls are arranged in three or four layers, closely packed in the center, showing their slightly uneven but smooth surfaces. Around the chocolate balls are a few fresh bright red strawberry quarters, adding a splash of color. In the background, a white marbled surface is visible along with the lower part of a white cup with yellow and blue patterns and some soft beige cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these tiramisu truffles more times than I can count—they’re my go-to when I want that classic Italian dessert flavor without the wait or the layers. Plus, they’re just so darn cute and perfect for sharing (or not!).

Simple Ingredients: No hard-to-find items here, just pantry basics and fresh espresso.
Quick No-Bake Delight: Prepare in 15 minutes, then chill—no oven needed!
Perfectly Portion-Controlled: Makes about 10 bite-sized truffles that are easy to enjoy guilt-free.
Rich Italian Flavor: Classic mascarpone and espresso notes capture tiramisu’s essence in every bite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, grab quality ingredients for the best results—fresh mascarpone at room temperature and a good espresso make all the difference in this recipe’s creamy, bold flavor.

Flat lay of a small mound of creamy mascarpone cheese in a simple white ceramic bowl, a neat stack of fresh savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits, a small white bowl filled with dark brewed espresso coffee, another small white bowl containing sifted powdered sugar, and a third small white bowl holding rich cacao powder for dusting, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mascarpone cheese: The star of the show, it delivers that velvety richness and smooth texture essential for authentic tiramisu flavor.
Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers): These light, airy biscuits soak up espresso beautifully and create the perfect crumbly base.
Espresso coffee: Freshly brewed adds that bold, robust kick that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Powdered sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness without graininess, helping to harmonize flavors.
Cacao powder: For that classic dusting that finishes off your truffles with a slightly bitter contrast and beautiful look.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes or occasion. Whether you want to make them extra indulgent or keep it light, there’s a variation for everyone.

Chocolate-Dipped Delight: For an extra decadent treat, dip each truffle in melted dark chocolate before dusting with cacao powder. I tried this once for a holiday party, and the glossy chocolate coating was a showstopper that paired beautifully with the espresso flavor.
Espresso Substitute: If you’re not a fan of strong espresso or don’t have a coffee machine, try using strong brewed coffee instead. It softens the flavor but still gives that signature coffee kick. Perfect for those who prefer a gentler taste.
Make It Vegan: Swap the mascarpone cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use plant-based coffee creamer if desired. The texture is slightly different but still creamy and satisfying for a dairy-free version.
Festive Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the cream mixture for a seasonal twist. I love adding a little cinnamon in winter— it brightens the rich mascarpone and espresso notes beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a small round chocolate ball that is broken in half to show a light beige crumbly inside layer with a smooth brown outer layer, in the background there is a white plate filled with more chocolate balls and some strawberry slices, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brew Your Perfect Espresso

Start by brewing 3 tablespoons of fresh espresso. This small but mighty amount packs all the bold coffee flavor you’ll need. Set it aside to cool completely to room temperature—this is important so the mascarpone doesn’t melt during mixing. Patience here pays off with a beautifully creamy texture later.

Step 2: Crush Those Savoiardi Biscuits into Fine Powder

While your espresso cools, blitz your 12 savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers) in a blender or food processor. Your goal is a fine powder, almost like cookie crumbs—this helps the truffles hold together smoothly and absorb that luscious espresso flavor evenly. No lumps here!

Step 3: Whip Up Your Creamy Mascarpone Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature mascarpone cheese with 3 teaspoons of sifted powdered sugar. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold in the cooled espresso until you have a smooth, silky cream. If your mascarpone feels too stiff, letting it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before this step can make mixing a breeze.

Step 4: Combine Biscuit Powder and Cream

Add the crushed ladyfinger powder to the mascarpone and espresso cream. Fold everything together using a rubber spatula until fully combined. You’re aiming for a thick batter-like consistency, similar to cookie dough. This mixture should be pliable but firm enough to hold shape when rolled.

Step 5: Roll Into Perfect Tiramisu Truffle Balls

Now, take a teaspoon of the mixture and roll it gently between your fingers to create a small ball. Place each truffle on a plate as you go. You should end up with about 10 truffles. This part is fun and a little hands-on—don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfectly smooth, practice makes perfect!

Step 6: Chill and Let Them Set

Pop your plate of truffle balls into the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour. This chilling time lets the truffles firm up for that perfect bite—soft but holding shape. If you prefer a firmer texture, feel free to extend the chilling time.

Step 7: Dust With Cacao Powder and Serve

Finally, pour some cacao powder into a small bowl. Roll each chilled truffle gently in the cacao until fully coated in that luscious chocolatey dust. Arrange them neatly on a serving plate and get ready to enjoy your bite-sized Italian indulgence—these Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone are sure to impress!

Top Tip

These tips can make your Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe extra special, ensuring every bite is just right and the process is smooth and fun.

Use Room Temperature Mascarpone: Letting your mascarpone sit out for 15-20 minutes before mixing makes blending it into a silky cream much easier and prevents any lumps.
Chill for Flavor Development: Allow the truffles to chill for at least the full hour; it really helps the flavors meld beautifully while giving them that perfect bite.
Fine Ladyfinger Crumbs: Pulverizing the savoiardi biscuits into a fine powder makes shaping the truffles easier and keeps the texture smooth rather than gritty.
Espresso Isn’t Optional: Using freshly brewed espresso instead of regular coffee packs a bold, rich flavor punch that makes these truffles truly authentic and indulgent.

How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe

In a white bowl with a bright blue and yellow pattern, there is a light brown crumbly mixture that looks like crushed cookies or sweets. On top of the crumbs sits a white spatula partially covered with the same crumbly mixture. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface, but the background around the bowl is changed to a white marbled texture. The crumbs inside the bowl are uneven in size, giving a rough and grainy texture, filling about two-thirds of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Try sprinkling extra cacao powder right before serving for a fresh dusting. For a little flair, add a tiny twist of orange zest or a dusting of finely grated dark chocolate. If you want to impress, a light sprinkle of crushed espresso beans can add an appealing crunch and enhance the coffee flavor.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair splendidly with a cup of fresh espresso or a creamy cappuccino for a classic Italian combination. For something fun, offer fresh berries or a small bowl of whipped cream on the side, which balances the richness perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Tiramisu Truffles covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh, flavorful, and maintains their delicate texture so you can enjoy them over a couple of days without losing that creamy bliss.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the truffles, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm (about 1 hour), then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before dusting with cacao powder and serving.

Reheating

Since these truffles are best enjoyed chilled, no reheating is necessary. Simply let frozen truffles thaw completely in the fridge for a creamy and delightful dessert experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the espresso with regular coffee?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee instead of espresso, but keep in mind the flavor will be milder and less intense. Espresso really enhances the truffles’ signature richness.

Why do I need to let the espresso cool before mixing?

Cooling the espresso prevents the mascarpone from melting or curdling, which helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture in your truffle mixture.

How long will the truffles keep in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, the truffles will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Is there a way to make these truffles firmer?

Yes! Simply chill them longer than the suggested 1 hour—an extra hour or two in the fridge will give them a firmer, more solid texture.

Final Thoughts

Making these Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe brings a little slice of Italy right into your kitchen with minimal fuss. I love how easy it is to whip up this dessert and the way each bite transports you to a cozy café in Rome. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these truffles are sure to become a delicious favorite in your dessert lineup. Enjoy every creamy, coffee-kissed bite!