If you’ve ever wished you could have a classic tiramisu without the long chill time or the fuss of layering a whole cake, these Tiramisu Parfait Cups are the dream come true. Imagine everything you love about tiramisu — the creamy mascarpone, the hint of espresso, the cocoa dusting — all tucked into adorable single-serve cups. Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknight cravings.
I’ve always had a soft spot for tiramisu. There’s something magical about that first bite — a mix of rich coffee flavor, velvety cream, and just a whisper of chocolate. But sometimes, you want that magic fast. That’s where these tiramisu dessert cups step in.
Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Parfait Cups
These aren’t your average dessert cups. They’re creamy, comforting, and a total crowd-pleaser — but without the stress of traditional layering or overnight waiting.
Here’s why I keep making them again and again:
- Quick & Simple: No baking, no complicated steps. You can whip these easy tiramisu cups together in about 20 minutes.
- Perfect Portions: Individual tiramisu in cups means everyone gets their own serving (no fighting over the last piece!).
- Great for Make-Ahead: They chill beautifully, so you can prep them a day in advance for parties or dinner nights.
- That Classic Flavor: Espresso, mascarpone, cocoa — all the authentic tiramisu goodness in a light, creamy parfait form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for your tiramisu parfait recipe (easy version):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional but adds depth)
- 12–14 ladyfinger cookies
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional for garnish)
A quick tip: If mascarpone feels too heavy for your taste, you can lighten it up by mixing in a spoonful of whipped cream cheese or even Greek yogurt. It gives a slightly tangy edge that balances the sweetness beautifully.
How To Make Tiramisu Parfait Cups
This easy tiramisu recipe follows the same spirit as the original, just simplified and served in cups.
Step 1: Make the Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Set aside.
In another bowl, beat together the mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined. You should get a light, airy texture — like clouds.
Step 2: Coffee Soak
Mix your cooled espresso (or coffee) with the coffee liqueur. Dip each ladyfinger quickly — and I mean quickly! — into the coffee mixture. You want them soaked but not soggy. Think of it as a coffee handshake, not a full dive.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Break each dipped ladyfinger in half to fit your parfait cups. Start layering: a base of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, a spoonful of the mascarpone cream, then repeat. End with a generous layer of cream on top.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the individual tiramisu cups for at least 2 hours (overnight if you can resist). Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and top with chocolate shavings.
And there you have it — creamy, coffee-kissed perfection in a cup.
Make It Your Own
Once you get the hang of this tiramisu cups recipe, you’ll want to play around. I’ve tried a few twists that turned out amazing:
- Mocha Dream: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or drizzle chocolate syrup between the layers.
- Nutty Bliss: Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or pistachios for a little crunch.
- Berry Surprise: Add sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist that cuts through the creaminess.
- Tiramisu Shooters: Make mini versions in shot glasses — perfect for parties or dessert bars.
This dessert loves creativity, so don’t hesitate to mix things up.
Tips For The Perfect Tiramisu In A Cup
A few tricks I’ve learned along the way:
- Use good coffee. The coffee flavor is front and center, so go with a rich espresso or dark roast.
- Don’t over-soak. Soggy ladyfingers will ruin the texture. Quick dips only!
- Chill time matters. Even a few hours in the fridge helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve cold. This dessert shines when it’s cool, creamy, and just firm enough to scoop with a spoon.
Why Parfait Cups Make Desserts Fun
There’s something special about desserts in cups. Maybe it’s the layered look — those ribbons of cream and coffee-soaked cookies — or maybe it’s just the fun of having your own little serving. Either way, these tiramisu parfaits always steal the spotlight.
They’re also great for entertaining. You can prep them in advance, stack them in the fridge, and bring them out looking like you’ve spent all day crafting a fancy dessert. (Spoiler: you haven’t!)
Tiramisu Parfait Cups
Ingredients
Method
- Pour the cold heavy cream into a chilled bowl and beat it with a hand or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Don’t overwhip; it should look fluffy, not stiff.
- In another bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream. You should get a light, creamy mixture that’s easy to spoon.
- In a shallow bowl, combine cooled espresso (or coffee) with coffee liqueur. Stir lightly.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture. Don’t let them soak too long — just a quick dunk so they stay firm.
- Break the dipped ladyfingers to fit the base of your glass cups. Add a layer of mascarpone cream on top, then another layer of soaked ladyfingers. Finish with a final layer of cream.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight if you can). This helps the flavors come together.
- Right before serving, dust the tops with cocoa powder and sprinkle chocolate shavings. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- Use good-quality espresso — it’s what makes the flavor stand out.
- If you don’t have coffee liqueur, you can skip it or replace it with a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract.
- The longer it chills, the better it tastes. Overnight is ideal.
- For a lighter version, replace half the mascarpone with Greek yogurt.
Common Questions About Tiramisu Cups
1. Can I make tiramisu parfait cups without mascarpone?
Yes! You can swap mascarpone with cream cheese or a mix of cream cheese and whipped cream. The flavor will be a bit tangier but still delicious.
2. Can I make them alcohol-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the coffee liqueur and use a little vanilla or almond extract in the coffee for depth.
3. How long do they last in the fridge?
These tiramisu in a cup desserts stay fresh for about 3 days when covered and refrigerated. The flavor actually improves on day two!
4. Can I freeze tiramisu cups?
Technically, yes, but the texture changes slightly after thawing. If you do freeze them, let them sit in the fridge overnight before serving.
5. What’s the difference between tiramisu and tiramisu parfait?
A traditional tiramisu is layered in a dish, often with thicker coffee-soaked layers. The tiramisu parfait is a lighter, individually layered version — perfect for quick assembly and presentation.
A Sweet Little Reflection
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a classic like tiramisu into something that fits modern life — simple, portable, and still indulgent. These mini tiramisu cups capture everything I adore about desserts: balance, beauty, and that little spark of joy when you take the first spoonful.
So next time you’re craving something sweet (but don’t want to bake an entire cake), grab your parfait cups and coffee. In just a few steps, you’ll have dessert magic waiting in the fridge.
And trust me — once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for every occasion. From cozy nights to fancy dinners, these tiramisu parfait cups never disappoint.
