Tiramisu Truffles – A Bite-Sized Take on the Classic Italian Dessert

🎉 Introduction

If you love tiramisu, you’re going to adore these Tiramisu Truffles. They pack all the flavor of the beloved Italian dessert into convenient, rich, bite-sized treats. With creamy mascarpone, espresso undertones, and a dusting of cocoa, these truffles are indulgent yet easy to make—no baking required!

Perfect for parties, gifting, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up, these truffles are decadent, soft, and irresistibly good.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or spatula
• Spoon or small cookie scoop
• Tray or plate
• Parchment paper
• Sifter (for cocoa powder)
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Refrigerator

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups crushed ladyfingers (Savoiardi, finely crushed)
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for rolling)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Truffle Base

1. In a large bowl, add the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar.
2. Using a hand mixer or spatula, mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Add in the espresso powder and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
4. Fold in the crushed ladyfingers a little at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be moldable but not sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

1. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes to firm up. This makes shaping easier.

Step 3: Shape the Truffles

1. Once chilled, scoop out small amounts (about 1 tbsp) and roll them into balls.
2. Place each truffle on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

Step 5: Coat or Drizzle

• Option 1: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the truffles for a decorative finish.
• Option 2: Dip the truffles partially in chocolate for a half-dipped effect.
• Let the chocolate set for 5–10 minutes.

Step 6: Roll in Cocoa Powder

1. Sift unsweetened cocoa powder into a shallow bowl or plate.
2. Roll each truffle gently in cocoa until fully coated.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: Makes 15–18 truffles
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30–45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

• Freeze in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating:

• Not required; serve chilled or at room temperature.

🥄 Variations

• Boozy Version: Add 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to the mixture.
• White Chocolate Coating: Swap melted dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter version.
• Crunchy Twist: Add crushed hazelnuts or almonds to the truffle mix.
• Cinnamon Tiramisu Truffles: Mix in ¼ tsp cinnamon for a subtle warmth.
• Coconut-Coated: Roll in desiccated coconut instead of cocoa.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free mascarpone and dark chocolate.
• Dust with Espresso Powder: For stronger coffee flavor, combine cocoa with extra espresso powder.
• Add Chocolate Chips Inside: Fold mini chips into the dough for texture.
• Top with Gold Dust or Sprinkles: For elegant presentation during parties.
• Chocolate Shells: Fully dip and chill to harden for a firmer exterior.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I make tiramisu truffles ahead of time?
Yes! They store well in the fridge for up to a week and freeze beautifully.

2. Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
You can, but mascarpone gives it the authentic tiramisu flavor.

3. What if I don’t have ladyfingers?
Use vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or even sponge cake crumbs.

4. Is espresso powder the same as instant coffee?
Not exactly. Espresso powder is finer and more intense, but instant coffee can be substituted.

5. Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Absolutely. They still taste amazing with just cocoa powder.

6. How do I prevent the truffles from sticking to my hands?
Chill the dough well and dust your hands lightly with cocoa or powdered sugar.

7. Can I add alcohol to these truffles?
Yes! Kahlúa, rum, or marsala wine add classic tiramisu depth.

8. Are they gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free ladyfingers.

9. Can kids eat these?
Yes—if you omit any alcohol. The espresso is minimal and can be reduced.

10. Can I serve them at room temperature?
Yes, but they hold their shape best when chilled.

🏁 Conclusion

These Tiramisu Truffles are proof that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be irresistible. They take all the rich, creamy, coffee-kissed elegance of tiramisu and compress it into a perfect, bite-sized morsel. Whether you’re entertaining, gifting, or indulging yourself, this recipe delivers luxurious flavor with minimal effort.

And the best part? No baking required, just mix, chill, roll, and enjoy.

Adam

Tiramisu Truffles – A Bite-Sized Take on the Classic Italian Dessert

If you love tiramisu, you’re going to adore these Tiramisu Truffles. They pack all the flavor of the beloved Italian dessert into convenient, rich, bite-sized treats. With creamy mascarpone, espresso undertones, and a dusting of cocoa, these truffles are indulgent yet easy to make—no baking required! Perfect for parties, gifting, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up, these truffles are decadent, soft, and irresistibly good.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

chill time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 18 truffles

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups crushed ladyfingers Savoiardi, finely crushed
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder for rolling

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or spatula
• Spoon or small cookie scoop
• Tray or plate
• Parchment paper
• Sifter (for cocoa powder)
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Refrigerator

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Truffle Base

1. In a large bowl, add the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar.
2. Using a hand mixer or spatula, mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Add in the espresso powder and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined.
4. Fold in the crushed ladyfingers a little at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be moldable but not sticky.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

1. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes to firm up. This makes shaping easier.

Step 3: Shape the Truffles

1. Once chilled, scoop out small amounts (about 1 tbsp) and roll them into balls.
2. Place each truffle on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

Step 5: Coat or Drizzle

1. Option 1: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the truffles for a decorative finish.
2. Option 2: Dip the truffles partially in chocolate for a half-dipped effect.
3. Let the chocolate set for 5–10 minutes.

Step 6: Roll in Cocoa Powder

1. Sift unsweetened cocoa powder into a shallow bowl or plate.
2. Roll each truffle gently in cocoa until fully coated.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:

Store truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

Freeze in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating:

Not required; serve chilled or at room temperature.

🥄 Variations
Boozy Version: Add 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) to the mixture.

White Chocolate Coating: Swap melted dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter version.

Crunchy Twist: Add crushed hazelnuts or almonds to the truffle mix.

Cinnamon Tiramisu Truffles: Mix in ¼ tsp cinnamon for a subtle warmth.

Coconut-Coated: Roll in desiccated coconut instead of cocoa.

Vegan Option: Use dairy-free mascarpone and dark chocolate.

Dust with Espresso Powder: For stronger coffee flavor, combine cocoa with extra espresso powder.

Add Chocolate Chips Inside: Fold mini chips into the dough for texture.

Top with Gold Dust or Sprinkles: For elegant presentation during parties.

Chocolate Shells: Fully dip and chill to harden for a firmer exterior.

❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make tiramisu truffles ahead of time?
Yes! They store well in the fridge for up to a week and freeze beautifully.

2. Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
You can, but mascarpone gives it the authentic tiramisu flavor.

3. What if I don’t have ladyfingers?
Use vanilla wafers, graham crackers, or even sponge cake crumbs.

4. Is espresso powder the same as instant coffee?
Not exactly. Espresso powder is finer and more intense, but instant coffee can be substituted.

5. Can I skip the chocolate coating?
Absolutely. They still taste amazing with just cocoa powder.

6. How do I prevent the truffles from sticking to my hands?
Chill the dough well and dust your hands lightly with cocoa or powdered sugar.

7. Can I add alcohol to these truffles?
Yes! Kahlúa, rum, or marsala wine add classic tiramisu depth.

8. Are they gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use gluten-free ladyfingers.

9. Can kids eat these?
Yes—if you omit any alcohol. The espresso is minimal and can be reduced.

10. Can I serve them at room temperature?
Yes, but they hold their shape best when chilled.

🏁 Conclusion
These Tiramisu Truffles are proof that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to be irresistible. They take all the rich, creamy, coffee-kissed elegance of tiramisu and compress it into a perfect, bite-sized morsel. Whether you’re entertaining, gifting, or indulging yourself, this recipe delivers luxurious flavor with minimal effort.

And the best part? No baking required, just mix, chill, roll, and enjoy.