These Tiramisu Truffles are pure bliss for anyone who loves the deep, creamy flavors of the beloved Italian dessert but wants something snackable and fun. Every bite-sized ball somehow manages to taste just like a spoonful of tiramisu—there’s the unmistakable richness of mascarpone, the hint of espresso, the delicate crunch of ladyfingers, and a dusting of bittersweet cocoa. If you’ve ever dreamed of tiramisu you could eat with your fingers, this is your moment!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a few simple ingredients stand between you and a platter full of irresistible Tiramisu Truffles. Each one has a job to do – from delivering creamy richness to saturating the truffles with bold, beautiful coffee notes. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip any of them:
- Mascarpone cheese: The essential Italian cream cheese, mascarpone gives each truffle its signature velvety richness and authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Heavy cream: This whips in lightness and balances the density of the mascarpone for truffles that melt in your mouth.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just enough sweetness without graininess, making everything luxuriously smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the truffles with a fragrant aroma and a classic tiramisu depth.
- Instant espresso powder: Responsible for those bold coffee undertones—dissolve it in a splash of hot water to maximize flavor.
- Ladyfinger crumbs: The secret to tiramisu authenticity! They soak up moisture and provide the perfect slightly cakey texture.
- Cocoa powder: For rolling the truffles—this traditional finishing touch gives that beautiful, bittersweet contrast on the outside.
How to Make Tiramisu Truffles
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start by combining the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Stir or beat until you have a smooth, fluffy mixture with no lumps. This forms the rich, creamy backbone of your tiramisu truffles, and getting it silky-smooth is your ticket to decadence in every bite.
Step 2: Add Espresso Magic
Take your instant espresso powder and dissolve it in a tablespoon of hot water. Pour the concentrated coffee blend into your mascarpone mixture, then stir well. This step brings real tiramisu magic to the batter, making sure every truffle has that beautiful coffee aroma and taste.
Step 3: Fold in Ladyfinger Crumbs
Next, gently fold in the ladyfinger crumbs. They’ll soak up some of the moisture and help bind everything together while infusing each truffle with the subtle crunch and flavor you associate with a slice of classic tiramisu.
Step 4: Chill for Shape
Let the tiramisu mixture rest in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. Chilling helps firm everything up, making it much easier to form into perfect little spheres. Don’t skip this—it makes all the difference for neat-looking truffles!
Step 5: Roll and Coat
Once chilled, scoop out a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form truffle-sized balls, about 1 inch each. Roll every truffle in a shallow bowl of cocoa powder, so they get that authentic, sophisticated look and a hint of cocoa on every bite.
Step 6: Final Chill
Transfer all your finished tiramisu truffles to a plate or tray and pop them back into the fridge for at least 10 minutes. This final chill ensures they’re set, firm, and ready to wow—you’ll end up with picture-perfect treats worthy of any celebration.
How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles
Garnishes
Dress up your tiramisu truffles with a little flourish! A light dusting of extra cocoa powder right before serving always looks elegant, and a tiny sprinkle of shaved chocolate or a coffee bean perched on top can make each truffle feel like a mini masterpiece. For special occasions, even a faint sparkle of powdered sugar or gold leaf isn’t out of place.
Side Dishes
Serve these truffles alongside espresso or strong coffee to repeat and complement their deep coffee flavor. They’re also fabulous with a glass of dessert wine, such as Vin Santo, or even nestled among fresh berries for a pop of color and a tart-sweet contrast to their richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get inventive with your tiramisu truffles display! For parties, arrange them in elegant candy cups or line them up in a vintage box for a charming gift. You can also build a “truffle tower” on a cake stand or scatter them artfully on a platter with fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated, playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your tiramisu truffles will keep beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and store them for up to a week. Their flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so don’t be shy about making them ahead!
Freezing
To freeze tiramisu truffles, lay them out on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then, pop them into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll last for up to two months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight—no cocoa powder mess or sogginess, just pure delight.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these treats; in fact, they’re at their best straight from the fridge or after a couple of minutes at room temperature. If you’ve frozen them, let them thaw gently in the refrigerator until they’re soft and creamy again. Fresh from the chill, they’re perfectly fudgy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Cream cheese can be substituted in a pinch, but mascarpone lends a much silkier, authentic flavor and texture to Tiramisu Truffles. If you go with cream cheese, add a little extra cream for smoothness and expect a slightly tangier result.
How can I make these tiramisu truffles gluten free?
Absolutely! Just swap out regular ladyfingers for a gluten-free variety or gluten-free vanilla cookies. Make sure any other ingredient you use is certified gluten free for the safest treat possible.
Can I adjust the coffee flavor?
For sure! If you adore an intense espresso kick, feel free to increase the amount of instant espresso powder. For a milder, family-friendly version, use less or try a decaf espresso powder—the choice is yours.
Do I have to use cocoa powder for coating?
Not at all. While cocoa powder is classic, you can get playful with coatings: try finely grated chocolate, crushed toasted nuts, or even chocolate sprinkles for a personalized touch.
Can I make Tiramisu Truffles ahead for a party?
These truffles are a dream for planning ahead! Make them up to two days in advance and keep them chilled until serving. Their flavor and texture actually develop the longer they chill, which makes them perfect for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magic about sharing Tiramisu Truffles—everyone lights up after a single bite! They’re easy to make, always impressive, and bursting with all the classic flavors you love. Trust me: once you’ve tried these little gems, they’ll become your new go-to treat for every celebration and craving. Give them a whirl and watch the smiles roll in!
PrintTiramisu Truffles Recipe
Tiramisu Truffles are decadent sweets that combine the classic flavors of tiramisu in a bite-sized treat. These truffles are perfect for indulging in the rich, creamy taste of tiramisu in a convenient, handheld form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 truffles
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Truffle Mixture:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
- 1 cup ladyfinger crumbs
Coating:
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Mix the Truffle Mixture: In a bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Espresso Flavor: Dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water and add to the mascarpone mixture.
- Incorporate Ladyfinger Crumbs: Fold in the ladyfinger crumbs until well combined.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for 15 minutes to set.
- Shape the Truffles: Roll the mixture into small balls and coat each truffle with cocoa powder.
- Final Chill: Refrigerate the truffles for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of instant espresso powder.
- These truffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Experiment with different coatings, such as crushed nuts or chocolate sprinkles, for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
