Name: Tiramisu Balls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 Savoiardi lady fingers*; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/3 cup (3oz / 85g) mascarpone cheese, cold; 2 to 4 tablespoons strongly brewed coffee, room temperature or cold; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for rolling)**

If you’re craving classic Italian tiramisu but want all that luscious flavor in an adorable, poppable treat, these Tiramisu Balls are here to win your heart (and your dessert table). Coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and the most dreamy dusting of cocoa powder come together in a recipe that takes just ten minutes from start to finish. With these Tiramisu Balls, you’ll have all the silky richness of tiramisu in fun, no-fuss truffles that are perfect for entertaining or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of simple, staple ingredients can recreate the classic tiramisu experience in the form of Tiramisu Balls. Each one is key — from structure and sweetness to that signature coffee kick. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:

12 Savoiardi lady fingers: These dry, crisp Italian cookies are the backbone of the recipe, lending the perfect crumbly texture and authentic flavor.
2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the coffee and mascarpone.
1/3 cup (3oz / 85g) mascarpone cheese, cold: This creamy cheese brings that unmistakable tiramisu richness and binds everything together.
2 to 4 tablespoons strongly brewed coffee, room temperature or cold: Infuses deep coffee flavor and moisture — start slow to nail the ideal consistency.
2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for rolling): The classic finish, giving each truffle a touch of bittersweet drama and a very “grown-up” look.

How to Make Tiramisu Balls

Step 1: Crush the Lady Fingers

Whether you’re team food processor or team rolling pin, the goal is a super-fine crumb. Pop the lady fingers into a processor and pulse until sandy and fine, or place them in a bag and have some fun smashing with a rolling pin. Make sure there aren’t any big chunks left — this will keep your Tiramisu Balls nice and smooth.

Step 2: Mix It All Together

In a medium bowl, toss in your lady finger crumbs, powdered sugar, mascarpone, and two tablespoons of coffee to start. Stir well and see how the mixture is coming together. If it feels too dry or crumbly, drizzle in more coffee bit by bit until the mixture easily holds its shape when pinched. Accidentally make it too wet? A little fridge time (30–60 minutes) will firm things up again. This step is where that classic tiramisu magic starts to show.

Step 3: Shape the Truffles

Grab your trusty cookie scoop or a spoon and portion out about 1.5 tablespoons per ball. Roll gently between your hands until round. If things are sticky, a quick chill may help. Take your time and enjoy the process — this is where your Tiramisu Balls get their final character!

Step 4: Roll in Cocoa Powder

Pour your cocoa powder onto a small plate or bowl, then gently roll each truffle until fully coated. The cocoa’s slight bitterness is a classic tiramisu touch, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to experiment with other coatings (see notes on options!). Either way, they look elegant and taste incredible.

Step 5: Serve or Store

You can dive right in or refrigerate your Tiramisu Balls until ready to serve. They’ll keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for parties or surprise coffee dates!

How to Serve Tiramisu Balls

Garnishes

A pile of Tiramisu Balls is a treat on its own, but don’t stop there! Try a sprinkle of finely grated chocolate, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few chocolate curls to dress them up. If you want some sparkle, edible gold leaf or sanding sugar adds a seriously festive vibe.

Side Dishes

Set your Tiramisu Balls alongside other Italian desserts like biscotti or cannoli, or keep things simple with fresh berries and a cup of good espresso. These truffles play well with creamy desserts such as panna cotta or a scoop of gelato for a fun, mix-and-match dessert platter.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love nestling each tiramisu truffle into mini cupcake liners and arranging them on a pretty plate, or stacking them artfully in a glass trifle bowl for a dramatic centerpiece. Skewer them on sticks for tiramisu cake pops, or tuck them into a gift box lined with parchment for a homemade present that feels incredibly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any extra Tiramisu Balls into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 or 4 days — the flavors even develop further, which makes sneaking a late-night bite totally worth it.

Freezing

Tiramisu Balls freeze like a dream. Lay them out on a tray, let them firm up in the freezer, then transfer to a zip-top bag or lidded container. When a tiramisu craving hits, you’re only a few minutes of thawing away from bliss!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these chilled treats. If you’ve stored them in the freezer, just let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. They’ll be soft, creamy, and irresistible once again.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes, you can substitute full-fat cream cheese in a pinch, but mascarpone will give you that classic tiramisu richness and a silkier texture. If you go with cream cheese, let it soften a bit first for easy mixing.

What can I use if I don’t have lady fingers?

If lady fingers aren’t available, try using crisp vanilla wafer cookies or even lightly sweetened digestive biscuits. Just note the texture and flavor will change a little, but the Tiramisu Balls will still be delicious!

Can I make Tiramisu Balls alcohol-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally alcohol-free. If you love a boozy twist, feel free to add a splash of coffee liqueur or Marsala wine to your coffee before mixing it in.

Are there kid-friendly topping options?

Definitely! Kids love Tiramisu Balls rolled in powdered sugar, colored sprinkles, or dipped in milk chocolate instead of the more intense cocoa powder finish. It’s a fun way to make these truffles a family favorite.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes — this recipe scales up beautifully. If you’re making Tiramisu Balls for a crowd, simply double or triple all the ingredients. Just be sure to taste as you go to adjust the coffee so your mixture is easy to roll.

Final Thoughts

If you adore tiramisu but crave something quick, portable, and absolutely charming, these Tiramisu Balls will be the talk of your next gathering or cozy night in. Their flavor is all-out classic, their texture is dreamy, and the process couldn’t be simpler. Give them a try and see why everyone falls in love with these bite-sized wonders!

Tiramisu Balls Recipe

Print Recipe

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Indulge in the rich flavors of tiramisu with these quick and easy tiramisu balls. Perfect for a sweet treat that comes together in just 10 minutes!

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 12 truffles
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Rolling
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Lady Finger Crumbs:

12 Savoiardi lady fingers*
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Filling:

1/3 cup (3oz / 85g) mascarpone cheese, cold
2 to 4 tablespoons strongly brewed coffee, room temperature or cold

Coating:

2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for rolling)**

Instructions

Crush lady fingers: Crush lady fingers in a food processor or plastic bag until very fine.
Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix lady finger crumbs, powdered sugar, mascarpone cheese, and coffee until well combined.
Shape balls: Scoop portions of the mixture, roll into balls, and coat with cocoa powder.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for later.

Notes

Make sure to use dry and crisp lady fingers for the right consistency.
Experiment with different coatings like powdered sugar, sprinkles, or melted chocolate.