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Tiramisu Truffles

Featured in: Sweet Treats That Create Memories

Tiramisu Truffles offer the beloved flavors of the classic Italian dessert in an elegant, bite-sized form that's perfect for entertaining or gifting. These no-bake treats feature a creamy, espresso-infused filling made from mascarpone cheese—the signature ingredient in traditional tiramisu—combined with crushed ladyfingers that provide both structure and authentic flavor. What makes these truffles special is how they capture the essence of tiramisu's contrasting textures and flavors: the rich creaminess of the mascarpone, the subtle coffee notes from espresso powder, and either the smooth finish of melted chocolate coating or the sophisticated dusting of cocoa powder reminiscent of the traditional dessert's topping. Quick to prepare with just a brief chilling time, these versatile truffles can be dressed up for fancy occasions or kept simple for casual gatherings, providing a sophisticated yet accessible sweet treat that doesn't require turning on the oven.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:24:10 GMT
A plate of chocolate and white balls. Pin it
A plate of chocolate and white balls. | tastelikemagic.com

Tiramisu truffles capture the essence of Italy's beloved dessert in perfect bite-sized form. These elegant little morsels combine the signature flavors of traditional tiramisu – creamy mascarpone, rich espresso, and hints of chocolate – all rolled into convenient, no-bake treats. They're sophisticated enough for special occasions yet simple enough to satisfy everyday chocolate cravings.

I first made these for my sister's engagement party, arranging them on a tiered stand alongside espresso cups. The guests couldn't believe they weren't from a specialty chocolate shop, and they disappeared faster than any other dessert on the table. Now they're my signature contribution to dinner parties.

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups crushed ladyfingers: Provides the authentic tiramisu foundation with their light, sweet texture.
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese: Creates that unmistakable creamy richness that defines tiramisu.
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the mixture perfectly without adding grittiness.
  • 1 tbsp espresso powder: Delivers that intense coffee flavor that balances the sweetness.
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors with subtle warmth.
  • ½ cup dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa): Creates a delicious shell for half the truffles.
  • ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder: Gives a sophisticated bitter note to balance the sweet filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base Mixture
Combine the crushed ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, espresso powder, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
Shape the Truffles
Portion out the mixture into equal-sized balls using a tablespoon measure or small cookie scoop. Roll into smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Apply the Coating
For cocoa-dusted truffles, roll in Dutch-process cocoa powder. For chocolate-dipped truffles, melt dark chocolate and dip each truffle, letting excess drip off before placing back on the parchment paper.
Final Setting
Refrigerate for another 15-20 minutes to fully set before serving or storing.
Three chocolate balls on a plate. Pin it
Three chocolate balls on a plate. | tastelikemagic.com

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

These truffles balance creamy mascarpone, espresso bitterness, and chocolate richness, creating an authentic tiramisu experience in each bite. Unlike overly sweet truffles, these maintain the sophisticated depth of traditional tiramisu.

Serving Suggestions

These truffles pair beautifully with espresso or cappuccino. For special occasions, serve them with a small glass of vin santo or amaretto liqueur.

Make-Ahead Convenience

These truffles improve after a day in the refrigerator as the flavors meld together, making them perfect for preparing in advance.

A plate of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Pin it
A plate of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. | tastelikemagic.com

The first time I attempted these truffles, I used room-temperature mascarpone, which made the mixture too soft to hold shape. Starting with cold ingredients made all the difference in achieving the perfect truffle texture. I love how this recipe transforms a classic dessert into something elegant yet approachable. These truffles are now my go-to for gatherings – familiar enough to be comforting, yet unique enough to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these Tiramisu Truffles ahead of time?
Yes, these truffles can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They actually benefit from setting up for at least a few hours, making them perfect for preparing ahead for parties or gifts.
→ What can I substitute for ladyfingers if I can't find them?
If ladyfingers aren't available, vanilla wafers, graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies make excellent substitutions. The texture might vary slightly, but they'll still provide the necessary structure for the truffles.
→ Can I use coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, you can substitute 1-2 teaspoons of strong brewed coffee (cooled) for the espresso powder. If using liquid coffee, you might need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar slightly to maintain the right consistency for rolling.
→ How do I get the best chocolate coating for these truffles?
For the smoothest chocolate coating, add 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to the melted chocolate chips. This creates a thinner consistency that's easier to work with. Use a fork to dip each truffle, tapping off excess, then place on parchment paper to set.
→ Can I make these Tiramisu Truffles without alcohol?
This recipe is already alcohol-free. Traditional tiramisu often contains coffee liqueur or marsala wine, but these truffles capture the flavor using just espresso powder and vanilla extract, making them suitable for all ages.

Tiramisu Truffles

These easy Tiramisu Truffles combine mascarpone cheese, espresso, and crushed ladyfingers in a bite-sized treat that captures all the flavors of the classic Italian dessert.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Sweets & Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Yield: 20 Servings (20 truffles)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups ladyfingers, crushed
02 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
03 1/4 cup powdered sugar
04 1 tablespoon espresso powder
05 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 1/2 cup chocolate chips
07 1/2 cup cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, espresso powder, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, consistent texture. The mascarpone should fully incorporate with the crushed cookies to create a thick, moldable mixture. If your mixture seems too soft or sticky at this point, don't worry – we'll be chilling it later to firm it up.

Step 02

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll between your palms to form neat balls about 1-inch in diameter. The mixture might be a bit sticky, so you can lightly dust your hands with cocoa powder to make the rolling process easier. Place the formed balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Once all the truffles are shaped, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until they're firm enough to handle easily.

Step 03

When the truffle centers are almost done chilling, prepare your chocolate coating. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short 20-30 second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each burst. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate – it's better to go slowly and stir frequently. Continue until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly while still remaining fluid enough for dipping.

Step 04

Remove the chilled truffle balls from the refrigerator. You have two delicious coating options: For chocolate-dipped truffles, use a fork to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, gently tapping off any excess before returning to the parchment paper. For cocoa-dusted truffles, roll each ball in cocoa powder until completely coated, then transfer back to the parchment paper. You can do some of each for variety, or choose your favorite method.

Step 05

For an extra touch of elegance, lightly dust all of your truffles with a final sprinkle of cocoa powder – this gives them that authentic tiramisu appearance. Return the coated truffles to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to set completely. Once set, transfer them to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking.

Notes

  1. These no-bake tiramisu truffles capture all the classic Italian dessert flavors in a bite-sized treat - perfect for gifting or serving at parties.
  2. If the mixture becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up before continuing.
  3. Store these truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also substitute vanilla wafers for the ladyfingers if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or plate
  • Parchment paper
  • Tablespoon or small cookie scoop
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (mascarpone cheese)
  • Contains wheat/gluten (ladyfingers)
  • May contain eggs (in ladyfingers)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 2 g