Name: Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ⅓ cup mascarpone cheese, preferably at room temperature; 12 savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers), 3.5 oz / 100 g; 3 tablespoons brewed espresso coffee, cooled; 3 teaspoons sifted powdered sugar; Cacao powder for dusting

If you've ever wished your favorite tiramisu could come in a bite-sized, no-bake luxury, then this Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These little delights capture all the creamy, coffee-kissed magic without any fuss.

A white plate with a decorative raised leaf edge holds about ten round chocolate balls dusted in dark brown cocoa powder, arranged closely in the center. At the edge of the plate, three bright red strawberry pieces with visible seeds add a pop of color. In the background, a colorful cup with floral and geometric patterns is partially visible, along with a beige biscuit. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore how these truffles bring all the classic tiramisu flavors together in such a simple treat that you don’t even have to bake. They’re perfect for sharing (or sneaking!) and make a seriously impressive dessert without hours of work.

Easy No-Bake Treat: Whip these up in just 15 minutes with no oven required.
Authentic Flavor: Espresso-soaked ladyfinger crumbs blend perfectly with creamy mascarpone.
Perfect Party Bites: Small, elegant, and effortless to serve for gatherings or special snacks.
Customizable Sweetness: You can tweak powdered sugar levels to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference with these tiramisu truffles. I always pick high-quality mascarpone for that smooth creaminess and fresh espresso to get that bold coffee kick. Your ladyfingers should be crisp and light to crush into the perfect base.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh mascarpone cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a neat stack of whole unbroken savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits beside it, a small white bowl filled with dark brewed espresso coffee, a small white bowl containing finely sifted powdered sugar, and another small white bowl with rich cacao powder for dusting, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Mascarpone cheese: This rich, creamy cheese is the heart of the truffles, lending that luscious texture reminiscent of classic tiramisu.
Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers): Their airy crunch transforms into a delicate crumb that soaks up espresso beautifully.
Brewed espresso coffee: The intense coffee flavor here is essential—it’s the soul of the tiramisu experience in miniature form.
Sifted powdered sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps keep the mixture smooth and creamy.
Cacao powder: For dusting, it finishes the truffles with a slightly bitter contrast to balance the sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about these Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on them. Whether you like a bit more coffee kick or want to add a surprising twist, feel free to customize and make these bite-sized delights truly yours!

Variation: For a boozy touch, I love adding a teaspoon of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the espresso before mixing it into the mascarpone. It amps up the tiramisu vibe perfectly.
Dietary Twist: If you want to keep things dairy-free, try swapping mascarpone for a rich coconut cream, and use gluten-free ladyfingers or crushed gluten-free cookies to make them allergy-friendly.
Seasonal Flair: Around the holidays, I sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the mixture before rolling the truffles. It adds warmth that feels just right for winter gatherings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe

A close-up view shows a woman's hand holding a small round chocolate truffle with a bite taken out, revealing a dense, light brown, crumbly inner texture. In the blurred background, several more chocolate truffles appear on a white plate, with small red strawberry pieces scattered among them. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brew and Cool Your Espresso

Start by brewing 3 tablespoons of rich espresso coffee. This little shot packs all the flavor punch your truffles need! Once brewed, set it aside and let it cool completely. If you add espresso while it’s still hot, it can cause the mascarpone to curdle — and we definitely want to avoid that. So be patient here; cooling the espresso is a key step for silky smooth truffles.

Step 2: Crush the Savoiardi Biscuits to a Fine Powder

While your espresso cools, blitz 12 savoiardi (ladyfinger) biscuits in a blender or food processor. Aim for a consistency that’s like fine cookie crumbs—not too coarse, not powdery like flour. This texture is important because it’ll bind beautifully with the mascarpone and espresso to form that luscious truffle filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Mascarpone Mixture

In a medium bowl, gently combine ⅓ cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature is best for easy mixing) with 3 teaspoons of sifted powdered sugar. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy, then slowly pour in the cooled espresso. Mix everything together until you get a silky cream. This mixture is the dreamy heart of your tiramisu truffles, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 4: Combine Crushed Biscuits and Cream

Add your crushed ladyfinger biscuits to the mascarpone and espresso mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold everything together really well. The mixture will thicken and resemble cookie dough—thick enough to hold its shape but still creamy. This is when the magic really happens, melding bold coffee flavor with that delicate, creamy texture.

Step 5: Roll Your Truffles

Now for the fun part! Scoop out about one teaspoon of the mixture at a time and gently roll it between your fingers to form small balls. Place each truffle on a plate. You should end up with around 10 perfect little truffles—just the right size for a satisfying bite.

Step 6: Chill for the Perfect Texture

Pop your plate of truffles into the refrigerator for 1 hour to let them set. This chilling step firms up the truffles while keeping the inside soft and luscious. If you prefer a more solid bite, go ahead and chill them a bit longer—up to 2 hours works great.

Step 7: Coat with Cacao Powder and Serve

Once chilled, pour some cacao powder into a small bowl and gently roll each truffle around until it’s fully coated in that rich, velvety dusting. Arrange your coated truffles on a serving dish, and they’re ready to delight friends, family, or yourself with every luscious bite.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the perfect texture and flavor for your Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe, ensuring every bite is creamy, rich, and just right.

Cool Your Espresso Thoroughly: Never add warm espresso directly to the mascarpone; letting it cool completely prevents the cheese from curdling and keeps your mixture smooth.
Texture Matters: Blitzing the ladyfingers into a fine powder ensures your truffles hold together well and have that satisfying cookie dough-like consistency.
Chill for Best Results: Giving the truffles at least 1 hour in the fridge helps them firm up, making them easier to roll and coat in cacao powder beautifully.
Don’t Overload the Sugar: Using the specified 3 teaspoons of powdered sugar balances sweetness without overpowering the espresso and mascarpone’s delicate flavors.

How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe

A close-up view of a bright mixing bowl filled with a crumbly, light brown mixture with a rough texture, slightly clumping together. The inside of the bowl has a colorful pattern of blue and yellow shapes on a white background. A white spatula with a smooth surface is partly buried in the mixture, angled towards the left side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a surface with a wooden texture that contrasts with the bowl’s vivid colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, try garnishing your truffles with a sprinkle of finely shaved dark chocolate or a few espresso beans on top. You can also dust lightly with cinnamon or add a tiny fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and freshness. These little touches elevate the presentation while complementing the rich espresso and cacao flavors.

Side Dishes

Serve your tiramisu truffles alongside a creamy cappuccino or a robust espresso for a classic Italian pairing. They also make a lovely accompaniment to light fruit salads or a simple scoop of vanilla gelato to balance the truffles’ richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying a bit of dessert over a couple of days without losing their texture or taste.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, you can freeze the truffles. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake truffles meant to be enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. Simply bring them to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer bite.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?

While brewed espresso delivers the richest flavor, you can substitute with strong, cooled instant coffee if needed. Just be mindful that the flavor won’t be quite as authentic or intense.

How long do the tiramisu truffles last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, these truffles will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture may start to change, so it’s best to enjoy them within this timeframe.

Can I make these truffles ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These truffles can be prepared up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Just coat them in cacao powder right before serving for the best appearance and texture.

What’s the best way to achieve a smooth mascarpone mixture?

Make sure to use mascarpone at room temperature and sift the powdered sugar before mixing. Stir gently but thoroughly to avoid breaking the creaminess, and always add cooled espresso slowly.

Final Thoughts

Making Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe brings such a joyful touch of Italian indulgence to your kitchen — without any baking hassle! These little bites pack all the flavor and creaminess of a classic tiramisu in a convenient truffle form. I hope you enjoy crafting these as much as I do, whether for a special occasion or a sweet everyday treat. Remember, the best part is sharing them with those you love and savoring every luscious bite together.