Tiramisu Truffles

If you love the rich, creamy flavors of classic tiramisu but want something bite-sized and easy to serve, Tiramisu Truffles are the perfect treat. These no-bake, coffee-infused truffles capture all the indulgent elements of traditional tiramisu—smooth mascarpone, cocoa-dusted sweetness, and a hint of espresso—in a poppable, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.

Perfect for parties, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth, these truffles combine crushed ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and a touch of coffee for an authentic tiramisu flavor. Rolled in cocoa powder or dipped in chocolate, they offer a delightful contrast between their creamy center and outer coating. Whether you’re a tiramisu enthusiast or just looking for an elegant, fuss-free dessert, these truffles will become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Truffles

• No-Bake & Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this an effortless dessert.

• Rich & Creamy Texture – A smooth, melt-in-your-mouth filling coated in cocoa or chocolate.

• Authentic Tiramisu Flavor – Coffee, mascarpone, and ladyfingers bring classic Italian dessert vibes.

• Great for Gifting – Perfect for holiday treat boxes, birthdays, or as a homemade gift.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well in the fridge or freezer for when you need a quick sweet fix.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Yield: 20 truffles

Nutritional Information (Per Truffle)

• Calories: 90

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 2g

• Fat: 5g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients for Tiramisu Truffles

For the Truffle Filling:

• 1 cup crushed ladyfingers (about 10-12 ladyfingers)

• ½ cup mascarpone cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons espresso powder (or strong brewed coffee)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

For the Coating:

• ¼ cup cocoa powder (for dusting)

• 4 oz dark or milk chocolate, melted (optional)

• 1 tablespoon crushed espresso beans or chocolate shavings (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tiramisu Truffles

Step 1: Prepare the Truffle Mixture

1. In a food processor, pulse the ladyfingers until finely crushed into crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Stir until smooth.

3. Add the crushed ladyfingers to the mixture and mix until a soft, dough-like consistency forms. If the mixture is too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Roll the Truffles

1. Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, take portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls.

2. Place the rolled truffles on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 3: Coat the Truffles

1. Roll half of the truffles in cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu finish.

2. If using melted chocolate, dip the remaining truffles in melted dark or milk chocolate, letting any excess drip off before placing them back on the tray.

3. Optional: Sprinkle with crushed espresso beans or chocolate shavings for extra texture.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

2. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature for a soft, creamy texture.

Ingredient Background

Ladyfingers (Savoiardi Biscuits)

Ladyfingers are the foundation of classic tiramisu and provide the base for these truffles. These light, crispy, sponge-like cookies absorb liquid well and bring a subtle sweetness to the mixture. Once crushed, they create a texture similar to cake crumbs, making the truffles soft yet structured. If ladyfingers are unavailable, graham crackers or vanilla wafers can be used as substitutes.

Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone is an essential component of tiramisu, giving these truffles their signature creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This Italian cream cheese is milder and silkier than regular cream cheese, adding richness without overwhelming sweetness. Its high-fat content helps create a smooth consistency while binding the ingredients together. If mascarpone is unavailable, full-fat cream cheese can be used, but the flavor will be slightly tangier.

Espresso Powder or Coffee

A true tiramisu dessert wouldn’t be complete without the deep, rich flavor of coffee. Espresso powder enhances the truffles with a bold coffee aroma, complementing the creamy mascarpone and chocolatey coating. If you don’t have espresso powder, you can use strong brewed coffee or instant coffee granules dissolved in a small amount of water. The stronger the coffee flavor, the more authentic the tiramisu experience.

Technique Tips for Tiramisu Truffles

How to Achieve the Perfect Truffle Texture

Since mascarpone is very soft, the truffle mixture can sometimes become too sticky. If the dough is too wet to roll into balls, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before shaping. Chilling firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle. If it’s still too soft, add a little more crushed ladyfingers to absorb the moisture.

Best Way to Roll and Coat the Truffles

For smooth and evenly sized truffles, use a cookie scoop or a measuring spoon to portion out the mixture before rolling. Dusting your hands lightly with cocoa powder prevents sticking while rolling the dough into balls. When coating with cocoa powder, roll the truffles in small batches to ensure even coverage without excess clumping.

Melting Chocolate for a Smooth Coating

If dipping in chocolate, melt it slowly using a double boiler or microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between. This prevents the chocolate from overheating and becoming grainy. For an extra glossy finish, add ½ teaspoon of coconut oil or butter to the melted chocolate before dipping.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

White Chocolate Tiramisu Truffles

For a twist, dip the truffles in melted white chocolate instead of cocoa powder or dark chocolate. White chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the coffee and mascarpone flavors. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder for contrast.

Mini Tiramisu Truffle Cups

Instead of rolling them into balls, press the truffle mixture into mini cupcake liners and top with a swirl of mascarpone whipped cream. This gives the look of mini tiramisu cheesecakes while keeping the bite-sized convenience of truffles.

Tiramisu Truffle Gift Boxes

For gifting, arrange the truffles in a decorative box with parchment paper and tie with a ribbon. You can mix cocoa-dusted truffles with chocolate-dipped ones for a beautiful variety. These make great holiday gifts, wedding favors, or special occasion treats.

Freezing and Storing Tiramisu Truffles

How to Store in the Refrigerator

Tiramisu truffles should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Since they contain mascarpone cheese, it’s important to keep them chilled until serving. Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating for the best texture.

Can You Freeze Tiramisu Truffles?

Yes! These truffles freeze well for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Best Way to Keep Truffles Fresh

To prevent the cocoa powder from absorbing moisture and looking dull, dust them right before serving. If storing for longer periods, wrap each truffle in wax paper before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Low-Sugar Tiramisu Truffles

To reduce sugar, use sugar-free powdered sweetener and sugar-free chocolate for coating. You can also replace regular ladyfingers with a low-carb almond flour cookie for a keto-friendly option.

Dairy-Free Version

For a non-dairy alternative, swap mascarpone cheese with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese. Use dairy-free chocolate for coating, and ensure your ladyfingers are plant-based.

Protein-Packed Tiramisu Truffles

For a more nutritious treat, add a scoop of vanilla or coffee-flavored protein powder to the mixture. This boosts protein content while maintaining the creamy, indulgent texture. You may need to add a little extra mascarpone or a splash of coffee to balance the consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Elegant Dessert for Dinner Parties

Arrange the truffles on a white serving platter and lightly dust with cocoa powder for an elegant finish. Serve with espresso shots or cappuccinos for a sophisticated Italian-themed dessert course.

Perfect Addition to a Dessert Charcuterie Board

For a unique presentation, include tiramisu truffles on a dessert board with biscotti, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and coffee-flavored macarons. This variety makes them perfect for sharing.

Pairing with Beverages

Tiramisu truffles pair beautifully with:

• Espresso or cappuccino – Enhances the coffee flavor.

• Dessert wines like Moscato or Vin Santo – Complements the richness of the truffles.

• Hot chocolate – Adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make tiramisu truffles without coffee?

Yes! Simply omit the espresso powder and replace it with a little vanilla extract or cinnamon for a non-coffee version.

2. How can I make these truffles firmer?

If the mixture is too soft, chill it longer or add more crushed ladyfingers to absorb moisture.

3. Can I use store-bought ladyfinger crumbs instead of crushing them myself?

Yes, pre-crushed ladyfinger crumbs work well and save time.

4. Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?

Yes, but cream cheese is tangier, so you may want to add a little extra powdered sugar for balance.

5. How do I prevent the cocoa powder from absorbing moisture?

Dust the truffles right before serving to keep the cocoa coating fresh.

6. Can I dip the truffles in white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! White chocolate creates a sweeter, creamier contrast to the coffee flavor.

7. How long do tiramisu truffles last at room temperature?

They can sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, but should be refrigerated after that due to the mascarpone.

8. What’s the best way to package these for gifts?

Place them in mini cupcake liners inside a gift box for a polished look.

9. Can I add liqueur for an extra tiramisu kick?

Yes! A splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or amaretto adds a delicious boozy twist.

10. What other toppings can I use besides cocoa powder?

Try crushed chocolate cookies, powdered sugar, or drizzled chocolate for variety.

Conclusion

Tiramisu truffles bring all the luxurious flavors of classic tiramisu into a convenient, bite-sized treat. With their creamy, coffee-infused centers and rich cocoa or chocolate coating, these no-bake truffles are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday gathering, an elegant dinner party, or a sweet gift for someone special.

They’re easy to make, fun to customize, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you enjoy them dusted with cocoa, dipped in chocolate, or infused with liqueur, these tiramisu truffles are guaranteed to impress. Try making a batch today and experience the indulgence in every bite!

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