Tiramisu Truffles Recipe
If you adore the dreamy flavors of classic tiramisu but crave an easy, bite-sized treat, these Tiramisu Truffles will absolutely thrill you. Each truffle packs all the coffee-kissed, creamy luxury of the famous Italian dessert into a single poppable sphere. With a silky mascarpone center, a delicate crunch of ladyfingers, and a luscious dark chocolate shell, they are just right for gifting, sharing, or indulging in solo. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to impress yourself with a no-bake delight, you’ll keep coming back to these irresistible morsels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, quality ingredients is all it takes to make these Tiramisu Truffles truly shine! Each one plays an essential role, bringing together that creamy, chocolatey, coffee-rich magic you expect in every dreamy bite.
- Mascarpone Cheese (8 oz, softened): This ultra-creamy Italian cheese is the heart of the truffles, lending an indulgent, meltaway texture and classic tiramisu flavor.
- Finely Crushed Ladyfingers (1 cup): These light, crisp cookies add the unmistakable crunch of traditional tiramisu and help give the truffles their structure.
- Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup): Just enough sweetness to balance the richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Brewed Espresso (2 tablespoons, cooled): Provides robust coffee notes—if you love tiramisu, don’t skip this!
- Coffee Liqueur (1 teaspoon, optional): For a grown-up warmth and a more pronounced coffee kick, this extra hits just right.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out and enhances every other flavor in the mix.
- Cocoa Powder (1/4 cup, for dusting): A bitter-sweet finishing touch that’s pure, sophisticated tiramisu tradition.
- Semisweet or Dark Chocolate (8 oz, melted, for coating): The luxurious, shell-like exterior turns every truffle into a decadent treat.
- Extra Cocoa Powder or Grated Chocolate (for garnish): A final flourish that makes each truffle look as lovely as it tastes.
How to Make Tiramisu Truffles
Step 1: Make the Truffle Mixture
Start by combining the softened mascarpone cheese, finely crushed ladyfingers, powdered sugar, brewed espresso, coffee liqueur if using, and vanilla extract in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until everything is completely blended and you have a soft, doughy mixture. The mascarpone should bind with the ladyfingers to create a creamy-yet-pliable texture that holds together but isn’t sticky.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the truffle base for at least 30 minutes. This step is key! Chilling firms up the dough, making it much easier to shape later on. If you’re prepping ahead, you can let it chill even longer.
Step 3: Roll into Balls
Once your mixture is nicely chilled, use a small scoop or spoon to portion out about 1-inch pieces. Roll each one between your palms into a compact ball and place them onto a parchment-lined tray. Uniform sizing means every Tiramisu Truffle looks beautiful when finished and will chill at the same rate.
Step 4: Freeze to Set
Pop the tray of formed truffles into the freezer for around 15 minutes. This quick chill ensures the centers stay firm when you dip them in chocolate, so the coating sets perfectly smooth and the truffles hold their shape.
Step 5: Coat with Chocolate
Now comes the most satisfying part: dipping! Melt the semisweet or dark chocolate until smooth and glossy. Using a fork or skewer, dip each chilled truffle into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off before setting them back on the tray. This glossy shell locks in the creamy surprise inside every Tiramisu Truffle.
Step 6: Garnish and Chill
While the chocolate coating is still just a little bit tacky, dust the truffles with cocoa powder or sprinkle with grated chocolate. Return them to the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, or until the chocolate shell is completely set and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles
Garnishes
The classic cocoa powder dusting is all you really need, but a few curls of bittersweet chocolate or a delicate sprinkle of espresso powder can make your Tiramisu Truffles absolutely party-ready. For a punch of color, add a few dried edible flower petals or a sliver of candied orange peel on top of each truffle just before the chocolate sets.
Side Dishes
Pair these decadent bites with a shot of real espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or even a scoop of vanilla gelato to echo the Italian vibes. They’re perfect alongside fresh berries or as a sweet end-note after a savory antipasto platter at your next get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
Line up your Tiramisu Truffles on a sleek platter, arrange them in pretty candy cups for gifting, or thread a couple onto elegant skewers for a playful spin. For a dessert buffet, try layering them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra crushed ladyfingers—it’s the ultimate fusion of tiramisu and truffles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Thanks to the mascarpone and chocolate, they’ll stay fresh for up to five days—though honestly, you’ll probably find they disappear much faster!
Freezing
Tiramisu Truffles freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe box. They’ll last for about two months, making them an ideal sweet treat to stash for sudden cravings or last-minute guests.
Reheating
These truffles are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If frozen, just let them thaw in the fridge or on the counter for a few minutes before serving—the centers will become perfectly creamy again in no time.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Truffles without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! Just skip the liqueur and add a little extra espresso for an alcohol-free version that still delivers all those lovely coffee notes.
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Cream cheese makes a convenient swap if you can’t find mascarpone. It will give a slightly tangier flavor and a firmer texture, but your Tiramisu Truffles will still taste delightful.
My truffle mixture seems too soft. What should I do?
If your mixture is a bit too sticky or loose, add more crushed ladyfingers a tablespoon at a time until it firms up. Chill time also really helps—you want it scoopable and easy to roll.
How can I make these ahead for a party?
Just follow the recipe up to coating the truffles in chocolate, then keep them chilled in an airtight box for up to two days. Add the final garnish just before serving for maximum freshness and impact.
Are Tiramisu Truffles gluten-free?
Traditional ladyfingers contain wheat, but you can make gluten-free Tiramisu Truffles by swapping in gluten-free ladyfinger cookies—everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if these Tiramisu Truffles quickly become your most-requested homemade treat! Each bite brings a little celebration of creamy, chocolatey, coffee bliss. Give them a try, share them with friends, or keep a secret stash just for yourself—you deserve it!
Print
Tiramisu Truffles Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 20 truffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of classic tiramisu in these delightful Tiramisu Truffles. Creamy mascarpone cheese, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a decadent chocolate coating make these bite-sized treats irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Truffles:
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup finely crushed ladyfingers
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons brewed espresso, cooled
- 1 teaspoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder for dusting
- 8 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, melted for coating
- extra cocoa powder or grated chocolate for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, crushed ladyfingers, powdered sugar, espresso, coffee liqueur if using, and vanilla extract.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Using a small scoop or spoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 15 minutes.
- Dip each chilled truffle into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then place back on the tray.
- Dust lightly with cocoa powder or sprinkle with grated chocolate while the coating is still slightly wet.
- Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough-like consistency.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur and add an extra teaspoon of espresso.
- These truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 truffle
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
