Tiramisu Cups are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, offering the same rich flavors in a convenient, individual serving. These cups feature layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder, making them perfect for entertaining or a sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

For the Coffee Mixture:

• 1 cup brewed espresso (or strong coffee, cooled)
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

For the Mascarpone Mixture:

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• 12-15 ladyfinger cookies
• Cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Tiramisu Cups takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 4 hours for chilling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture

1. Brew Coffee: Brew the espresso or strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Mix: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee, coffee liqueur (if using), and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture

1. Beat Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
2. Combine Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Fold Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu Cups

1. Soak Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy.
2. Layer: In individual cups or glasses, place a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom. Add a layer of the mascarpone mixture on top. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled, finishing with a mascarpone layer on top.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Dust with Cocoa: Just before serving, dust the tops with cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.

Step 5: Dig In

1. Savor the Flavor: Enjoy the rich, creamy layers and the delightful coffee flavor in every bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Tiramisu Cups (per cup, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	4g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different liqueurs such as amaretto or rum for a unique flavor.
• Fruit Addition: Add layers of fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, for a fruity twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream for the whipped cream.

Conclusion

Tiramisu Cups are a deliciously simple way to enjoy the classic Italian dessert in an individual serving. With rich layers of coffee and creamy mascarpone, these cups are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings! Enjoy this delightful recipe!