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

If you adore the classic Italian dessert but want a fun, bite-sized twist, this Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, coffee-infused, and irresistibly decadent, these truffles are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing—or not!

A white plate with a leaf pattern edge holds a pile of round chocolate balls, each covered in a light layer of cocoa powder giving a soft brown dusty texture. The balls are arranged in three or four layers, closely packed in the center, showing their slightly uneven but smooth surfaces. Around the chocolate balls are a few fresh bright red strawberry quarters, adding a splash of color. In the background, a white marbled surface is visible along with the lower part of a white cup with yellow and blue patterns and some soft beige cookies. 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 Mascarpone Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, the first time I made these tiramisu truffles, I was hooked instantly. The way the espresso-soaked ladyfingers blend perfectly with the creamy mascarpone makes for an addictive combo that just melts in your mouth.

Super easy to prepare: No baking required and only takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time.
Bursting with authentic flavor: Real espresso and mascarpone bring that signature tiramisu taste.
Perfect bite-sized indulgence: Great for parties, gifts, or a quick treat at home.
Customizable: You can add a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult twist or keep it simple and classic.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Using quality ingredients will make all the difference here. Go for authentic espresso and fresh mascarpone to capture the rich, creamy essence of tiramisu in a truffle. Here’s a quick rundown on what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays its part.

Flat lay of a small mound of creamy mascarpone cheese in a simple white ceramic bowl, a neat stack of fresh savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits, a small white bowl filled with dark brewed espresso coffee, another small white bowl containing sifted powdered sugar, and a third small white bowl holding rich cacao powder for dusting, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry, 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 creamy Italian cheese is the heart of the truffles, giving them that luscious texture and classic tiramisu flavor.
Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers): These light, crunchy cookies soak up the espresso and provide the truffle’s structure when crushed.
Espresso coffee: A strong, cooled espresso infuses the truffles with that unmistakable bold coffee taste.
Sifted powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and ensures the cream mixture stays smooth and lump-free.
Cacao powder: Used for dusting, it adds a beautiful chocolatey bitterness that balances the sweetness perfectly.

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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

Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it! Whether you're craving a boozy kick or need a dairy-free version, there are simple tweaks that make these truffles perfectly suited to your taste or occasion.

Boozy Twist: Adding a tablespoon of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa into the mascarpone mixture amps up the adult indulgence factor. I once made these for a dinner party, and the liqueur addition was a hit, lending a subtle warmth that perfectly complemented the espresso and cacao.
Stronger Coffee Flavor: If you love a bolder espresso punch, feel free to use a highly concentrated coffee or double shot espresso. I’ve found this really deepens the truffle’s character without overwhelming the mascarpone’s creaminess.
Dairy-Free Variation: For those who want a dairy-free version, swapping mascarpone with a vegan cream cheese or coconut cream can work, though the texture will be a bit different—still delicious though!
Seasonal Spice: Dust a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the cacao powder on top for a subtle seasonal touch. It elevates the dessert and adds a warm aroma that makes these truffles feel extra cozy.

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

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a small round chocolate ball that is broken in half to show a light beige crumbly inside layer with a smooth brown outer layer, in the background there is a white plate filled with more chocolate balls and some strawberry slices, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brew and Chill the Espresso

Start by brewing 3 tablespoons of espresso coffee. It’s important to let it cool completely before mixing it with the mascarpone; if the espresso is too warm, it could soften the mascarpone too much and affect the texture of the truffles. I usually set it aside in the fridge for about 10 minutes—this chill step keeps things smooth and creamy when you mix.

Step 2: Crush the Ladyfingers into Powder

While the espresso cools, blitz 12 savoiardi biscuits (approximately 3.5 oz or 100 g) in a blender or food processor until they become a fine powder. This crumbly texture acts like the “flour” in our truffle dough, giving structure and that familiar tiramisu taste. Don’t pulse into a paste—fine crumbs are exactly what you want!

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Mascarpone Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup of room temperature mascarpone cheese with 3 teaspoons of sifted powdered sugar. Using a spatula or whisk, blend them together until you have a smooth, creamy base. Gradually stir in the cooled espresso, making sure the mixture is silky and well combined. The texture should be rich but light enough to fold in the biscuit powder.

Step 4: Fold in the Crushed Ladyfingers

Add your crushed ladyfinger crumbs to the mascarpone-espresso mix. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold and stir until everything is fully incorporated. You’re aiming for a thick, cookie dough–like consistency that holds together well when shaped. If it feels too wet, a little more biscuit powder can help balance it out.

Step 5: Shape the Truffles

Scoop about a teaspoon of the mixture into your fingers and roll it into a smooth ball. Place each formed truffle onto a plate or tray. Repeat with the remaining batter—the recipe makes about 10 truffles. I find dipping my hands in cold water between rolling helps keep the mixture from sticking to my fingers.

Step 6: Chill to Set

Pop the truffle balls into the refrigerator and let them chill for 1 hour. This step is key to firming up the truffles to that perfect tender texture. If you like them a bit more solid, feel free to keep them chilled longer. I recommend covering them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in.

Step 7: Dust with Cacao and Serve

Pour some cacao powder into a small bowl. Roll each chilled truffle gently in the cacao powder until coated evenly. The rich cacao adds a beautiful slightly bitter contrast that balances the sweet mascarpone and coffee flavors. Arrange your finished tiramisu truffles on a plate and serve immediately—or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to enjoy later.

Top Tip

These tips will help you make the perfect Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe every time — silky smooth, with just the right balance of coffee and cream.

Room Temperature Mascarpone: Let your mascarpone sit out for about 30 minutes so it softens up. This makes mixing much easier and helps achieve that creamy texture without lumps.
Espresso Cooling Time: Don’t skip letting your espresso cool! Adding hot espresso to mascarpone can cause it to melt and lose its lovely creamy consistency.
Consistent Ladyfinger Powder: Pulse your ladyfingers in short bursts in the food processor to get a fine, even powder without turning it into a paste.
Chilling Patience: Chill the truffles for at least 1 hour to let them set properly. If you try to coat them too soon, they might fall apart or be sticky.

How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe

In a white bowl with a bright blue and yellow pattern, there is a light brown crumbly mixture that looks like crushed cookies or sweets. On top of the crumbs sits a white spatula partially covered with the same crumbly mixture. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface, but the background around the bowl is changed to a white marbled texture. The crumbs inside the bowl are uneven in size, giving a rough and grainy texture, filling about two-thirds of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of extra cacao powder is a classic choice, but you can also dust with finely grated dark chocolate or a sprinkle of instant espresso powder for an added coffee kick. For a festive touch, try topping with a single fresh coffee bean or a tiny mint leaf.

Side Dishes

These truffles shine as a dessert on their own, but pairing them with a small scoop of vanilla gelato or a cup of rich espresso or cappuccino elevates the experience beautifully. They also complement a cheese board featuring mild, creamy cheeses and fresh fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Tiramisu Truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. This also helps them maintain their shape and creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the truffles by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake truffles best enjoyed cold, avoid reheating. Simply let frozen truffles thaw in the fridge. If they feel a bit firm, bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso for this recipe?

Yes! While brewed espresso gives the richest flavor, a strong cup of instant coffee can work well. Just ensure it's well cooled before mixing.

How do I know when my truffle mixture is the right consistency?

The mixture should feel like a thick, cookie dough-like batter, thick enough to roll into balls easily without sticking excessively to your fingers.

Can I add alcohol to the truffles?

Absolutely! Adding about 1 tablespoon of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, to the mascarpone mixture adds a lovely boozy note.

Are these truffles suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up these Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Mascarpone Recipe is a little joyful escape into classic Italian flavors with ease and minimal fuss. They’re perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself on any day you want something special. Enjoy every creamy, coffee-kissed bite — I know I do!