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

Nothing beats the charm of an Italian classic turned into a bite-sized delight. This Tiramisu Truffles with Coffee and Cacao Recipe captures all the luscious richness of traditional tiramisu but with the ease of a no-bake treat. Trust me, these are going to become your new favorite go-to dessert!

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 Coffee and Cacao Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Coffee and Cacao Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tiramisu Truffles with Coffee and Cacao Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore how effortlessly these tiramisu truffles come together. If you’ve ever wanted that classic coffee-soaked dessert without the fuss of layering and baking, this recipe is your answer.

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes plus chilling time — no oven required.
Rich Flavors: Bold espresso and creamy mascarpone combine perfectly for that authentic tiramisu taste.
Perfect Portions: Bite-sized truffles make sharing (or sneaking!) a breeze.
Elegant Presentation: Dusting them with cacao powder makes these truffles look as fancy as they taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference here, especially since this is a no-bake recipe that relies on textures and strong flavors. Let’s talk about what you’ll need and why each one matters.

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 creamy Italian cheese is the heart of tiramisu, providing that rich, luscious texture that holds the truffles together beautifully.
Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers): These light, crisp cookies soak up the espresso flavor without turning mushy, giving the truffles their classic tiramisu base.
Brewed espresso coffee: Strong, aromatic espresso infuses deep coffee notes that elevate these truffles beyond ordinary chocolate treats.
Sifted powdered sugar: This adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps balance the bold coffee and creamy mascarpone.
Cacao powder: The final dusting gives a slightly bitter cocoa finish that’s irresistible and completion-worthy.

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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 this Tiramisu Truffles with Coffee and Cacao Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to tweak sweetness or add a flavor twist, these little bites adapt beautifully to your preferences.

Variation: I love adding a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the mascarpone mixture for an adult version that deepens the coffee flavor and adds a warm, boozy note.
Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free option, try replacing mascarpone with coconut cream. The texture is still creamy, and it gives a subtle coconut undertone that pairs nicely with espresso.
Seasonal Twist: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or finely grated orange zest into the cream mixture for a festive touch perfect around the holidays or a citrusy spring vibe.
Texture Play: Mix some finely chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the batter before rolling. It adds a delightful crunch contrasting with the smooth creaminess.
For a sweeter kick: Feel free to increase the powdered sugar slightly, especially if your espresso is on the bitter side. Taste and adjust as you go!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tiramisu Truffles with Coffee 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 Chill Your Espresso

Start by brewing 3 tablespoons of fresh espresso. This is the heartbeat of the truffles, lending that rich coffee aroma we all crave in tiramisu. Once brewed, let it cool completely—this prevents the mascarpone from melting and keeps the texture velvety smooth. I usually set it aside on the counter for 10–15 minutes or pop it in the fridge for a quicker chill.

Step 2: Crush Savoiardi Biscuits to a Fine Powder

Next, place your savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers) into a blender or food processor and blitz them into a fine powder. This step is key for that classic tiramisu crumbly texture but in a bite-sized form. Avoid leaving any large chunks—smooth powder means your truffles will hold together perfectly without crumbling.

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. Add the cooled espresso and gently stir until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Take your time here to avoid lumps and ensure the cream is well incorporated. This luscious mixture is the heart of the truffle’s rich flavor.

Step 4: Fold in the Crushed Biscuits

Pour the powdered savoiardi into your mascarpone cream. Use a rubber spatula to fold and stir gently but thoroughly. You’re aiming for a thick, batter-like consistency—think cookie dough. When the mixture sticks together and forms a soft mass, you’re ready for the next step. If it feels too wet, a quick chill might help firm it up slightly.

Step 5: Roll Into Perfect Bite-Sized Truffles

Using your fingers or a small spoon, scoop out about a teaspoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. Place each truffle on a plate or tray as you go. Expect to make around 10 perfectly portioned truffles from this recipe. Don’t worry if they look rustic—that’s part of their charm!

Step 6: Chill and Set for 1 Hour

Pop the plate of truffles into the fridge for at least 1 hour. This chilling time firms up the outside, giving them a nice hold while keeping the inside deliciously soft and creamy. If you prefer a firmer bite, let them chill longer or even overnight. Patience here really rewards you with perfect texture.

Step 7: Dust generously with cacao powder

Pour high-quality cacao powder into a small bowl. Roll each chilled truffle around in the cacao until completely coated in that beautiful dark chocolate dusting. The bitter cacao balances the sweet coffee cream inside, creating the classic tiramisu flavor experience in each bite. Serve immediately and enjoy your elegant homemade treat!

Top Tip

These Tiramisu Truffles with Coffee and Cacao Recipe come together quickly, but a few little tips will help you get that perfect balance of creamy texture and rich flavor every time.

Cool your espresso completely: This is key to keeping the mascarpone from curdling and ensuring your truffles have that luscious, smooth texture.
Crush savoiardi finely: Blitz the biscuits to a fine powder so the truffle mixture holds together well without being grainy.
Handle the mixture gently: Use a rubber spatula to fold in the ingredients—this keeps the mascarpone light and airy instead of dense.
Chill long enough: Don’t skip the 1-hour chill time; it helps the truffles firm up just right. For a firmer bite, feel free to leave them overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Coffee 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

Enhance these elegant little delights by garnishing with a light dusting of extra cacao powder just before serving. For a festive touch, sprinkle some finely chopped dark chocolate, or add a few espresso beans on top. A hint of freshly grated orange zest or a tiny mint leaf can also brighten up the presentation and add an unexpected fresh note.

Side Dishes

Pair your tiramisu truffles with a creamy espresso latte or a glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo for an authentic Italian experience. Light biscotti or fresh berries work beautifully alongside, balancing the richness of the truffles with a bit of crunch or natural sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These truffles keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their creamy texture and rich flavor, so be sure to seal them well to avoid absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

Freezing is possible if you want to store the truffles longer. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.

Reheating

No reheating is needed for these truffles since they’re designed to be a cool, creamy no-bake dessert. Serve them straight from the fridge for that perfect soft yet firm bite every time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the savoiardi biscuits with something else?

Yes! If you can’t find savoiardi (ladyfingers), vanilla wafers or graham crackers work as substitutes. Just note that the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How important is using mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is the traditional base for tiramisu flavors because of its creamy richness. You can try cream cheese as a substitute, but it will change the texture and taste, making the truffles tangier and less authentic.

Can I make these truffles ahead of time?

Absolutely! These are great make-ahead treats. After forming, chilling for at least 1 hour is necessary, but you can keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days before serving.

Why do the truffles need to chill for 1 hour?

Chilling firms up the truffles so they hold their shape but keeps the inside soft and creamy. It also helps the flavors meld together for the best experience when you bite into one.

Final Thoughts

Making these Tiramisu Truffles with Coffee and Cacao Recipe is like bringing a little slice of Italy right into your kitchen—without needing to light the oven. They’re quick, fuss-free, and absolutely delightful whether for a casual afternoon coffee or an elegant dinner party. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing these creamy, coffee-kissed bites as much as I do. Buon appetito!