Name: Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ⅓ cup mascarpone cheese preferably at room temperature; 12 savoiardi biscuits (3.5 oz / 100 g) - ladyfingers; 3 tablespoons brewed espresso coffee cooled; 3 teaspoons sifted powdered sugar; Cacao powder for dusting

Ready to impress with a dessert that's as easy as it is delicious? This Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe captures all the luscious creaminess and robust coffee flavor of classic tiramisu—but in perfectly bite-sized, no-bake treats you can whip up in just 15 minutes.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve always adored tiramisu, but it can be such a fuss to make, right? These truffles are my shortcut to that dreamy combo of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, all rolled into irresistible little balls that everyone raves about.

Simple & Quick: No baking or complicated layering—just mix, roll, chill, and enjoy.
Rich & Creamy: The mascarpone and espresso shine together for authentic tiramisu flavor in every bite.
Perfect Size: These truffles are great for parties or whenever you want a little sweet pick-me-up.
Customizable: Dust with cacao or add a hint of your favorite liqueur for an adult twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this recipe, quality really matters—especially when it comes to the mascarpone and espresso. Make sure you have fresh espresso brewed and ready to go, and let your mascarpone come to room temperature so everything blends smoothly.

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: Creamy and smooth, it’s the star ingredient that gives these truffles their signature richness.
Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers): Light and crisp, these soak up the espresso flavor perfectly when crushed into crumbs.
Brewed espresso coffee: Provides that bold coffee kick essential in classic tiramisu, but cooled so it doesn’t melt the mascarpone.
Sifted powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without any grit.
Cacao powder: For that perfect dusting of bittersweet finish that brings it all together.

📝

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 Espresso and Cacao Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. Feel free to personalize the recipe to suit your taste, occasion, or dietary preferences—it's all about making these creamy bites your own!

Variation: If you want to deepen the espresso flavor, try dipping the ladyfingers briefly in espresso before crushing for an extra punch of coffee goodness. I did this once for a dinner party, and the truffles had a richer, more intense taste that guests loved.
Dietary Swap: For a lighter twist, substitute mascarpone with whipped cream cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative. It changes the texture slightly but keeps the indulgent feel intact.
Seasonal Flair: Around the holidays, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon or a couple drops of orange extract into the cream mixture to give these truffles a cozy festive note.
Presentation Tip: Instead of rolling in cacao powder, you could try dipping the truffles in melted dark chocolate and letting them set for a glossy, decadent coating.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao 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 the Perfect Espresso

Start by brewing 3 tablespoons of espresso coffee. Once brewed, set it aside and let it cool completely—this prevents the mascarpone from melting when mixed later. I usually make the espresso first thing so it has enough time to reach room temperature while I prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Crush Ladyfingers to a Fine Powder

Next, place 12 savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers) into a blender or food processor. Blitz them until they become a fine powder, almost like cookie crumbs. The finer the texture, the smoother your truffles will be, so take a moment to get them just right.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mascarpone Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup of mascarpone cheese (preferably at room temperature) with 3 teaspoons of sifted powdered sugar. Add the cooled espresso, then gently stir everything together until you get a smooth, consistent cream. If your mascarpone feels too stiff, softening it a bit before mixing can save you some effort.

Step 4: Fold in the Crushed Ladyfingers

Now fold the powdered ladyfingers into the mascarpone-espresso mixture using a rubber spatula. Stir carefully until the mixture looks like thick cookie dough—this will be the base for your truffles. Make sure everything is combined evenly so each bite is perfectly delicious.

Step 5: Shape the Truffles

Using a teaspoon, scoop out portions of the batter and roll them between your fingers to form balls. Place each one on a plate as you go. This recipe yields about 10 truffle balls. If the mixture feels sticky, chilling it slightly before shaping can help.

Step 6: Chill for the Perfect Set

Pop the truffle balls into the refrigerator and let them chill for 1 hour. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up just right. Prefer them firmer? Feel free to chill them longer—up to 2 hours or even overnight work beautifully.

Step 7: Dust with Luxurious Cacao Powder

Pour cacao powder into a small bowl. Roll each chilled truffle in the cocoa powder until fully coated, giving them that final, classic tiramisu touch. This step not only adds a pleasing bitterness to balance the sweetness but also a beautiful finish.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Arrange your beautifully dusted truffles on a serving plate and enjoy immediately, or keep them refrigerated until you're ready to indulge. These little bites are a true celebration of Italian flavors—smooth, coffee-kissed, and utterly irresistible!

Top Tip

These tips can really elevate your Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe, giving you that perfect creamy texture and deep coffee flavor every time.

Use Room Temperature Mascarpone: Letting mascarpone warm up just a bit makes mixing so much easier and ensures a smooth, luscious filling.
Crush Ladyfingers Finely: I learned that blitzing the savoiardi biscuits to a powder-like consistency helps create a smooth batter, preventing any gritty texture in your truffles.
Cool Your Espresso Completely: Adding hot espresso can cause the mascarpone to melt. Cooling the coffee first keeps your mixture beautifully thick and creamy.
Chill for the Perfect Texture: Refrigerating the truffle balls for at least 1 hour helps them set nicely. For a firmer bite, don’t hesitate to chill them longer or even overnight.

How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao 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

Try dusting your truffles not only with cacao powder but also a sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate or even a few espresso beans on top for an elegant touch. For a twist, a light drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can add extra decadence.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with a small cup of freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino. For a fuller dessert experience, consider serving alongside fresh berries or a citrus sorbet to balance the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover tiramisu truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them well covered to maintain their creamy texture and prevent the cacao from absorbing any fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze these truffles by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first and freezing until firm. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Thaw gently in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

These are best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply let frozen truffles thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight to regain their creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Yes! While freshly brewed espresso gives the truffles their signature intensity, a strong brewed coffee can be a good substitute if you don’t have espresso on hand.

Why do the truffles need to chill in the fridge?

Chilling helps the truffles set, giving them a firm but creamy texture. It also helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

How long can I store tiramisu truffles?

You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.

Can I make these truffles vegan or dairy-free?

Traditional mascarpone is dairy-based, so to make a vegan version, you’ll need to substitute with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use plant-based espresso options. The texture and flavor will vary slightly but can still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

Making these Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe is such a joyful experience—they’re quick to prepare yet deliver that beloved tiramisu flavor in every bite. Whether for a cozy night in or a special gathering, these creamy truffles never fail to impress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them just as much as I do!