Effortless Tiramisu Truffles

Featured in: Sweet Treats for Every Occasion

If you want a treat that gives you all the cozy notes of tiramisu, you’ll love these. Every bite is packed with soft mascarpone and just the right punch of espresso. Crushed ladyfingers hold the whole thing together, and you can finish them off in melted chocolate or cocoa, just like classic tiramisu. No baking, just chill and go. Whether you’re gearing up for a fancy night or just hanging out with friends, these truffles are the easiest way to bring a little Italy to your table.
A woman in a kitchen smiling.
By Chloe Chloe
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 17:19:26 GMT
A plate of chocolate and white balls. Pin it
A plate of chocolate and white balls. | cookitdelish.com

Packed with the flavors you crave from Italy’s favorite treat, these tiramisu truffles deliver creamy, coffee-kissed goodness, all tucked inside grab-and-go bites. Mascarpone, espresso, and chocolate—everything tasty about the original—come together in these simple sweets. Treat yourself to a little luxury, whether it's for a celebration or just a chocolate fix in the afternoon.

The first time I brought these to my sister’s engagement bash, I stacked them up near tiny espresso cups. Folks thought I'd bought them from a posh chocolate shop. They were the first treat to vanish! Now, whenever I’m invited to dinner, friends expect me to bring these along.

Dreamy Ingredients

  • ½ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder: Coats some of the truffles for deep, rich flavor and a touch of edge.
  • ½ cup dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa): Gives some truffles a glossy outer shell.
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract: Adds a gentle, comforting warmth.
  • 1 tbsp espresso powder: Packs a solid coffee punch for balance.
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar: Lends just the right sweetness without any grit.
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese: Brings silky, rich creaminess that’s unmistakably tiramisu.
  • 1½ cups crushed ladyfingers: Forms that classic, soft tiramisu base.

Irresistible Step-by-Step

Final Chill
Set them in the fridge another 15–20 minutes to get them nice and firm before you serve or tuck them away for later.
Add the Toppings
Dip the balls in melted chocolate for a hard shell, or roll in cocoa powder for a dusted finish. Place each back on the baking sheet as you go.
Roll ’em Out
Scoop out even portions using a tablespoon or a tiny cookie scoop. Shape into balls and arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop them in the fridge for at least half an hour.
Mix the Base
Toss the mascarpone, crushed ladyfingers, espresso powder, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Give it a stir until you get a smooth, even mix.
Three chocolate balls on a plate. Pin it
Three chocolate balls on a plate. | cookitdelish.com

Deeply Satisfying Flavors

You'll get velvety mascarpone, a shot of strong coffee, and real chocolate, all working together to taste just like tiramisu. They aren't overly sugary, letting those classic flavors shine through in every bite.

How to Serve

Sip espresso or cappuccino with these for the dream combo. Or go fancy and pour a splash of vin santo or amaretto if it’s a special night.

Convenient Make-Ahead Treats

Let these sit in the fridge overnight and the flavors just get better and better, so go ahead and make them early when you need to plan ahead.

A plate of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Pin it
A plate of chocolate and vanilla ice cream. | cookitdelish.com

My first batch turned super soft because I grabbed mascarpone straight from the counter. Chilling everything first made shaping so much easier. Now, I love how these transforms a classic into something fun and a bit fancy. They’re always the first thing folks grab at get-togethers—familiar, but just unique enough to stand out from the crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these Tiramisu Truffles ahead of time?
Go for it—these are perfect for making a few days early. Pop them in an airtight container and chill in the fridge. They’re even better after a little while, so you can get ahead for your next get-together or gift.
→ What can I substitute for ladyfingers if I can't find them?
No ladyfingers on hand? Try out graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies. They’ll hold things together just fine and still taste great.
→ Can I use coffee instead of espresso powder?
Totally fine—just swap in a spoonful or two of extra-strong coffee (cool it first). You might want to add a bit more powdered sugar if your mix gets too soft.
→ How do I get the best chocolate coating for these truffles?
Stir in a little coconut or vegetable oil into your melted chocolate so it goes on smoother. Dip each truffle using a fork, let the excess drip, and set them on parchment to dry.
→ Can I make these Tiramisu Truffles without alcohol?
You sure can—there’s no booze at all! Some tiramisu has liqueur, but these just use espresso and vanilla, so everyone can have one.

Effortless Tiramisu Truffles

Enjoy tiramisu flavors in every bite with these mascarpone and espresso treats held together by ladyfingers. Bite-sized goodies you don’t have to bake.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By Chloe: Chloe

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Yield: 20 Servings (20 truffles)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
02 1/4 cup powdered sugar
03 1 1/2 cups crushed ladyfingers
04 1 tablespoon espresso powder
05 1/2 cup chocolate chips
06 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 1/2 cup cocoa powder, plus extra for sprinkling on top

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a medium-sized bowl and toss in the mascarpone, powdered sugar, crushed cookies, espresso powder, and vanilla. Stir it all together until the mixture feels smooth and soft. The cookies should absorb into the cheese, forming something thick and sturdy enough to roll. If things feel a little too gooey, it's no big deal. Chilling will sort that out later.

Step 02

Scoop out portions of the mixture using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, then roll it lightly between your hands to make 1-inch balls. If it sticks, a quick dusting of cocoa powder on your hands should do the trick. Line the balls up on a plate or sheet with parchment underneath. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes until they're easy to handle and firm.

Step 03

When the truffle centers are firm, get the chocolate chips ready. Put them in a microwave-safe bowl and warm them up in 20-30 second bursts, stirring each time. Don’t rush it – slowly melt until smooth, and let it cool just enough to stay workable for dipping.

Step 04

Take the chilled truffles out. For chocolate-dipped ones, use a fork to dunk the balls into the melted chocolate, letting the extra drip off before placing them back on the parchment. If cocoa dusting’s your thing, roll the balls in cocoa powder till they’re fully coated. You can even mix and match for variety!

Step 05

A light sprinkle of cocoa powder makes these look like the real deal. After that, pop them back in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the coating harden completely. Once firm, move them to a sealed container. If you're layering them, add parchment in between to keep everything neat.

Notes

  1. These bite-sized no-bake treats bring the taste of tiramisu into a fun, shareable dessert – great for gifting or party platters!
  2. If your mix gets too soft while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to stiffen up a bit.
  3. Store in a tight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can swap ladyfingers for vanilla wafers if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • A mixing bowl
  • Plate or baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Tablespoon or cookie scoop
  • Bowl safe for microwave

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (mascarpone cheese)
  • Contains gluten/wheat (ladyfingers)
  • Might have eggs (ladyfingers)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 2 g