Tiramisu has always been one of my favorite desserts. It reminds me of cozy family gatherings, where we’d sit around the table with a warm cup of coffee, sharing stories and laughter. But as much as I love the classic version, I don’t always have the time (or patience) to make it from scratch. I know some of y’all share the same sentiments!
That’s why these No-Bake Tiramisu Truffles have become my go-to treat. They deliver all the indulgent flavors of tiramisu—creamy mascarpone, bold espresso, and rich chocolate—without the hassle of baking or layering!
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Tiramisu Truffles
- Effortless and Quick – No baking required, making them a perfect last-minute dessert.
- Rich and Creamy – The mascarpone and chocolate create a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The bitterness of espresso complements the sweetness of chocolate and ladyfingers.
- Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for gifting, entertaining, or simply treating yourself.
- Customizable – Can be adapted with different coatings or fillings to suit personal preferences.
No-Bake Tiramisu Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream – Adds creaminess to the chocolate mixture.
- 2.5 ounces dark chocolate – Provides deep, intense cocoa flavor.
- 2.5 ounces milk chocolate – Balances the dark chocolate with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons espresso – Enhances the tiramisu essence with bold coffee flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons espresso powder – Deepens the coffee flavor throughout the truffle mixture.
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder – Used for coating, adding a classic tiramisu dusting effect.
- ¼ cup chocolate curls – For garnishing and extra texture.
- 12 ounces savoiardi cookies (ladyfingers), crushed – The base of the truffles, adding a slight crunch.
- ½ tablespoon sugar – Slightly sweetens the mixture.
- ⅔ cup mascarpone cheese – The heart of tiramisu, lending its creamy, rich texture.
Optional Add-ons
- A splash of coffee liqueur for a boozy twist.
- White chocolate coating for a sweeter variation.
- Crushed hazelnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – To combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Microwave or double boiler – To melt the chocolate evenly.
- Spoon or spatula – For mixing and folding ingredients together.
- Food processor or rolling pin – To crush the ladyfingers.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – For setting the truffles.
Step-by-Step Instructions for No-Bake Tiramisu Truffles
1. Melt the Chocolate
Chop the dark and milk chocolate into small pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the heavy cream and microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. If using a double boiler, stir constantly over low heat until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed ladyfingers, sugar, and espresso powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors. Pour in the freshly brewed espresso and mix until the crumbs are moist but not overly wet.
3. Incorporate Mascarpone
Add the mascarpone cheese to the mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as mascarpone can become too soft and lose its structure.
4. Combine with Chocolate
Once the chocolate has cooled slightly, pour it over the mascarpone mixture. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and you have a uniform dough-like consistency.
5. Form the Truffles
Using a spoon, scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls between your palms. If the mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before shaping.
6. Coat and Garnish
Roll the truffles in cocoa powder for a traditional tiramisu touch or in chocolate curls for extra texture and elegance. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the truffles for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Enjoy them straight from the fridge or let them sit for a few minutes at room temperature for a softer bite.
Best Paired With
- Espresso or cappuccino – To enhance the coffee flavor.
- Dessert wine – Like a sweet Marsala or Vin Santo.
- Vanilla gelato – For a contrast of warm and cold textures.
Storage and Serving
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 1 month, thawing for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Don’t overwork the mascarpone, or the mixture may become too soft.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 10-15 minutes before rolling.
Substitutes and Variations
- Dairy-free option – Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate.
- Low-sugar alternative – Replace sugar with a sugar substitute.
- Gluten-free – Use gluten-free ladyfingers.
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Per Truffle |
| Calories | 140 |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 7g |
What Others Are Saying About The Recipe
Olivia M. – “These truffles were a HIT at my dinner party! So easy to make, and everyone loved the rich tiramisu flavor.”
Daniel R. – “I love how these turned out! The perfect balance of espresso and chocolate. I added a bit of Kahlua, and it was amazing.”
Sophia G. – “I made these as gifts, and they were gone in no time. Super easy to make!”
Lois W. – “I used extra espresso powder for a stronger kick, and it turned out really good! Perfect for a coffee lover like me!”
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together.
What if I don’t have mascarpone?
You can substitute it with cream cheese, but the texture will be slightly different.
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, but dissolve it in hot water first to get a smoother flavor.
How do I prevent the truffles from melting?
Store them in the fridge until ready to serve, especially in warm weather.
Final Thoughts
No-bake tiramisu truffles have quickly become one of my favorite desserts to whip up. They are rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make—a treat that feels fancy but requires minimal effort. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just as a little self-care treat, I promise you won’t regret it. Give them a try, and let me know how they turned out!