This quick Tiramisu recipe takes just a few minutes to put together. This no-bake, eggless recipe is just as delicious as the traditional one.
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I love making mini desserts that are served in individual glasses. These are mini versions of the more elaborate desserts like this individual banana pudding, cookie-butter cheesecakes or this chocolate cheesecakes.
‘Dessert in a glass’ is much nicer to present and perfect for portion control. Idea for this easy, no bake, eggless tiramisu in a glass came from a dessert that I had at PF Chang’s. It was a creamy, decadent dish served in a shot glass.
The best part about this recipe is that it is easy to make and is a perfect make-ahead dessert. All it needs is a few ingredients and about 30 minutes time.
I made this quick recipe with traditional ingredients used in tiramisu. But I have included substitutions for these with more easily available items.
Traditional vs Quick Recipe
Traditionally, Italian ladyfingers (or long sugar cookies) are used to make tiramisu. They are dipped in liquor-spiked espresso and then layered with a creamy filling.
Zabaglione, an egg based custard forms the basis of the filling. Custard is then mixed with mascarpone cheese and whipped cream to form a feather light filling.
In my quick version, there is no zabaglione. So there is no need for eggs. Whipped cream is adds the same light, creamy texture.
Ingredients
This recipe has 2 components – ‘cake’ and the ‘cream’ part:
Lady fingers: Italian long sugar cookies that are traditionally used in the recipe. They are available in well-stocked grocery stores (look in the bakery or by strawberries) or in Italian stores.
But in this quick recipe, you can also use either pound cake or sponge cake.
Espresso powder or instant coffee – to make the coffee-flavored dipping liquid.
Kahlua – I use a tiny bit of coffee flavored liqueur. But you can definitely make this quick tiramisu without alcohol.
For the cream part:
Mascarpone – is an Italian cheese that is traditionally used in this recipe. But cream cheese is a great substitute that works beautifully in this recipe.
Heavy cream – aka whipping cream
Use 4 oz. glasses or espresso cups to make the dessert.
Instructions
Start by making the cream filling. Make sure that the cheese is at room temperature. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix well and set aside.
Beat cream until stiff peaks form – this takes about 8~10 minutes when done by hand.
Add the whipped cream to the mascarpone cheese, a little at a time, and fold until well mixed. The cream filling is ready to use. Make this up to 2~3 days in advance.
To assemble these quick easy tiramisu: Spoon some of the cream filling in the bottom of a serving glass.
Make the soaking liquid by adding espresso powder (or instant coffee) and sugar to hot water. Mix well.
Lightly dip a lady finger in the espresso and squeeze out the excess. Break into 2~3 pieces and place it on the cream filling. Top it with more cream filling.
Repeat the layers of cream and espresso-soaked ladyfingers – about 2 layers each in the glass per serving. Refrigerate for 1~2 hours before serving.
Tips
- Pound or sponge cake can be used instead of ladyfingers.
- Use brewed coffee as dipping liquid instead of using espresso powder.
- Cream cheese is a great substitute for mascarpone cheese.
- Mascarpone cheese has to be at room temperature. Leave it on the counter for at least 30~40 minutes.
- Heavy cream, the bowl and beaters used to make the whipped cream must be completely chilled.
- Skip kahlua to make this recipe without alcohol.
- The cream filling can be made 2~3 days in advance.
- This simple tiramisu recipe can be made 3 days in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
More delicious desserts to try
- Vegan chocolate cake with jam
- Vegan chocolate pudding cake
- Chocolate affogato
- Magic cookie bars
- Oreo truffles
Quick Easy Tiramisu
Ingredients
For the Creamy Filling:
- 4 oz. Mascarpone Cheese, at room temperature
- 3~4 tablespoons Confectioners Sugar
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ cup Heavy cream
Other Ingredients:
- 8 Ladyfinger cookies
- 1 tablespoon Espresso powder (or Instant Coffee)
- ½ cup Hot Water
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Kahlua (or other Coffee liquor)
Instructions
Make the Cream Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk mascarpone until smooth and creamy. Add confectioner's sugar, vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form – this takes about 8~10 minutes when done by hand.
- Add the whipped cream to the mascarpone cheese, a little at a time, and fold until well mixed. The cream filling is ready to use. This can be made 2~3 days in advance.
Prep the Coffee Syrup:
- In a small bowl, mix hot water and espresso powder. Add sugar, liquor, mix well and set aside to cool.
To Assemble:
- Spoon some cream mixture into the bottom of the glass.
- Lightly dip a lady finger in the espresso and squeeze out the excess. Break into 2~3 pieces and place it on the cream filling. Top it with more cream filling.
- Repeat the layers of cream and espresso-soaked ladyfingers – about 2 layers each in the glass per serving. Refrigerate for 1~2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Pound or sponge cake can be used instead of ladyfingers.
- Use brewed coffee as dipping liquid instead of using espresso powder.
- Cream cheese is a great substitute for mascarpone cheese.
- Mascarpone cheese has to be at room temperature. Leave it on the counter for at least 30~40 minutes.
- Heavy cream, the bowl and beaters used to make the whipped cream must be completely chilled.
- Skip kahlua to make this recipe without alcohol.
- The cream filling can be made 2~3 days in advance.
- This simple tiramisu recipe can be made 3 days in advance and chilled until ready to serve.
Gayathri Kumar
Looks super inviting Pavani. Love to grab a glass..
Rajani
I like portioned out desserts and serving in glasses is an elegant way to do it.
nisha
Thats a beautiful presentation Pavani. It looks so inviting and I wish I could have some now. 🙂
Vaishali
Simple and elegant dessert , it is so much easier to serve these glass desserts , let me not talk of portion control as I have people who want even smaller portions !
Ritu Tangri
This tiramisu dessert in glass is a cool idea and I simply love tiramisu……drooling
Amara
I love tiramisu from PF Chang’s too Pavani. They did stop serving it. Yours look so similar– I wish I could have some right now. Bookmarked 😀
sapana
Quick tiramisu in individual serving glasses looks heavenly and sounds super tempting. Love the pictures .
Harini
This looks very sinful, Pavani.
Suma Gandlur
That is elegantly presented, Pavani.
Priya Suresh
Wow, i feel like finishing those beautiful glass of tempting tiramisu, fantastic dessert to relish.
Dannii
Oh my husband would LOVE this. Tiramisu is his favourite dessert and this looks delicious.
Lizet
Delicious! it was easy to make with all the step by step pictures you have. Great recipe!
Carrie Robinson
Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts! Loving this easy to make version. 🙂
Angela
I love how simple this recipe is to make. Great for a quick after dinner dessert that is sure to please.
Catherine
Love the sound of this quick and simple variation! I love tiramisu! Beautiful and elegant photos.