Name: Quick Easy Tiramisu
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 oz. Mascarpone Cheese, at room temperature; 3~4 tablespoons Confectioners Sugar; ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract; ½ cup Heavy cream; 8 Ladyfinger cookies; 1 tablespoon Espresso powder (or Instant Coffee); ½ cup Hot Water; 1 tablespoon Sugar; 1 tablespoon Kahlua (or other Coffee liquor)

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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.

Top view of individual tiramisu dessert sprinkled with cocoa powder

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.

Glass with lady fingers layered with cream filling and topped with cocoa powder

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.

Granulated Sugar

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.

Powdered sugar

Heavy cream - aka whipping cream

Vanilla extract

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.

Photos showing the making of mascarpone filling

Beat cream until stiff peaks form - this takes about 8~10 minutes when done by hand.

Photos showing heavy cream whipped until stiff peaks form

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.

Photos showing the making of sweet coffee dipping liquid

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.

Step by step photos showing the making of tiramisu trifle

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