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

If you adore the classic Italian dessert but want something a bit more bite-sized and no-fuss, then you’ll love this Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe. These little balls pack all the luscious flavors of tiramisu into one indulgent, no-bake treat.

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 made these tiramisu truffles more times than I can count, and they never fail to impress. They’re creamy, coffee-kissed, and coated with just the right touch of cacao powder—it’s like having classic tiramisu in a perfectly portable form.

No baking required: You can whip up these truffles in just 15 minutes of hands-on time.
Classic flavors: Mascarpone, espresso, and ladyfinger crumbs create that signature tiramisu taste.
Perfect portion size: These truffles make a great party treat or elegant after-dinner snack.
Easy to customize: Adjust espresso strength or dust with extra powdered sugar for sweetness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you’re gathering your ingredients for these tiramisu balls, it’s worth picking the best quality components you can find. A creamy mascarpone, authentic savoiardi biscuits, and fresh espresso really make all the difference in flavor and texture.

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: This creamy cheese is what gives tiramisu truffles their signature silky richness.
Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers): The light and airy texture of these cookies soaks up espresso beautifully and forms the truffle base.
Espresso coffee: Provides the bold coffee flavor essential to tiramisu; cooled before mixing to keep things smooth.
Powdered sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the coffee notes.
Cacao powder: For dusting, it delivers a bittersweet finish that balances the creamy truffles.

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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 the Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe is just how easy it is to tailor them to your taste. Whether you want to amp up the coffee flavor, experiment with coatings, or make them a bit lighter, there's plenty of room to make these truffles truly your own.

Variation: For a richer cocoa kick, I sometimes mix a bit of instant espresso powder into the cacao before coating. It gives that final pop of coffee aroma that’s irresistible!
Dietary Swap: If you prefer a dairy-free option, mascarpone can be substituted with a thick coconut cream or vegan cream cheese, just be sure to chill the mixture a bit longer to firm up.
Seasonal Twist: Around the holidays, adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of spiced liqueur into the mascarpone mixture adds a wonderfully warm flavor profile.
Sweetness Level: Feel free to adjust the powdered sugar up or down depending on how sweet you like your desserts—these truffles are pretty forgiving!

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. This is the heart of your truffles, so using a freshly brewed espresso will really bring out that deep, robust coffee flavor. Once brewed, let it cool completely—warm espresso will affect the texture of the mascarpone mixture later, so patience is key here!

Step 2: Crush the Ladyfingers to a Fine Powder

While your espresso cools, blitz the 12 savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers) in a blender or food processor. Aim for a fine powder consistency—think cookie crumbs rather than chunks. This ensures the texture of your truffles is smooth and consistent, blending seamlessly with the creamy batter.

Step 3: Whip up the Creamy Mascarpone Mix

In a mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup of mascarpone cheese (room temperature is best!) with 3 teaspoons of sifted powdered sugar. Then add in the cooled espresso coffee and stir gently until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious cream is what will bind the truffles together and give them that signature tiramisu flavor.

Step 4: Fold in the Crushed Ladyfingers

Gently fold the powdered ladyfingers into the mascarpone mixture using a rubber spatula. Take your time and be gentle—fold until fully combined, resulting in a thick batter-like consistency reminiscent of cookie dough. This is the key step for achieving the perfect texture in every bite.

Step 5: Roll Into Perfect Truffle Balls

Using a teaspoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll between your palms to form smooth, compact balls. Place each truffle on a plate as you go—this recipe yields about 10 truffles. If the mixture feels sticky or too soft, don’t worry—just chill it for another 15 minutes before rolling.

Step 6: Chill to Set

Pop the formed truffles into the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow them to set. This chilling step is essential to develop the perfect texture—soft and creamy on the inside but firm enough to hold their shape. If you prefer them firmer, feel free to chill longer.

Step 7: Coat and Serve

Place cacao powder in a small bowl, then roll each chilled truffle in the cacao until evenly coated. The rich, bittersweet dusting perfectly balances the creamy coffee and mascarpone flavors inside. Arrange on a serving dish and enjoy your deliciously indulgent Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe—the perfect bite-sized finish to any meal.

Top Tip

These little Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao are wonderfully simple, but a few handy tips will take them from great to unforgettable.

Use Room Temperature Mascarpone: This really helps in creating a smooth, creamy texture that's easy to blend with the espresso and crushed ladyfingers. Cold mascarpone can be stubborn and lumpy.
Don't Rush the Cooling: Make sure your espresso is fully cooled before adding it to the mascarpone. Warm espresso will cause the mixture to loosen too much, making it harder to roll into truffles.
Chill When Sticky: If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, pop it back in the fridge for 15 extra minutes. It firms up nicely, making rolling the truffles a breeze.
Coat Evenly with Cacao: Use a small bowl of sifted cacao powder for rolling. This prevents clumping and guarantees a delicate, even dusting for that classic tiramisu look and flavor balance.

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

For an extra touch, try adding a few chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts on top of your cacao-dusted truffles. A tiny mint leaf or a dusting of cinnamon can also bring subtle warmth and a fresh pop of color.

Side Dishes

These truffles pair beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino, doubling down on the coffee punch. For a small dessert platter, add fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries to offer a bright, tart contrast to the creamy richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After making your Tiramisu Truffles, store them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, giving you a perfect little treat ready whenever the craving hits.

Freezing

You can freeze these truffles for longer storage. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid first (about 1-2 hours), then transfer into a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake dessert, reheating isn't necessary. Just bring your truffles to room temperature for about 10 minutes after refrigeration or thawing to enjoy their creamy texture and flavors at their best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute espresso with regular coffee in the Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe?

Yes, you can use strong brewed coffee if you don't have espresso available. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before mixing it into the batter to keep the right consistency.

How long do Tiramisu Truffles need to chill?

They should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to set properly. If you prefer a firmer texture, feel free to chill them longer.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! The Tiramisu Truffles use vegetarian-friendly ingredients like mascarpone cheese and ladyfingers, making them a perfect vegetarian dessert option.

What’s the best way to roll the truffles without them sticking?

If the mixture is sticky, chill it for an extra 15 minutes before rolling. You can also lightly dampen your hands or dust them with a bit of powdered sugar to make rolling easier.

Final Thoughts

Making these Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao is a delightful way to enjoy all the classic flavors of tiramisu in a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy coffee date or a festive gathering, these little treats never fail to impress. The no-bake ease combined with that creamy, coffee-infused goodness means you get all the love with none of the fuss. Happy rolling—and even happier tasting!