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; 12 savoiardi biscuits (3.5 oz / 100g); 3 tablespoons brewed espresso coffee; 3 teaspoons sifted powdered sugar; Cacao powder for dusting

Ready to wow your guests without turning on the oven? These Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe are the perfect bite-sized treat that brings all the indulgent flavors of classic tiramisu into easy-to-make, no-bake truffles. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be your new go-to dessert for parties or cozy nights in.

A white plate with a decorative raised leaf edge holds about ten round chocolate balls dusted in dark brown cocoa powder, arranged closely in the center. At the edge of the plate, three bright red strawberry pieces with visible seeds add a pop of color. In the background, a colorful cup with floral and geometric patterns is partially visible, along with a beige biscuit. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. 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 absolutely adore how effortlessly these truffles capture the essence of a classic Italian tiramisu. The creamy mascarpone paired with espresso-soaked biscotti makes every bite melt in your mouth. Plus, it’s such a fun twist to the traditional layered dessert!

No-bake magic: Quick to whip up, no oven needed!
Rich espresso flavor: Authentic coffee taste that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Elegant bite-sized: Perfect for parties or as a luscious little treat any time.
Simple ingredients: Easily found in most grocery stores and easy to work with.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These tiramisu truffles rely on a handful of key ingredients that come together to create a rich and indulgent flavor. When shopping, look for quality mascarpone and good espresso to really bring out that authentic Italian flair.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh mascarpone cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a neat stack of whole unbroken savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits beside it, a small white bowl filled with dark brewed espresso coffee, a small white bowl containing finely sifted powdered sugar, and another small white bowl with rich cacao powder for dusting, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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 the soul of tiramisu – smooth, rich, and it blends perfectly to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers): Light and crisp, these soak up espresso beautifully and add just the right amount of sweetness.
Brewed espresso coffee: Essential for that bold coffee flavor; make sure it’s fully cooled before mixing in.
Sifted powdered sugar: So it dissolves smoothly in the mascarpone, giving a subtle sweetness without graininess.
Cacao powder: For dusting, it adds a slightly bitter contrast that balances the truffles’ sweetness and gives a beautiful finishing touch.

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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 this Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to amp up the coffee kick or adjust for dietary needs, there’s plenty of room for delicious customization.

Variation: For a boozy twist, I love adding a teaspoon of coffee liqueur to the mascarpone and espresso mixture. It deepens the flavors and makes these truffles even more indulgent.
Dairy-Free Option: If you're looking to keep it dairy-free, try swapping mascarpone for a coconut cream-based alternative. It won’t be the classic version, but still creamy and delightful.
Nutty Upgrade: Adding finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds into the mixture gives a lovely crunch and a toasty note that complements the cocoa and espresso beautifully.
Seasonal Twist: During colder months, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warming aroma that makes these truffles feel extra festive.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe

A close-up view shows a woman's hand holding a small round chocolate truffle with a bite taken out, revealing a dense, light brown, crumbly inner texture. In the blurred background, several more chocolate truffles appear on a white plate, with small red strawberry pieces scattered among them. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brew and Cool the Espresso

Start by brewing 3 tablespoons of espresso coffee. It’s important to let the espresso cool completely to room temperature before using it in the recipe — this helps keep the mascarpone from melting and preserves that luscious creamy texture.

Step 2: Crush the Savoiardi Biscuits

While the espresso cools, blitz 12 savoiardi biscuits (about 3.5 oz or 100 grams) in a blender or food processor until they become a fine powder. This crumbly base gives the truffles their signature texture, so aim for as fine a consistency as possible without turning it into dust.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mascarpone Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup room temperature mascarpone cheese with 3 teaspoons of sifted powdered sugar. Add the cooled espresso and mix everything together thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and silky. This step blends the rich mascarpone with just the right hint of coffee sweetness.

Step 4: Fold in the Crushed Biscuits

Add the finely crushed savoiardi powder into the mascarpone cream mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold them together until fully combined. You’ll end up with a thick, cookie dough-like batter — this is the perfect consistency for rolling your truffles.

Step 5: Shape Your Truffles

Using a teaspoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll each between your fingers into small, bite-sized balls. Place the formed truffles onto a plate or tray. You should get about 10 truffles from the mixture — perfect for sharing or a personal treat.

Step 6: Chill to Set

Pop the truffle balls into the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour to let them set. While they stay soft and creamy inside, chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to handle. If you prefer a firmer texture, feel free to chill them longer.

Step 7: Dust with Cacao and Serve

Finally, pour some cacao powder into a shallow bowl. One by one, roll the chilled truffles in the cacao powder until they’re beautifully coated. Serve immediately and enjoy these elegant, irresistible Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao that capture all the classic flavors in a neat little bite.

Top Tip

These tips come from lots of kitchen experiments and will help you create the perfect texture and flavor balance in your Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe.

Espresso Temperature Matters: Make sure your espresso is completely cooled before mixing it with mascarpone. This prevents the cheese from melting and keeps your truffles luscious and smooth.
Perfect Biscuit Texture: Blitz the savoiardi biscuits finely but not too powdery—this gives your truffles the right crumbly body without becoming gritty.
Rolling Technique: Use a teaspoon to scoop the mixture and roll gently between your fingers. If your hands are cool, it helps the truffles hold their shape better without getting sticky.
Chilling Patience: Don’t rush the chilling step. The 1-hour fridge time firms up the truffles nicely while keeping them soft inside. If you want them firmer, just leave them in a bit longer.

How to Serve Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe

A close-up view of a bright mixing bowl filled with a crumbly, light brown mixture with a rough texture, slightly clumping together. The inside of the bowl has a colorful pattern of blue and yellow shapes on a white background. A white spatula with a smooth surface is partly buried in the mixture, angled towards the left side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a surface with a wooden texture that contrasts with the bowl’s vivid colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle your truffles with an extra dusting of high-quality cacao powder for that rich chocolate aroma. You can also add a small pinch of finely grated dark chocolate or a few espresso beans on top for an elegant touch. Fresh mint leaves or a tiny edible flower make lovely accents if you’re serving these at a gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair your Tiramisu Truffles with a small cup of freshly brewed espresso or a creamy cappuccino to intensify that coffee flavor. For a sweet balance, serve alongside fresh berries or a light almond biscotti. These make wonderful companions for a cozy dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your truffles fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay deliciously creamy and can be enjoyed for up to 3 days. Just make sure to dust with a little more cacao powder before serving if needed.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your tiramisu truffles, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake, creamy truffles, they’re best served cold or at room temperature. Simply let frozen truffles thaw completely in the fridge or at room temperature. Avoid microwaving to preserve their texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso for the truffles?

You can, but brewed espresso delivers a richer, more authentic coffee flavor that perfectly complements the mascarpone and cacao. If using instant coffee, dissolve it in a small amount of hot water and let it cool completely before adding.

How firm should the truffles be after chilling?

After 1 hour chilling, the truffles will be soft on the inside but set enough to hold their shape. If you prefer them firmer, simply extend the fridge time.

Can I add alcohol to these truffles?

Absolutely! Adding 1 teaspoon of coffee liqueur enhances the coffee notes beautifully. Just fold it gently into the cream mixture before combining with the biscuit crumbs.

What can I use if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese can be a good substitute. It changes the texture slightly but still yields deliciously creamy truffles.

Final Thoughts

Making these Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe is a little moment of joy—bringing the classic flavors of tiramisu into a fun, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re serving them at a party or savoring them as a personal indulgence, their simplicity and rich taste make them truly special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do!