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Tiramisu Balls Recipe

4.8 from 144 reviews

Tiramisu Balls are a delightful, bite-sized twist on the classic Italian dessert. Made by combining crushed ladyfinger cookies with mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and coffee, these no-bake treats are rolled into small balls and coated with cocoa powder for a rich, bittersweet finish. Perfect as a quick, elegant dessert or party appetizer, they offer all the flavors of traditional tiramisu in a convenient, hand-held form.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 Savoiardi lady fingers
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup (3oz / 85g) mascarpone cheese, cold
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons strongly brewed coffee, room temperature or cold
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Crush the Lady Fingers: Place the lady fingers into a medium-sized food processor and pulse on and off until you achieve very fine crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a large plastic bag, seal it leaving a small opening, and crush the cookies into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or similar kitchen tool.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the lady finger crumbs with powdered sugar, cold mascarpone cheese, and 2 tablespoons of the brewed coffee.
  3. Mix to Form Dough: Stir the mixture until everything is well combined and the mixture sticks together when pinched. If it seems too dry, gradually add more coffee until it holds together easily. If it becomes too soft, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes until firm enough to handle.
  4. Shape into Balls: Using about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture per portion, scoop out and roll into small balls. A small cookie scoop works well for this to keep sizes uniform.
  5. Coat with Cocoa: Pour cocoa powder into a small bowl or plate. Roll each tiramisu ball in the cocoa powder, coating evenly. Note that the cocoa powder will add a slightly bitter flavor, which complements the sweetness of the dessert.
  6. Serve or Store: Serve the tiramisu balls immediately or refrigerate them. They can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making them ideal for preparing ahead of time.

Notes

  • If you prefer a less bitter coating than cocoa powder, consider rolling the balls in finely chopped chocolate shavings, powdered sugar, or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
  • Ensure the mascarpone cheese is cold before mixing to help maintain the texture of the balls.
  • Consume within 3 to 4 days as the dessert contains dairy and moisture from the coffee, which can affect freshness.
  • For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso or concentrate the brewed coffee.
  • This recipe does not require baking, making it quick and easy to prepare.

Keywords: Tiramisu balls, no bake dessert, Italian dessert, mascarpone, ladyfinger dessert, coffee flavored dessert, easy dessert, bite-sized tiramisu