There’s something special about taking a classic dessert and turning it into a quick, no-bake treat. These Tiramisu Balls capture all the creamy, coffee-soaked magic of traditional tiramisu but in portable, bite-sized form. They’re sweet, rich, and dusted with cocoa—perfect for gifting, entertaining, or keeping in the fridge for when the dessert craving hits.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Balls
These bite-sized Italian-inspired treats are smooth, creamy, and coffee-kissed.
- No baking required—ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for holidays, parties, or afternoon pick-me-ups
- Simple ingredients and full tiramisu flavor
- Freezer-friendly for easy prep ahead
- Bite-sized and shareable for any occasion
- Creamy inside, cocoa-dusted outside
The idea for this recipe came from a late-night coffee run during a family trip to Dallas. I wanted tiramisu, but no one wanted to bake. So I crushed a few leftover ladyfingers, mixed in mascarpone and coffee, and rolled them into little bites. That first batch disappeared before the coffee cooled—proof that simple ideas can turn into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few pantry staples to make this elegant treat.
Main Ingredients
- 12 Savoiardi ladyfingers – classic Italian biscuits that add structure and sweetness
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – for light sweetness
- ⅓ cup (85 g) mascarpone cheese, cold – creamy and rich base
- 2 to 4 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, cooled – for flavor and moisture
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder – for rolling and finishing
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Use espresso instead of coffee for a deeper kick
- Swap mascarpone with cream cheese for a tangy twist
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
- Mix in mini chocolate chips for crunch
- Dip in melted dark chocolate for extra indulgence
- Roll in shaved chocolate or espresso powder instead of cocoa
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tiramisu is about balance—sweetness, coffee, and cream. Keep your mix thick enough to hold shape but moist enough to melt in your mouth.
- Crush the Ladyfingers
Place the ladyfingers in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. (You can also put them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.) - Combine the Base
In a medium bowl, mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, and coffee. Start with 2 tablespoons of coffee and add more as needed to create a thick dough-like consistency. - Form the Balls
Add the crushed ladyfingers to the mascarpone mixture and stir until fully combined. Scoop out small portions and roll into 1-inch balls. - Coat with Cocoa
Place cocoa powder in a shallow dish and roll each ball until evenly coated. Shake off excess powder for a clean finish. - Chill and Serve
Arrange on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend and the texture firm up.
Quick Reminders:
- Use cold mascarpone for easy mixing.
- Don’t add too much coffee or the dough will be too soft.
- Chill before serving for the best texture.
- Store in a sealed container to keep them moist and fresh.
Expert Tips for Success
These Tiramisu Balls are easy but taste bakery-quality when done right.
- Use good-quality coffee—it defines the flavor.
- Crush ladyfingers finely for a smooth texture.
- Roll while the mixture is slightly chilled to prevent sticking.
- Dust with cocoa just before serving for a fresh look.
- For a holiday twist, roll in white chocolate shavings.
- Freeze extras and thaw in the fridge when needed.
If you love rich desserts with creamy layers, try my French Chocolate Flan for an ultra-silky bite, or Raspberry Pistachio Mousse Cakes for a fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
These truffle-like bites fit every occasion and craving.
- Serve with espresso or cappuccino for a coffee pairing
- Present in mini paper cups for parties
- Add to dessert platters or holiday boxes
- Dust with extra cocoa before serving for presentation
- Pair with fresh berries for color contrast
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for elegance
Fans of soft textures will also adore the Taiwanese Castella Cake and the indulgent No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls.
Storing and Reheating
You won’t need to reheat these, but they do keep beautifully.
How to Store It
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking
How to Reheat It
- Not needed—serve straight from the fridge or slightly chilled
- Avoid microwaving, as it softens the texture
They keep their shape and flavor perfectly, even after a few days.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 2 tiramisu balls
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 12 g
- Calcium: 35 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until serving.
Can I make them alcohol-free?
Absolutely—this recipe doesn’t use alcohol, making it perfect for all ages.
Can I use instant coffee?
Yes, dissolve 1 teaspoon in 2 tablespoons of hot water, then cool before adding.
Final Thoughts
These Tiramisu Balls are proof that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. With just a few ingredients and no oven time, you get all the elegance of a traditional tiramisu in a fraction of the effort. They’re sweet, smooth, and guaranteed to make any coffee break a little more indulgent.
- Use quality coffee and mascarpone for the best flavor
- Chill before serving for perfect texture
- Keep a batch ready for last-minute dessert cravings
Tiramisu Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the ladyfingers in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. If you don’t have a processor, put them in a zip‑top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cold mascarpone, powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of coffee. Stir until smooth and thick. Add more coffee, 1 tablespoon at a time, only if needed to achieve a thick, dough‑like consistency.
- Add the crushed ladyfingers to the mascarpone mixture and stir until fully combined into a cohesive mixture.
- Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll into 1‑inch balls with your hands.
- Place the cocoa powder in a shallow dish. Roll each ball in the cocoa until evenly coated, shaking off any excess.
- Arrange the Tiramisu Balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld and the texture firms up.
Nutrition
Notes
- Alcohol‑free by default; use espresso or coffee for flavor.
- Keep chilled for best texture.
