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 / 100 g); 3 tablespoons brewed espresso coffee; 3 teaspoons sifted powdered sugar; Cacao powder for dusting

If you adore all things coffee and dessert, you’re in for a treat with this Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe. These irresistible little bites combine creamy mascarpone, bold espresso, and the iconic crunch of ladyfinger biscuits into one no-bake delight. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!

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 honestly can’t get enough of these tiramisu truffles. They’re such an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy those classic Italian flavors without turning on the oven. Plus, they are the perfect size for sharing – or sneaking a few when no one’s looking!

Simple Ingredients: Made with just a handful of pantry staples and fresh mascarpone, no complicated steps needed.
No-Bake Convenience: Perfect for when you want something indulgent but don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
Rich Flavor Fusion: Espresso and cacao come together to give an authentic tiramisu taste in every bite.
Great for Entertaining: Bite-sized and elegant, these truffles make for a beautiful dessert centerpiece or gift.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients before we dive in. For this recipe, the quality of a few key items really makes the difference. Choose fresh mascarpone at room temperature for easy mixing, and look for authentic savoiardi biscuits to get that perfect crunch and flavor in each bite.

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: Creamy and rich, it’s the heart of the truffle’s smooth texture and signature flavor.
Savoiardi Biscuits: These classic ladyfingers add the perfect crumbly structure—blitzed into a fine powder, they blend seamlessly.
Brewed Espresso Coffee: Provides that authentic coffee kick, ideal for balancing the sweet cream.
Sifted Powdered Sugar: Keeps the cream silky without any lumps—sifting is key here!
Cacao Powder: The finishing touch, adding a rich dusting that not only looks gorgeous but adds a slight bitter contrast.

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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 parts about making Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable they are. Feel free to tailor these bite-sized delights to your preferences or occasion — whether you're aiming for a richer treat or a lighter bite, there’s room for creativity!

Variation: For an extra indulgent twist, I like to add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the espresso before mixing. It gives the truffles a deeper, boozy undertone that’s perfect for entertaining.
Dietary Swap: If you’re after a dairy-free version, try substituting mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth mixing!
Seasonal Flair: During the holidays, sprinkle a pinch of finely grated orange zest or cinnamon into the mixture before forming the truffles — it adds a lovely seasonal fragrance that pairs beautifully with espresso and cacao.
Presentation Tip: Instead of dusting with cacao powder, roll the truffles in finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or shredded coconut for a different texture and flavor experience.

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 the Perfect Espresso

Start by brewing 3 tablespoons of espresso. I like to use freshly ground beans for that bold, aromatic coffee punch. Once brewed, let it cool completely—this step is crucial so it doesn’t melt the mascarpone later and mess up the creamy texture.

Step 2: Crush Those Ladyfinger Biscuits

While the coffee cools, blitz the 12 savoiardi biscuits in a food processor or blender until they become a fine powder. If you don’t have a processor, placing them in a sealed bag and crushing them with a rolling pin works, too — just aim for a consistent, sandy texture so the truffles hold together nicely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Mascarpone Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature mascarpone cheese with 3 teaspoons of sifted powdered sugar. The sifting prevents lumps, giving you a silky smooth base. Gently fold in your cooled espresso coffee, stirring carefully to create a luscious cream mixture without deflating it.

Step 4: Fold in the Crushed Biscuits

Now add the crushed ladyfinger biscuits to the mascarpone mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold everything together until you get a thick, cookie dough–like batter. It should be dense enough to hold shape but moist with that lovely espresso flavor throughout.

Step 5: Shape Your Truffles

Grab a teaspoon to scoop the mixture, then roll it between your palms to form small balls — about 10 truffles total. Don’t worry if they feel a little soft; that’s perfect for the melt-in-your-mouth experience these truffles deliver.

Step 6: Chill to Set

Place your truffles on a plate and pop them into the fridge for 1 hour. This chilling time lets them firm up and lets the flavors meld beautifully. If you prefer your truffles extra firm and a bit more compact, leaving them in the refrigerator a bit longer—up to 2 hours—is no problem.

Step 7: Coat with Silky Cacao Powder

Pour cacao powder into a small bowl. Take each chilled truffle and gently roll it in the cacao to give a lovely, delicate dusting. This not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also gives a beautiful finish and a slight bitterness to balance the sweet creaminess inside.

Step 8: Serve and Savor!

Arrange your beautifully coated tiramisu truffles on a serving plate and watch them disappear fast! These perfect little bites are a delightful no-bake dessert that combine classic Italian flavors into every luscious morsel. Enjoy with a fresh espresso or your favorite dessert wine.

Top Tip

Mastering these Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe is easier than you think, especially when you keep a few handy tips in mind that really bring out the best flavors and textures.

Use Room Temperature Mascarpone: This makes mixing so much smoother and helps you achieve that perfect creamy texture without lumps.
Chill Properly: Don’t rush the chilling time—letting the truffles set in the fridge for at least 1 hour enhances the flavor and firm up their deliciously soft centers.
Careful with Biscuit Crushing: Blitz the savoiardi biscuits finely but not too much to powder, so the truffles maintain a slight texture that’s delightfully reminiscent of classic tiramisu.
Even Coating: When dusting with cacao powder, roll each truffle gently but thoroughly to avoid a patchy appearance and get that beautiful rich cocoa finish.

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

For a touch of elegance, sprinkle a few truffles with finely grated dark chocolate or a pinch of instant espresso powder for an extra coffee kick. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cinnamon can add lovely aroma and visual appeal. You could even place a tiny edible gold leaf atop a few truffles for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

These truffles are perfect alongside a small cup of rich espresso or creamy cappuccino to complement their flavor. They also pair wonderfully with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which add a refreshing contrast. For a more indulgent spread, serve with assorted nuts or a glass of dessert wine such as Vin Santo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your tiramisu truffles, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them coated in cacao powder to prevent sticking and maintain their beautiful appearance.

Freezing

You can freeze these truffles for longer storage! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve their perfect texture.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake truffles, you don’t want to heat them up. Simply allow frozen truffles to defrost in the fridge naturally. Enjoy them chilled for the best creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Absolutely! Strong brewed coffee works just fine if you don't have espresso on hand. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing to keep the mascarpone creamy.

How long should the truffles chill for best results?

At least 1 hour in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. If you prefer a firmer truffle, chilling for up to 2 hours is perfect.

Can I make these truffles ahead of time for a party?

Yes! These no-bake treats hold up well when made ahead. Prepare them the day before, refrigerate overnight, and dust with cacao powder just before serving.

What’s the best way to crush the ladyfinger biscuits?

Using a food processor or blender to blitz the savoiardi biscuits until finely powdered ensures a smooth, well-mixed truffle batter without large crumbs.

Final Thoughts

There's something truly comforting about these Tiramisu Truffles with Espresso and Cacao Recipe—little bites that capture the soulful flavors of Italy in a quick, no-bake dessert. Whether you’re sharing them with friends over coffee or treating yourself after a long day, they never fail to bring a smile. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet simplicity of this delightful treat. Buon appetito!