There’s something magical about sinking your spoon into a perfectly crafted single serve tiramisu – that first bite where the creamy mascarpone meets coffee-soaked ladyfingers creates an experience that’s both indulgent and comforting. I’ve spent years perfecting this single serve tiramisu recipe, experimenting with different techniques until I found the perfect balance of rich flavors and silky textures that can be made in just minutes. What makes this recipe special is not just its individual portion size, but how it captures all the complex layers of flavor from a traditional tiramisu without the fuss. The aroma of espresso, the subtle hint of liqueur, and the velvety mascarpone cream come together in perfect harmony. Keep reading to discover how easily you can create this classic Italian dessert in a personal portion that rivals any restaurant version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creating a single serve tiramisu solves the common challenge of portion control with such a tempting dessert. I remember the first time I served these individual tiramisus at a dinner party – guests were delighted to receive their own perfectly portioned dessert, and I was relieved not to have leftovers tempting me for days afterward!
The beauty of this single serve tiramisu recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a quiet evening or hosting an intimate dinner, these individual portions bring elegance to any occasion. You can easily customize the coffee strength, liqueur choice, or even the vessel you serve it in – from a wine glass to a small mason jar or ramekin.
What’s more, this recipe comes together in just minutes, with no baking required. The hardest part? Waiting for it to chill! Now, let’s dive into everything you’ll need to make this perfect single serve tiramisu.
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Provides just the right sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. Raw sugar works well as a substitute if you prefer.
- 1 egg yolk: Creates that rich, custardy base that makes tiramisu so luxurious. Use the freshest eggs possible for best results.
- 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese: The star ingredient that gives tiramisu its distinctive creamy texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Adds lightness to the mascarpone mixture. For a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half, though the texture won’t be quite as luxurious.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract is recommended over artificial varieties.
For the Coffee Soak:
- 1/4 cup strong espresso or coffee: The bold coffee flavor is essential to authentic tiramisu. I recommend freshly brewed espresso, but strong black coffee works well too.
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur: Kahlúa is traditional, but Tia Maria or even amaretto provides wonderful depth. For an alcohol-free version, use additional coffee with a dash of almond extract.
For Assembly:
- 4-6 ladyfinger cookies: These light, airy cookies (savoiardi) absorb the coffee beautifully without becoming soggy. Look for the firmer Italian variety rather than the soft cake-like ones.
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder: For dusting the top, providing that bitter counterpoint to the sweet cream. Dutch-processed cocoa offers the richest color and flavor.
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional): For an extra special presentation. Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content adds a sophisticated touch.
How to Make Single Serve Tiramisu
Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream
- In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the egg yolk and sugar until pale and slightly thickened. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture forms ribbons when the whisk is lifted.
- Gently fold in the room-temperature mascarpone cheese with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the mixture to become grainy.
- In a separate small bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. The cream should hold its shape but still have a slight droop at the tip when the whisk is pulled away.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two additions, maintaining as much air as possible for that perfect light texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soak
- Pour the freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee into a shallow dish and allow it to cool completely. Hot coffee will cause the ladyfingers to disintegrate too quickly.
- Once cooled, stir in the coffee liqueur and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble Your Single Serve Tiramisu
- Select a clear serving glass, ramekin, or small jar (about 8 oz capacity) to showcase the beautiful layers of your tiramisu.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture – about 1 second per side. The cookies should absorb some liquid but still maintain their structure. If they become too soggy, they’ll lose their distinct texture in the finished dessert.
- Place the soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving vessel, breaking them as needed to fit. They should form a solid base layer.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, ensuring it reaches the sides of the glass for that perfect visual effect.
- Add another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
- Top with the remaining mascarpone cream, creating a smooth, even surface.
Step 4: Finish and Chill
- Dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a small sieve for even distribution.
- If desired, add chocolate shavings or curls for extra decadence.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though 4-6 hours is ideal for the flavors to meld perfectly. The texture creates perfect pockets to catch the flavorful ingredients as they settle.
Variations
Chocolate Lover’s Single Serve Tiramisu
Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mascarpone mixture and layer with thin slices of dark chocolate between the cream layers. Garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans for an extra indulgent experience.
Berry Fresh Tiramisu
Add a layer of macerated berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries tossed with a teaspoon of sugar) between the cream layers. The bright acidity of the berries cuts through the richness of the mascarpone beautifully.
Nutella Tiramisu
Warm 2 tablespoons of Nutella until slightly melted and marble it through the mascarpone cream for a hazelnut-chocolate twist. Top with chopped hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
Spiced Tiramisu
Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, and a tiny grating of nutmeg to your coffee soak. This warm spice blend creates a wonderful autumnal variation perfect for cooler months.
Citrus Tiramisu
Add the zest of half an orange or lemon to the mascarpone cream and a splash of orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) to the coffee soak for a bright, citrusy variation that’s perfect for summer.
Matcha Tiramisu
Replace the coffee soak with strong matcha tea (1 tablespoon matcha powder dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water, then cooled) for a beautiful green version with subtle earthy notes.
Single Serve Tiramisu
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ¼ cup mascarpone cheese room temperature
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
For the Coffee Soak:
- ¼ cup strong espresso or coffee cooled
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur Kahlúa, Tia Maria, or amaretto
For Assembly:
- 4-6 ladyfinger cookies
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate shavings or curls optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream
- In a small bowl, whisk egg yolk and sugar until pale and thick.
- Gently fold in room-temperature mascarpone cheese.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture carefully.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soak
- Pour cooled espresso into a shallow dish.
- Stir in coffee liqueur and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee soak for 1 second per side.
- Arrange soaked ladyfingers in a serving glass.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers.
- Top with remaining mascarpone cream, smoothing the surface.
Step 4: Finish & Chill
- Dust the top with cocoa powder.
- Add chocolate shavings if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably 4-6 hours).
Notes
- Chocolate Lover’s: Add cocoa powder to mascarpone cream & top with chocolate-covered espresso beans.
- Berry Fresh: Layer with macerated strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Nutella Tiramisu: Swirl in melted Nutella & top with chopped hazelnuts.
- Spiced Tiramisu: Add cinnamon and cardamom to the coffee soak for a warm, spiced version.
- Citrus Tiramisu: Add orange zest and a splash of Grand Marnier to brighten up the flavors.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does single serve tiramisu keep in the refrigerator?
Your single serve tiramisu will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually continue to develop over the first 24 hours, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing refrigerator odors.
Can I make this single serve tiramisu without alcohol?
Absolutely! Unlike traditional methods that require precise technique, this recipe is wonderfully forgiving. Simply replace the coffee liqueur with an equal amount of additional coffee and add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to mimic the complexity that the liqueur provides.
Is it safe to eat the raw egg in tiramisu?
If you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs, you have several options: use pasteurized egg yolks, create a quick heat-treated zabaglione (whisk the egg yolk and sugar over a double boiler until it reaches 160°F), or use a commercial egg substitute designed for baking.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the mascarpone with dairy-free cream cheese (softened at room temperature) and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream (the solid part from a can of coconut milk). The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make my single serve tiramisu look professional?
For a restaurant-quality presentation, assemble your tiramisu in a clear glass vessel, create extremely even layers, and use a paper stencil when dusting the cocoa powder on top to create a pattern or design. Garnish with a single coffee bean, chocolate-dipped ladyfinger, or mint leaf for an elegant finish.
My tiramisu came out runny – what went wrong?
The most common cause of runny tiramisu is overbeating the mascarpone, which causes it to separate. Always fold it gently rather than vigorously mixing. Another possibility is that your ladyfingers were soaked too long in the coffee, releasing too much moisture into the dessert as it sets.
Closing Thoughts
The first time my grandmother tasted this single serve tiramisu, she was skeptical of my “shortcut” version. But after one spoonful, she declared it a worthy twist on our family recipe, proving that sometimes innovation can honor tradition. The aroma will transform your kitchen into something special – a little corner of Italy, even on the busiest weeknight.
What I love most about this single serve tiramisu recipe is how it balances the authenticity of a classic dessert with the practicality we need in modern life. It’s a perfect example of how we can maintain connections to culinary traditions while adapting them to fit our contemporary needs.
I hope you’ll make this recipe your own, perhaps incorporating one of the variations or creating something entirely new. After all, the best recipes are those that evolve as they’re passed from one kitchen to another, carrying stories and creating memories along the way. Enjoy every luxurious, coffee-infused bite of your perfect single serve tiramisu!