Irresistible No-Bake Tiramisu Balls
Irresistible No-Bake Tiramisu Balls combine creamy mascarpone and cream cheese with rich espresso and cocoa powder to deliver the classic flavors of Italian tiramisu in a convenient, bite-sized dessert. Perfect for parties or anytime indulgence, these no-bake treats offer a quick and easy preparation without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 20-24 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free cookies used)
Creamy Filling
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
Base and Soak
- Italian ladyfingers or 1 1/2 cups crushed cookies
- 1 cup strong espresso or coffee, cooled
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or Marsala wine
Finishing Touch
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling, shaved chocolate curls, or finely chopped nuts for garnish
- Prepare the Coffee Soak: Brew 1 cup of strong espresso or very strong coffee and let it cool completely. Stir in sugar to taste and, if desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur or Marsala wine to enhance flavor.
- Mix the Creamy Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture until fluffy and well combined.
- Crush the Ladyfingers or Cookies: Crush Italian ladyfingers or your choice of cookies into fine crumbs, leaving some small chunks for texture. Aim for a balance that will hold shape yet still offer a soft bite.
- Combine Coffee and Crumbs: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee soak just enough to absorb moisture without making it soggy. Alternatively, if using crushed cookies, toss the crumbs into the coffee mixture to evenly coat before mixing with the creamy filling.
- Shape the Tiramisu Balls: Carefully mix the soaked crumbs with the creamy filling until fully combined. Scoop small spoonfuls and roll them gently into smooth balls with your hands. Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Finish with Cocoa Powder: Before serving, generously dust the tiramisu balls with cocoa powder. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate or garnish with shaved chocolate curls or chopped nuts for added elegance.
Notes
- Chill the tiramisu balls for at least two hours before serving for best firmness and flavor melding.
- Use freshly brewed espresso for a richer and more aromatic coffee flavor compared to instant varieties.
- Do not soak ladyfingers for too long to avoid sogginess, which can make the balls fall apart.
- Taste the cream mixture before assembling and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Handle the mixture gently to maintain the fluffy texture and prevent dense tiramisu balls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: tiramisu, no bake dessert, coffee dessert, Italian dessert, easy dessert, bite-sized sweets