Of course! Tiramisu Pudding Cups are a fantastic, no-bake dessert that captures all the classic flavors of tiramisu in an easy, individual portion. They’re perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Tiramisu Pudding Cups
This recipe simplifies the classic method by creating a luxurious mascarpone pudding layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Ingredients
For the Coffee Dip:
· 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled to room temperature
· 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or dark rum (optional)
· 1 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Mascarpone Pudding:
· 1 cup (8 oz / 225g) mascarpone cheese, softened
· 1 (3.4 oz / 96g) package instant vanilla pudding mix*
· 1 ½ cups cold whole milk
· 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
· ¼ cup powdered sugar
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
· 24-30 Savoiardi (crispy Italian ladyfingers)
· 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
· Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
*Note: Using instant pudding mix is the secret to a quick, stable, and perfectly set pudding. If you prefer a custard from scratch, see the variation below.
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Dip:
· In a shallow bowl wide enough to dip a ladyfinger, stir together the cooled coffee, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Make the Mascarpone Pudding:
· In a large bowl, whisk the cold milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
· Add the softened mascarpone cheese and whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain.
· In a separate chilled bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until medium-stiff peaks form.
· Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone-pudding mixture until fully combined and no white streaks remain. This is your tiramisu cream.
- Assemble the Cups:
· Layer 1 (Bottom): Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture. You want them moist but not soggy and falling apart (about 1-2 seconds per side). Break them to fit into the bottom of your cups (glass parfait glasses, mason jars, or even wine glasses work well). Create a single layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers.
· Layer 2 (Cream): Spoon or pipe a layer of the mascarpone pudding over the ladyfingers.
· Repeat: Add another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, followed by a final layer of the mascarpone pudding, smoothing the top.
- Chill and Serve:
· Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is essential for the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften perfectly.
· Just before serving, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the top of each cup generously with cocoa powder. For a special touch, add a few dark chocolate shavings on top.
Tips for Success
· Don’t Soak the Ladyfingers: A quick dip is all you need. They will continue to absorb moisture from the cream as they chill.
· Cold Ingredients are Key: Ensure your milk, cream, and mascarpone are cold for the best texture in the pudding and whipped cream.
· Customize Your Cups: Layer in some fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries for a fruity twist.
· Non-Alcoholic Version: Simply omit the liqueur and use all coffee. You can add a ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the coffee dip for extra flavor.
Variation: From-Scratch Custard Version
If you prefer not to use a pudding mix, you can make a classic zabaglione-inspired custard.
Instructions:
- Whisk 3 large egg yolks and ¼ cup granulated sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) until pale, thick, and foamy, about 5-10 minutes. The mixture should reach 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Remove from heat and whisk in ¼ cup of your coffee liqueur or marsala wine.
- Let this custard cool completely. In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- In a third bowl, whisk the 1 cup of mascarpone until smooth. Fold the cooled egg custard into the mascarpone, then gently fold in the whipped cream. Use this mixture in place of the pudding mix version.
Enjoy these delightful, make-ahead desserts that are sure to impress