Tiramisu Balls Recipe – Easy, Creamy & Irresistible Treat

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Some nights call for something sweet but effortless that little indulgence you can make in minutes, no oven, no stress. These tiramisu balls deliver everything you love about the classic Italian dessert: creamy mascarpone, a whisper of coffee, and cocoa’s rich bite, all rolled into soft, dreamy bites ready in just ten minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Tiramisu Balls

You’ll adore these tiramisu balls because they’re simple, fast, and truly satisfying. There’s no baking, no layering, and no waiting for hours while dessert chills. They use only a handful of ingredients you probably already have. Each bite tastes like tiramisu but in truffle form rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with coffee and cocoa. You can even customize the coating with powdered sugar, coarse sugar, sprinkles, or chocolate. Store them in the fridge for up to four days, and they’ll taste even better as the flavors meld. This recipe makes about 10 to 12 truffles, ideal for sharing or sneaking one whenever the craving hits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll only need five simple ingredients to make these tiramisu balls. Start with dry, crisp Savoiardi lady fingers they form the base and give that light but structured texture. Add powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness that melts right into the dough. Mascarpone cheese brings the creamy richness that makes tiramisu irresistible. A few tablespoons of strongly brewed coffee, cooled completely, tie everything together with deep espresso flavor. Finally, cocoa powder gives the classic finish a bit of bitterness that balances every bite. For fun, coat the balls in powdered sugar, coarse sugar, sprinkles, or dip them in melted chocolate for something a little more decadent.

How to Make Tiramisu Balls (Step-by-Step)

Crush the Lady Fingers

Crush the lady fingers into a fine crumb. You can use a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin. Fine crumbs help the mixture blend evenly, giving you smooth, cohesive truffles that hold together beautifully.

Crushed lady finger crumbs in a glass bowl for tiramisu balls
Fine lady finger crumbs ready to mix into creamy tiramisu ball dough

Mix the Dough

In a bowl, mix the crumbs with powdered sugar, mascarpone, and two tablespoons of cooled coffee. Stir until the dough holds together when pinched. If it’s too dry, add a bit more coffee slowly until it comes together. If it feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes so it firms up just right for rolling.

Tiramisu dough mixture in a glass bowl before shaping into balls
Soft tiramisu dough mixed with mascarpone and coffee, ready to roll into dessert balls

Shape and Coat the Balls

Scoop about one and a half tablespoons of dough and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Drop each into cocoa powder and roll until coated. You can also use other coatings like powdered sugar for a sweet contrast or sprinkles for a festive look. If dipping in chocolate, freeze the balls for about 15 to 20 minutes first so they stay firm and hold their shape while coating.

Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Balls

For the best results, always use crisp lady fingers soft ones won’t crush finely and can make the texture mushy. Make sure your coffee is fully cooled before mixing to avoid melting the mascarpone. Grind the crumbs finely so the dough is smooth, not gritty. Work with cold mascarpone, as it blends better and helps the dough hold together. Adjust moisture gradually by adding coffee in small amounts. If the dough feels sticky, chill it briefly before rolling. Since it’s a no-bake dessert, you can prepare it even at the last minute when you need something fast but still fancy.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

Store the tiramisu balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. As they rest, the flavors deepen, and the texture becomes more luscious. They’re perfect for make-ahead desserts, so you can prepare them the day before a dinner party or keep a batch ready for coffee breaks. They also make thoughtful homemade gifts when packed in a small box or jar simple yet elegant.

FAQs

Why do people say tiramisu?

“Tiramisu” comes from Italian, meaning “pick me up.” It’s a playful nod to the coffee and cocoa that give the dessert its comforting, energizing flavor.

Can you freeze tiramisu balls?

Yes. You can freeze tiramisu balls for up to a month. Just store them in a sealed container and thaw in the fridge before serving.

How alcoholic is tiramisu?

These tiramisu balls are alcohol-free. Traditional tiramisu may use a splash of coffee liqueur, but this version keeps it simple and family-friendly.

What is tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert made with layers of lady fingers soaked in coffee, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder. These tiramisu balls capture the same flavors in a bite-size, no-bake form.

More Such Recipes

Cocoa-dusted tiramisu balls stacked on a white ceramic plate
Freshly coated tiramisu balls on a white plate, dusted with rich cocoa powder

Conclusion

Making tiramisu balls is one of those little kitchen joys no fuss, just delicious reward. Each soft, cocoa-dusted bite tastes like a mini tiramisu without the work. You can whip them up in minutes, store them for later, or share them as gifts. Simple ingredients, a quick process, and timeless flavor that’s dessert done right. For more dessert ideas, visit me on Pinterest or Facebook to see what’s next from my kitchen.

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Stack of tiramisu balls with one bitten open showing creamy filling

Tiramisu Balls Recipe – Easy, Creamy & Irresistible Treat


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 truffles 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Quick and creamy tiramisu balls made with mascarpone, coffee, and lady fingers. A no-bake dessert ready in just 10 minutes — rich, smooth, and perfect for sharing or gifting.


Ingredients

Scale

12 dry, crisp Savoiardi lady fingers

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

⅓ cup (85g) cold mascarpone cheese

2 to 4 tablespoons strongly brewed coffee, cooled

2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for coating)


Instructions

1. Crush the lady fingers into a fine crumb using a food processor or a rolling pin.

2. Combine crumbs with powdered sugar, mascarpone, and 2 tablespoons of cooled coffee.

3. Mix until dough sticks together when pinched; add more coffee if too dry.

4. If the mixture feels soft, refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to firm up.

5. Scoop 1.5-tablespoon portions and roll into balls.

6. Coat each ball evenly in cocoa powder.

7. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

Notes

Use only dry, crisp lady fingers — soft ones change the texture.

Ensure coffee is cooled before mixing to avoid melting mascarpone.

For a sweeter coating, try powdered sugar, coarse sugar, or sprinkles.

If coating with melted chocolate, freeze balls for 15–20 minutes first.

Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 truffle
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 35mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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