10 Minute Tiramisu Balls: Quick and Delicious Treats Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth but limited time, 10 Minute Tiramisu Balls: Quick and Delicious Treats are about to become your new favorite delight. These little bites capture all the luscious, creamy charm of traditional tiramisu without the fuss or waiting around. Imagine rich mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa all packed into perfectly bite-sized morsels that are ready faster than you can say “dessert.” They’re ideal for last-minute guests, afternoon pick-me-ups, or whenever you crave a coffee-flavored sweet that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to whip up.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of ingredients, this recipe stays true to the classic tiramisu flavor while remaining straightforward and accessible. Each element plays a pivotal role in delivering the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and that signature coffee kick you love.
- 200g ladyfingers (savoiardi): These spongy biscuits soak up the espresso flavor, providing the essential tiramisu base texture.
- ½ cup brewed espresso, cooled: Adds the vibrant coffee note that wakes up the palate with every bite.
- 250g mascarpone cheese: The rich and creamy heart of the dessert, lending a luxurious mouthfeel.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone gently without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: Essential for that classic dusted cocoa topping and subtle chocolate undertone.
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional): Adds depth and a boozy warmth, but it’s perfectly fine to skip it for a non-alcoholic version.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the creaminess and brightens the overall flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors to perfection.
- Additional cocoa powder for dusting: The final touch to give your tiramisu balls that irresistible, classic look.
How to Make 10 Minute Tiramisu Balls: Quick and Delicious Treats
Step 1: Crush the Ladyfingers
Start by pulverizing your ladyfingers into fine crumbs using a food processor. If you don’t have one, simply place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This crumbly base is what will soak up all that espresso goodness and bind perfectly with the mascarpone mixture.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, blend together mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. It should have a silky texture that invites you to dive right in.
Step 3: Incorporate Coffee and Liqueur
Add your cooled espresso and optional coffee liqueur to the mascarpone blend. Give it a good stir to combine all those bold flavors into one harmonious mix that tastes like a little coffee vacation in each bite.
Step 4: Fold in the Ladyfinger Crumbs
Gently fold the biscuit crumbs into the mascarpone mixture, making sure everything is evenly combined. The texture should be thick enough to hold a shape but soft enough to feel creamy and moist.
Step 5: Shape Your Tiramisu Balls
Grab small portions of the mixture and roll them between your palms to form walnut-sized balls. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—each one has its own charm, and they’ll taste just as amazing!
Step 6: Dust and Chill
Place your tiramisu balls on a lined tray, then generously dust them with cocoa powder for that signature finish. Pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes if you want a firmer texture, or enjoy right away if you prefer them softer and creamier.
How to Serve 10 Minute Tiramisu Balls: Quick and Delicious Treats

Garnishes
These treats are already packed full of flavor, but you can elevate their presentation and taste with a few delightful garnishes. Try sprinkling finely grated dark chocolate or shaved espresso beans over the top to add texture and a bit of crunch. A few fresh mint leaves not only brighten the look but add freshness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
The beauty of these tiramisu balls is they can work perfectly on their own, but pairing them with complementary flavors can make for a stunning dessert spread. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small shot of rich espresso for those serious coffee lovers. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also make a lovely tart contrast that balances the creamy sweetness inside each ball.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try skewering a few tiramisu balls on mini wooden picks to create fun, grab-and-go dessert pops. You could also nestle them into mini paper cupcake liners or place them in clear glass jars layered with crushed ladyfingers and cocoa powder for a no-fuss dessert parfait look that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tiramisu balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to 3 days without losing their creamy texture or delightful coffee flavor. Keeping them chilled is important to maintain their shape and prevent the mascarpone from softening too much.
Freezing
If you’re looking to stash them away longer, you can freeze the balls on a lined tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When properly wrapped and frozen, they will last for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy their best texture.
Reheating
Unlike baked goods, tiramisu balls taste best chilled, so avoid reheating. Simply remove them from the fridge or freezer and let them come to your preferred serving temperature. The cool creaminess is a key part of their charm and should be enjoyed that way.
FAQs
Can I make these tiramisu balls without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! The coffee liqueur is optional and adds a boozy depth, but skipping it won’t compromise the classic flavor. The espresso does all the heavy lifting in delivering that irresistible coffee taste.
What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone isn’t available, a cream cheese and heavy cream mix can be used as a substitute. Just whip them together until smooth to mimic the texture and richness mascarpone provides.
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?
Yes, you can! Dissolve a strong concentrate of instant coffee in a small amount of hot water and let it cool completely before using. This is a convenient shortcut that still gives great coffee flavor.
How do I make sure the tiramisu balls hold their shape?
The key is folding in the ladyfinger crumbs gradually until the mixture is thick enough to mold. Also, chilling them in the fridge helps them firm up nicely. If the mixture feels too soft, adding a bit more crumbs will help.
Can these tiramisu balls be made vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream instead of mascarpone, choose dairy-free ladyfingers (or homemade), and swap powdered sugar for a suitable vegan-friendly sweetener. Adjust flavors accordingly to keep that classic tiramisu essence.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that’s stunning yet fuss-free, these 10 Minute Tiramisu Balls: Quick and Delicious Treats are a complete game-changer. Their luscious texture, bold coffee flavor, and effortless prep make them the perfect treat to elevate any occasion or satisfy your sweet cravings on the fly. Trust me, once you try them, your dessert repertoire will never look the same!
Print10 Minute Tiramisu Balls: Quick and Delicious Treats Recipe
These 10 Minute Tiramisu Balls are a quick and delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert. Made with ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, espresso, and a hint of coffee liqueur, these bite-sized treats deliver all the rich flavors of tiramisu in an easy-to-make, no-bake snack perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 20 tiramisu balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 200g ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (plus additional for dusting)
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup brewed espresso, cooled
- 250g mascarpone cheese
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Crush Ladyfingers: Place the ladyfingers in a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. This will form the base texture for your tiramisu balls.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Espresso and Liqueur: Pour in the cooled espresso and coffee liqueur (if using) into the mascarpone mixture, stirring well to incorporate all the flavors evenly.
- Combine Crumbs and Cream: Gradually fold in the crushed ladyfinger crumbs into the mascarpone mixture until you achieve a homogenous mixture that can be formed into balls.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls roughly the size of a walnut for bite-sized indulgence.
- Dust and Chill: Place the tiramisu balls onto a lined tray and dust them generously with cocoa powder. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow them to set, or serve immediately if you prefer a softer texture.
Notes
- You can omit the coffee liqueur for a non-alcoholic version without affecting the core flavor.
- For a firmer texture, chill the balls longer before serving.
- Store the tiramisu balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use freshly brewed espresso cooled to room temperature for the best taste.
- Dusting with cocoa powder just before serving ensures the best presentation and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tiramisu balls (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Tiramisu, no-bake dessert, quick dessert, Italian dessert, tiramisu balls, mascarpone, espresso treats