Tiramisu Pudding Cups – Creamy, Coffee-Flavored Delight
Tiramisu Pudding Cups are an easy, individual twist on the classic Italian dessert. Instead of layers of ladyfingers soaked in coffee and mascarpone, these cups use coffee-flavored pudding, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder to deliver all the flavors of tiramisu in a simple, no-bake format.
Perfect for parties, quick desserts, or portion-controlled treats, these pudding cups are rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Coffee Pudding
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2 cups (500 ml) milk
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½ cup (100 g) sugar
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3 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Mascarpone Layer
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200 g (7 oz) mascarpone cheese
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½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
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2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Assembly
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10–12 ladyfingers, broken into pieces
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Cocoa powder, for dusting
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Optional: chocolate shavings or coffee beans for garnish
Time and Temperature
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes (pudding)
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Chilling Time: 2–3 hours
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Total Time: About 3 hours
Cooking Temperature
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Stovetop: Medium heat for pudding
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Coffee Pudding
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In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and instant coffee.
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Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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Pour pudding into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin), and let cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream
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In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
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Fold in mascarpone cheese gently until smooth and combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu Cups
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Place a few broken pieces of ladyfingers in the bottom of each cup.
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Spoon a layer of coffee pudding over the ladyfingers.
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Add a layer of mascarpone cream on top of the pudding.
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Repeat layers if your cups are tall, finishing with mascarpone on top.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
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Refrigerate the pudding cups for 2–3 hours or until set.
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Just before serving, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings or coffee beans if desired.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve chilled in individual glass cups for an elegant presentation.
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Pair with biscotti or fresh berries for extra flair.
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Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or casual dessert cravings.
Storage
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Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Best eaten chilled for optimal texture and flavor.
Tips for Best Results
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Use freshly brewed strong coffee for a richer flavor.
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Make sure pudding is slightly cooled before layering to prevent melting the mascarpone cream.
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Fold mascarpone gently to keep the cream light and airy.
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Ladyfingers can be lightly soaked in coffee or coffee liqueur for a more authentic tiramisu taste.
Variations
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Chocolate Tiramisu Cups: Add a layer of melted chocolate between pudding and mascarpone.
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Berry Tiramisu Cups: Include a layer of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
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Mini Tiramisu Bites: Use small shot glasses for bite-sized servings, perfect for parties.
Conclusion
Tiramisu Pudding Cups capture all the flavors of the classic Italian dessert in an easy, individual format. With creamy mascarpone, rich coffee pudding, and a touch of cocoa, these cups are perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to a decadent dessert without the fuss of traditional tiramisu.