Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Italy with these delightful Tiramisu Pudding Cups! This no-bake dessert captures the essence of traditional tiramisu, featuring layers of creamy mascarpone pudding, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, these individual cups offer a sophisticated yet simple way to satisfy your sweet cravings without the fuss of baking. Treat yourself and your guests to a taste of classic Italian goodness!
Ingredients:
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coffee extract (optional)
For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For Assembly:
- 12 ladyfinger cookies
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pudding:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee extract (if using) until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overwhip; you want a silky texture.
- Make the Coffee Mixture:
- In a shallow dish, combine the cooled espresso or coffee with the coffee liqueur (if using). Stir to mix well.
- Assemble the Cups:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Lay them in the bottom of your serving cups (about 4-6 cups, depending on size).
- Layer the Pudding:
- Spoon a layer of the mascarpone pudding over the soaked ladyfingers, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat Layers:
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by another layer of pudding. Repeat until you reach the top of the cups, finishing with a layer of pudding.
- Chill:
- Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Serve:
- Just before serving, dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired. Enjoy your delightful Tiramisu Pudding Cups!