Quick and Easy Tiramisu Shots Recipe

Heavenly Tiramisu Shots Recipe: Bite-Sized Italian Bliss

Dessert enthusiasts have long celebrated the classic tiramisu, but these quick and easy tiramisu shots bring a playful twist to the beloved Italian treat.

Each tiny glass packs layers of creamy mascarpone and rich espresso-soaked ladyfingers into a delightful bite-sized experience.

Coffee lovers will adore the intense flavor profile that bursts with each spoonful.

The elegant dessert takes minimal preparation time and delivers maximum impact at any gathering.

These shots transform traditional tiramisu into a modern, portable indulgence that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Prepare to impress your guests with this sophisticated yet simple dessert that promises pure indulgence in every elegant sip.

Tips for Tasty Tiramisu Shots

  • Select premium mascarpone cheese and strong espresso for authentic, rich flavor.
  • Adjust espresso intensity by varying brewing time and coffee bean quality to match personal taste preferences.
  • Refrigerate shots for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and create a smoother, more cohesive dessert experience.
  • Use a piping bag or spoon to create clean, even layers that showcase the dessert's beautiful visual appeal.
  • Swap coffee liqueur with strong coffee or skip alcohol entirely for a family-friendly version that keeps the classic tiramisu essence.

Flavor Twists for Tiramisu Shots

  • Mocktail Magic: Replace coffee liqueur with strong brewed coffee and add a splash of vanilla syrup for a non-alcoholic version that's kid-friendly and refreshing.
  • Gluten-Free Delight: Swap traditional ladyfingers with gluten-free cookies or almond flour-based biscuits to make the shots safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Creamy Dream: Use coconut cream instead of mascarpone and replace eggs with silken tofu to create a plant-based tiramisu shot that's rich and creamy.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use dark cocoa powder to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining a decadent flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Tiramisu Shots

  • Party Perfect Presentation: Serve these shots in elegant mini glass containers or shot glasses for a sophisticated look that showcases the beautiful layers.
  • Dessert Cocktail Pairing: Match these tiramisu shots with a small espresso or cappuccino to enhance the coffee and liqueur flavors, creating a complete Italian-inspired experience.
  • Garnish Glamour: Top each shot with a light dusting of cocoa powder, a small chocolate-covered coffee bean, or a delicate chocolate curl to add a professional and delicious finishing touch.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these shots a few hours before your gathering and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly creamy and indulgent.

How to Store Tiramisu Shots

  • Store these delightful tiramisu shots in a sealed glass container for up to 3 days. Keep them chilled to maintain the creamy texture and prevent separation of ingredients.
  • Carefully place shots in freezer-safe containers, covering with plastic wrap. They'll stay fresh for 2 weeks, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat anytime.
  • Remove frozen shots from the freezer and let them sit in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. This slow thawing preserves the delicate flavor and prevents texture changes.
  • Never leave tiramisu shots out for more than 2 hours, as dairy components can spoil quickly and compromise food safety.

FAQs

  • What are Tiramisu Shots made of?

These shots combine espresso, mascarpone cheese, ladyfinger crumbs, cocoa powder, and a splash of liqueur like Kahlúa or rum to create a concentrated version of the classic Italian dessert.

  • Are Tiramisu Shots alcoholic?

Yes, these shots typically contain alcohol from coffee liqueur or rum, making them an adult-only dessert cocktail that packs a flavorful punch.

  • How do I serve Tiramisu Shots?

Serve these shots chilled in small shot glasses, garnished with a light dusting of cocoa powder and perhaps a tiny ladyfinger crumb on top for an elegant presentation.

Tiramisu Shots: What Sets Them Apart

  • These compact tiramisu shots deliver maximum flavor in a single, delightful serving, eliminating the need for complicated dessert preparation.
  • Guests will love these sophisticated mini-cocktails that combine rich coffee, creamy mascarpone, and a hint of liqueur in an eye-catching presentation perfect for social gatherings.
  • Adjust the liqueur strength or swap ingredients to match personal preferences, making these shots adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
  • Skip complex dessert techniques and enjoy a gourmet-style treat that comes together quickly without turning on the oven, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.

Tiramisu Shots Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: A rich, creamy Italian cheese that provides the classic tiramisu texture and smooth flavor.
  • Espresso: Strong coffee that adds deep, robust flavor and is essential for the traditional tiramisu taste.
  • Ladyfinger Cookies: Light, delicate Italian cookies that soak up the coffee and create the classic tiramisu texture.
Liquor and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Marsala Wine, Rum: Alcoholic spirits that add depth and complexity to the dessert's flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: A sweet, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the tiramisu shots.
Finishing and Binding Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Sugar: These ingredients help create a light, sweet, and stable whipped cream mixture that binds the dessert together.
  • Cocoa Powder: A classic garnish that provides a bitter contrast to the sweet and creamy layers, adding visual and flavor complexity.

Tiramisu Shot Barware

  • Electric Mixer: Essential for whipping mascarpone and cream to a smooth, fluffy texture.
  • Mixing Bowls: Need medium-sized bowls for combining ingredients and creating layers.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect flavor balance.
  • Shot Glasses: Clear glasses showcase beautiful tiramisu layers and serve as individual portions.
  • Whisk: Helps blend mascarpone mixture evenly and remove any lumps.
  • Sifter: Optional tool for dusting cocoa powder on top of shots with a light, elegant touch.
  • Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients and transferring mixtures between containers.

Tiramisu Shots: The Steps

Step 1: Brew Strong Espresso

Prepare a rich, bold espresso using your preferred coffee maker or method.

Allow the espresso to cool completely to room temperature.

The intense coffee flavor is crucial for authentic tiramisu taste.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Mascarpone Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Gently fold in whipped cream to create a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Prepare Liqueur Soak

Mix together:
  • Coffee liqueur
  • Marsala wine

This boozy blend will add depth and richness to your tiramisu shots.

Step 4: Layer Shot Glasses

Begin creating your layered shots by:
  • Dipping ladyfinger cookies briefly in the coffee liqueur mixture
  • Placing a soaked cookie at the bottom of each shot glass
  • Carefully spooning the mascarpone cream over the cookie
  • Repeating layers until the glass is nearly full

Step 5: Dust and Chill

Sprinkle cocoa powder over the top of each shot using a fine mesh strainer.

Refrigerate the shots for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

Step 6: Final Garnish

Just before serving, add a light dusting of additional cocoa powder or garnish with a small chocolate curl for an elegant touch.

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Quick and Easy Tiramisu Shots Recipe

Quick and Easy Tiramisu Shots Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Delightful tiramisu shots bring Italian dessert magic to bite-sized perfection. Coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone create an irresistible treat you can savor in one delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Alcohol:

  • 2 ounces (59 ml) Kahlua
  • 2 ounces (59 ml) Baileys

Dairy:

  • 2 ounces (59 ml) heavy cream
  • Whipped cream (for garnish)

Garnish:

  • Cocoa powder (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brew strong espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature, then mix with coffee liqueur for an intense flavor base.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, whip mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  3. Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, creating a light and airy texture that will form the dessert’s signature cream layer.
  4. Carefully dip ladyfinger cookies into the espresso-liqueur mixture for a brief moment, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy.
  5. Begin assembling the shots by placing a soaked ladyfinger piece at the bottom of each shot glass as the first foundational layer.
  6. Pipe or spoon the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfinger, creating an even and generous layer that fills about one-third of the glass.
  7. Dust the cream layer with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve, creating a delicate and elegant chocolate coating.
  8. Repeat the layering process with another ladyfinger and cream layer, building height and complexity in the shot glass.
  9. Refrigerate the tiramisu shots for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to set properly.
  10. Before serving, garnish with a light sprinkle of additional cocoa powder and optionally, a small chocolate curl for visual appeal.

Notes

  • Use room temperature mascarpone to ensure a smooth, lump-free cream that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
  • Dip ladyfingers quickly in coffee and liqueur to prevent them from becoming too soggy and maintaining a delicate texture.
  • Experiment with different liqueurs like Amaretto or Kahlua to customize the flavor profile and add a unique personal touch.
  • Chill the shots for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a more intense taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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