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Craving a bit of Italian elegance? This single serving Tiramisu is perfect for you. It features coffee-dipped ladyfingers with a creamy, egg-free filling. Ready in just 10 minutes, this easy recipe gives you a delicious treat without any leftovers.
Looking for more easy and elegant desserts just for one? Check out these delightful options: the indulgent single serving Chocolate Lava Cake, the light and sweet mini Pavlova, the rich mini Flourless Chocolate Cake, and the tangy single serving Lemon Meringue Pie.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this tiramisu in just 10 minutes, perfect for sudden dessert cravings or unexpected guests.
- Egg-Free: This version is made without raw eggs, so you can enjoy it worry-free. It’s also lighter and easier to digest.
- Perfect Portion: The recipe makes a single serving, perfect for treating yourself without having leftovers.
- Simple Ingredients: We’ve kept the ingredient list short and focused on items you likely already have in your pantry. No need for exotic or expensive ingredients.
- Easily Scalable: Need more? This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a friend or a special date night, maintaining its delicious Italian charm.
What Is Tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Traditionally, it involves making a custard with eggs for the filling. Our version is egg-free, making it simpler to prepare and perfect for those avoiding eggs. Despite this tweak, our single serving tiramisu still offers the creamy, coffee-infused delight you love, in a quick and convenient format.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving tiramisu recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Heavy cream: Also known as double cream, it’s essential for a thick, velvety filling. Low-fat milk alternatives won’t give the same richness or stability when whipped. Use the real deal for the best results. Leftover cream can be used in Caramelized Banana Pudding, mini French Silk Pie, and creamy Panna Cotta.
- Granulated sugar and vanilla extract: These add sweetness and aroma. Both are pantry staples and work together to elevate the dessert’s flavor.
- Mascarpone cheese: This Italian cream cheese adds richness to the tiramisu. Find it in the dairy or cheese aisle at your grocery store. Leftover mascarpone is great in other desserts or as a spread on bread.
- Ladyfingers: Known as Savoiardi in Italian, these sweet biscuits absorb the coffee mixture beautifully. They’re easily found in most supermarkets, or you can make your own homemade ladyfingers. Expect to use 4-5 ladyfingers, depending on your dish size. You can freeze them for up to two months. If ladyfingers aren’t available, use shortbread cookies, sponge cake, angel food, or pound cake.
- Coffee: Traditional tiramisu calls for espresso, but strong coffee works too. You’ll need about 6 tablespoons for this single serving recipe. Leftover morning coffee is perfect for this!
- Rum or brandy: While optional, a splash of rum or brandy adds extra flavor. Kahlua and Marsala wine also work well. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit this ingredient.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Used for the final dusting, cocoa powder adds depth of flavor. Its bitterness balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Recipe Variations
Tiramisu is a versatile dessert, and this single serving version is no exception. If you’re looking to add your own twist, here are some creative ways to change things up:
- Alcohol-Free Tiramisu: Replace the rum or brandy with a splash of coffee or almond extract for an alcohol-free version.
- Tropical Tiramisu: Soak the ladyfingers in coconut milk and rum instead of coffee for a tropical twist. Top with toasted coconut flakes.
- Mocha Tiramisu: Add a quarter-teaspoon of dissolved instant coffee or espresso powder to the cream mixture for a mocha-flavored tiramisu.
- Citrusy Tiramisu: Add a half-teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the cream mixture for a subtle citrus undertone.
Best Dish Size For Tiramisu
For this small tiramisu recipe, a 10-ounce ramekin is perfect. It usually measures about 4 inches in diameter and 2.5 inches deep. Using a dish with these dimensions ensures the best texture and presentation.
How To Make Tiramisu For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a single serve 10-minute tiramisu. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
In a traditional tiramisu, you’d layer coffee or espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a sweet cream filling, finishing it off with a dusting of cocoa powder. In this single serving version, the assembly process remains the same, capturing the essence of the classic dessert but in a portion just for you.
- Make the Cream Mixture: Whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla together until soft peaks form. Add the mascarpone cheese and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare the Ladyfingers: Dip the ladyfingers in room temperature espresso or strong coffee (and rum or brandy, if using). Break them in half if needed to fit your dessert dish.
- First Layer: Place the dipped ladyfingers in a 10-ounce ramekin to create the first layer.
- Add Cream Mixture: Spread half of the whipped cream mixture over the layer of ladyfingers.
- Second Layer: Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers.
- Final Layer and Finish: Add the remaining cream mixture on top and dust with cocoa powder.
Expert Tips
- Read the Recipe: Before you start, read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and look at the process photos. This guide will help you understand each step and ensure your tiramisu turns out perfectly. All the information you need is in the recipe post, so don’t miss any details!
- Quick Dip for Ladyfingers: When dipping ladyfingers in coffee, make it quick. Pull them out immediately to prevent them from crumbling, then place them in your ramekin or small dish.
- Soft Peaks are Key: While preparing the filling, whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla to ‘soft peaks.’ This means the mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape briefly when you lift the whisk but not so firm that it stays rigid.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoying your single serve tiramisu can be even better with a few simple enhancements. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or doubling the recipe for a small dinner gathering, try these ideas:
- Pair with Espresso: A shot of rich, dark espresso pairs perfectly, enhancing the coffee flavors in the tiramisu.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast and a pop of color.
- Nut Garnish: Sprinkle finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds on top for a pleasing crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra layer of decadence.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: For chocolate lovers, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips adds delightful texture and extra chocolatey goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alcohol is optional in this recipe. If you prefer to go alcohol-free, simply leave it out.
Absolutely, decaf coffee works just as well for those avoiding caffeine.
Cocoa powder is a classic topping, but for an extra flair, consider adding chocolate curls or shavings. To create chocolate curls, glide a vegetable peeler along the edge of a chocolate bar. For shavings, make short strokes with the vegetable peeler or use a microplane grater.
Indeed, tiramisu flavors meld beautifully when allowed to chill for several hours. Once assembled, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredient amounts and use a 5×5 inch dish.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this easy tiramisu recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Tiramisu For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup mascarpone cheese -room temperature
- 6 tablespoons strong coffee or espresso
- ½ teaspoon brandy (optional) – or use rum, Amaretto, Marsala wine, or Kahlua or leave out altogether.
- 5 ladyfingers/Savoiardi (look for eggless if needed)
- cocoa powder -for dusting
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Add Mascarpone: Add the mascarpone cheese and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Prepare Ladyfingers: Pour the coffee (and brandy, if using) into a separate bowl. Break the ladyfingers in half if needed to fit your ramekin. Briefly dip each ladyfinger in the coffee.
- First Layer: Place a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the ramekin.
- Add Cream Mixture: Spread half of the whipped cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Second Layer: Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream mixture.
- Finish and Chill: Dust the top with cocoa powder using a sieve. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Read the Recipe: Before you start, read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and look at the process photos. This guide will help you understand each step and ensure your tiramisu turns out perfectly. All the information you need is in the recipe post, so don’t miss any details!
- Quick Dip for Ladyfingers: When dipping ladyfingers in coffee, make it quick. Pull them out immediately to prevent them from crumbling, then place them in your ramekin or small dish.
- Soft Peaks are Key: While preparing the filling, whip the cream, sugar, and vanilla to ‘soft peaks.’ This means the mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape briefly when you lift the whisk but not so firm that it stays rigid.
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- Separate the Egg: Place the yolk in one bowl and the white in another.
- Whip Egg White: Using a hand mixer or large whisk, whip the egg white until foamy. Add 1/2 tablespoon of sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is glossy.
- Whip Egg Yolk: In a separate bowl, whip the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of sugar until thick and pale.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold in half of the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. Then, fold in the flour and baking powder.
- Fold in Remaining Egg Whites: Carefully fold in the rest of the egg whites until fully combined.
- Pipe the Batter: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large round tip, or use a medium-sized plastic bag with the tip cut off. Pipe the batter into 3-inch long lines about 1 inch apart on a small baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the ladyfingers for 7-8 minutes until they are lightly golden.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
So good and so easy! A lovely treat!
Could you double this? And use the 5×5 baking dish?
Yes, the 5×5 dish works beautifully if doubling the recipe.
I was going to try the one serving method, but decided to make a single larger batch by multiplying the ingredients by 4. I had a liquor on hand (Amaro Agnone) and added it to the coffee. We loved the results. It was so easy! Thank you!
Can I replace mascarpone with cream cheese?
Yes, you can use cream cheese as a substitute for mascarpone here. The filling won’t be as creamy and will be slightly tangy but still should be delicious.
I’m allergic to coffee so I substituted mint hot chocolate and it was amazing!
I always use a coffee substitute to make anything that requires coffee and no one can tell it’s not coffee as it taste exactly like coffee and it’s natural 😉
On a different note I made this cake and it was delicious and quick to put together. Great for
Last minute dessert or when you get a tiramisu craving but don’t want to go through all the process of making the authentic versions.