Countdown Tiramisu Shots

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

These countdown tiramisu shots offer an elegant, bite-sized twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining layers of coffee-dipped ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream. The no-bake preparation takes just 20 minutes, making them perfect for easy entertaining. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings, they bring creamy, coffee-infused flavor in a charming presentation.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:54:00 GMT
Mini Countdown Tiramisu Shots, layered with creamy mascarpone in elegant shot glasses, perfect dessert delight. Save
Mini Countdown Tiramisu Shots, layered with creamy mascarpone in elegant shot glasses, perfect dessert delight. | basilrise.com

Elegant bite-sized tiramisu served in mini glasses—perfect for parties or special occasions, featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa.

This recipe has been a crowd-pleaser at my family gatherings and is always praised for its creamy texture and rich coffee flavor.

Ingredients

  • Cream Layer: 250 g mascarpone cheese, 120 ml heavy cream, 50 g granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Coffee Mixture: 120 ml strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled, 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
  • Assembly: 12-14 ladyfinger biscuits, cut to fit shot glasses, Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting, Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until medium peaks form.
Step 3:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
Step 4:
In a shallow dish, combine espresso and coffee liqueur.
Step 5:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger piece into the coffee mixture (do not soak).
Step 6:
Place a dipped ladyfinger piece at the bottom of each shot glass.
Step 7:
Pipe or spoon a layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
Step 8:
Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfinger and cream.
Step 9:
Smooth the tops and chill for at least 2 hours.
Step 10:
Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
Rich, coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone create these delightful Countdown Tiramisu Shots for an after-dinner treat. Save
Rich, coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone create these delightful Countdown Tiramisu Shots for an after-dinner treat. | basilrise.com

This dessert brings everyone together and is a favorite at all our celebrations.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, piping bag or spoon, shot glasses or mini dessert cups, fine mesh sieve for dusting cocoa.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (mascarpone, cream), eggs (in ladyfingers), and gluten (ladyfingers). Some brands of ladyfingers may contain soy. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 165, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 3 g per serving.

Close-up of decadent Countdown Tiramisu Shots, showing the creamy texture and cocoa dusted layers, ready to enjoy. Save
Close-up of decadent Countdown Tiramisu Shots, showing the creamy texture and cocoa dusted layers, ready to enjoy. | basilrise.com

A delightful dessert that is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Recipe Help

How do I prevent ladyfingers from becoming soggy?

Dip ladyfingers quickly into the coffee mixture without soaking them to maintain a light texture and avoid sogginess.

Can I make these shots ahead of time?

Yes, chilling them for at least 2 hours enhances flavor, and they can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.

What can I use instead of coffee liqueur?

If avoiding alcohol, omit the coffee liqueur or substitute with extra brewed espresso or strong coffee.

Is it necessary to whip the cream separately?

Yes, whipping the cream until medium peaks ensures a light, airy mascarpone layer when folded together.

How do I garnish the tiramisu shots for presentation?

Dust the tops with unsweetened cocoa powder and add dark chocolate shavings if desired for an elegant finish.

Countdown Tiramisu Shots

Elegant mini tiramisu bites with coffee layers and creamy mascarpone in shot glasses, ideal for parties.

Getting Ready Time
20 min
0
Time Required
20 min
Created by Claire Hastings

Recipe type Simple Sweet Treats

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian

Serves 12 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meatless

What You Need

Cream Layer

01 8.8 oz mascarpone cheese
02 1/2 cup heavy cream
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Coffee Mixture

01 1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
02 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)

Assembly

01 12-14 ladyfinger biscuits, cut to fit shot glasses
02 Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
03 Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Prepare mascarpone mixture: Whisk mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.

Step 02

Whip cream: In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream to medium peaks.

Step 03

Combine mixtures: Fold whipped cream gently into mascarpone blend until fully incorporated.

Step 04

Make coffee mixture: Mix espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish.

Step 05

Dip ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture without soaking.

Step 06

Layer in glasses: Place dipped ladyfinger at bottom of each shot glass.

Step 07

Add cream layer: Spoon or pipe mascarpone cream over ladyfingers.

Step 08

Repeat layering: Add another dipped ladyfinger and top with cream.

Step 09

Chill: Smooth the tops and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 10

Garnish and serve: Dust with cocoa powder and optionally garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.

Kitchen Essentials

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Piping bag or spoon
  • Shot glasses or mini dessert cups
  • Fine mesh sieve for dusting cocoa

Possible Allergens

Go through ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a health expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy, eggs, gluten; some ladyfingers may contain soy. Verify ingredient labels.

Nutrition details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference only, not a substitute for specialist advice.
  • Calorie Count: 165
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 3 g