Countdown Tiramisu Shots

Featured in: Late-Night Cravings

These elegant tiramisu shots offer a perfect balance of rich mascarpone cream and bold coffee flavors. Ladyfingers are quickly dipped in strong espresso, layered with a smooth mascarpone mixture, and chilled to set. Finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings, they make a sophisticated bite-sized treat suitable for gatherings or celebrations. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes and can be customized with or without coffee liqueur or decaf espresso.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:30:00 GMT
Creamy Countdown Tiramisu Shots layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, topped with cocoa, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Creamy Countdown Tiramisu Shots layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, topped with cocoa, ready to serve. | snackandmack.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 become a beloved treat at our family gatherings, always receiving compliments and requests for seconds.

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.
Mini glasses hold elegant Countdown Tiramisu Shots with mascarpone cream, perfect for a special treat. Save to Pinterest
Mini glasses hold elegant Countdown Tiramisu Shots with mascarpone cream, perfect for a special treat. | snackandmack.com

Sharing these tiramisu shots brings back joyful moments of laughter and warmth around the dinner table.

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

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

Close-up of decadent Countdown Tiramisu Shots showcasing creamy layers and delicate cocoa dusting. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of decadent Countdown Tiramisu Shots showcasing creamy layers and delicate cocoa dusting. | snackandmack.com

These elegant tiramisu shots are sure to impress your guests and make any occasion special.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these tiramisu shots ahead of time?

Yes, preparing them up to 24 hours in advance helps deepen the flavors. Keep chilled until serving.

What type of coffee works best for soaking the ladyfingers?

Strong brewed espresso or coffee works best to impart rich flavor without making the ladyfingers soggy.

How can I make these shots caffeine-free?

Use decaffeinated espresso or coffee and omit the coffee liqueur to keep them alcohol and caffeine-free.

What tools are needed for assembling these shots?

You’ll need mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, a piping bag or spoon, shot glasses, and a fine mesh sieve for dusting cocoa.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these shots are vegetarian-friendly, containing dairy and eggs but no meat products.

Countdown Tiramisu Shots

Layered dessert featuring coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and cocoa dusting in mini glasses.

Prep Time
20 min
0
Overall Time
20 min
Recipe by Snack And Mack Ryan Mitchell

Recipe Type Late-Night Cravings

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian

Output 12 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Cream Layer

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

Coffee Mixture

01 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
02 2 tablespoons 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 together mascarpone, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Step 02

Whip heavy cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until medium peaks form.

Step 03

Combine cream and mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 04

Prepare coffee dip: Mix the cooled 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 base: Place a dipped ladyfinger at the bottom of each shot glass.

Step 07

Add cream layer: Spoon or pipe a layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.

Step 08

Repeat layering: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by cream, then smooth the top.

Step 09

Chill: Refrigerate the assembled portions for at least 2 hours to set flavors.

Step 10

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Double-check every item for known allergies. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (mascarpone, cream), eggs (ladyfingers), gluten (ladyfingers), and possibly soy depending on brand.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrient details are offered for reference only. Speak with your doctor for personal health questions.
  • Calorie Count: 165
  • Fat Content: 10 g
  • Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Proteins: 3 g