Countdown Tiramisu Shots Delight

Featured in: Sweet Prairie Treats

These Countdown Tiramisu Shots offer a refined blend of creamy mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered in mini glasses. Quick to prepare and no baking needed, they chill to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a smooth, delicious treat. Dusting with cocoa powder and optional chocolate shavings adds a sophisticated finish ideal for parties or special events.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:24:00 GMT
A close-up of delicious Countdown Tiramisu Shots, layered with creamy mascarpone and cocoa dusting. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of delicious Countdown Tiramisu Shots, layered with creamy mascarpone and cocoa dusting. | honeyprairie.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 tiramisu is a go-to dessert for elegant gatherings and I love serving it in mini glasses for an impressive presentation.

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.
These individual Countdown Tiramisu Shots showcase coffee-soaked ladyfingers and whipped cream, ready to serve! Save to Pinterest
These individual Countdown Tiramisu Shots showcase coffee-soaked ladyfingers and whipped cream, ready to serve! | honeyprairie.com

This recipe always brings smiles to my family's faces during holiday get-togethers.

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 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.

Tiny shot glasses overflowing with creamy Countdown Tiramisu Shots, an elegant bite-sized Italian dessert. Save to Pinterest
Tiny shot glasses overflowing with creamy Countdown Tiramisu Shots, an elegant bite-sized Italian dessert. | honeyprairie.com

This easy-to-make dessert is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.

Questions & Answers

How do I prevent ladyfingers from getting soggy?

Dip ladyfingers quickly into the coffee mixture to avoid soaking. A brief dip ensures they absorb flavor without becoming too soft.

Can I prepare the shots in advance?

Yes, chilling for at least 2 hours is recommended, but they can be made up to 24 hours ahead to deepen the flavors.

Is coffee liqueur necessary?

Coffee liqueur is optional; omitting it still delivers rich coffee flavor, especially when using strong brewed espresso.

What can I use instead of ladyfingers?

While ladyfingers are traditional, sponge cake cut to size can be a substitute, though texture and absorption may vary.

How should I store the tiramisu shots?

Keep them refrigerated in covered containers to maintain freshness and creamy texture until serving.

Countdown Tiramisu Shots Delight

Elegant mini dessert with coffee-soaked biscuits, creamy mascarpone, and cocoa dusting. Perfect for gatherings.

Prep duration
20 minutes
0
Overall time needed
20 minutes
Recipe by Honey Prairie Abigail Greene


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type Italian

Makes 12 Number of portions

Diet specifications Meatless

What You'll Need

Cream Layer

01 8.8 oz mascarpone cheese
02 0.5 cup heavy cream
03 3.5 tbsp granulated sugar
04 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Coffee Mixture

01 0.5 cup strong brewed espresso or 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)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Cream Mixture: Whisk mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Step 02

Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until medium peaks form.

Step 03

Combine Cream and Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.

Step 04

Mix Coffee Soak: Combine cooled espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish.

Step 05

Prepare Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger piece into the coffee mixture without soaking.

Step 06

Assemble First Layer: Place a dipped ladyfinger piece 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 Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by mascarpone cream.

Step 09

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

Step 10

Garnish and Serve: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and optionally garnish with dark chocolate shavings.

Essential tools

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

Allergy Details

Go through all ingredients to spot potential allergies. If unsure, check with a health expert.
  • Contains dairy (mascarpone, cream), eggs and gluten (ladyfingers); possible soy in some ladyfinger brands.

Nutrition details (per portion)

Details for informational use only — not a substitute for a medical professional.
  • Energy (calories): 165
  • Lipids: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 3 g