Tiramisu Parfaits

Our Test Kitchen-approved tiramisu cups give the classic Italian dessert a lighter makeover. This no-bake recipe captures all the signature flavors—coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy sugar-free pudding, airy whipped topping and a healthy dusting of cocoa powder—in appealing individual-sized portions.

You create a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious by layering the components in clear glasses or cups. Plus, with no baking required, this low-fat take on tiramisu is great for warm summer days or when you need to whip up a quick yet sophisticated dessert.

Ingredients for Tiramisu Cups

• Coffee granules: Instant coffee dissolved in boiling water and creates the rich coffee flavor that’s signature of classic tiramisu.
• Milk: Cold fat-free milk forms the creamy pudding base.
• Vanilla pudding: Fat-free instant pudding mix provides a light and sweet base for the tiramisu parfait. Here’s how to make a store-bought pudding mix that tastes homemade.
• Cream cheese: Fat-free cream cheese adds richness and a slight tang to the pudding mixture.
• Ladyfingers: The split and cubed ladyfingers absorb the brewed coffee and form the traditional base of the tiramisu. If you can’t find ladyfingers at the grocery store, make your own ladyfingers at home.
• Whipped topping: Fat-free whipped topping adds a light and airy layer to the dessert and helps balance the richness of the cream cheese and pudding mix.
• Chocolate chips: Two tablespoons of miniature chocolate chips add a sweet and slightly crunchy contrast to the creamy layers.
• Baking cocoa: 1 teaspoon of baking cocoa is dusted on top of the tiramisu cups just before serving. It’s the classic tiramisu finish.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the coffee

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In a small bowl, dissolve instant coffee granules in boiling water. Set them aside and allow the coffee to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Create the creamy filling

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In a large bowl, whisk together milk and sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix for two minutes. Let the mixture stand for an additional two minutes or until it is soft-set.

Step 3: Combine the cream cheese and pudding mix

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In another large bowl, beat the fat-free cream cheese until smooth. Gradually fold the prepared pudding mixture into the cream cheese until well combined.

Step 4: Soak the ladyfingers

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Split and cube the ladyfingers and place them in a bowl. Pour the cooled coffee mixture over the ladyfinger cubes and gently toss to coat. Let them stand for five minutes to infuse the ladyfingers with coffee.

Step 5: Assemble the tiramisu cups

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Divide half of the coffee-soaked ladyfinger cubes among six parfait glasses or serving dishes. Top with half of the pudding mixture, followed by a cup of fat-free whipped topping and 1 tablespoon of miniature chocolate chips. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

Step 6: Chill and serve

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Cover the tiramisu cups and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours. Dust the tops of the tiramisu cups with baking cocoa just before serving.

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Tiramisu Cups Variations

• Add almond extract: For a nutty twist, add a 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the pudding mixture.
• Add liqueur: For an adult twist to this tiramisu parfait, add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlua to the coffee.
• Use different cookies: Substitute ladyfingers with sponge cake or biscotti for a different flavor and texture to your tiramisu parfait.
• Make it fruity: Add a layer of fresh berries for a fruity contrast to the rich flavors of tiramisu.
• Drizzle with caramel: Drizzle sugar-free caramel sauce between the layers for added sweetness and decadence.
• Amp up the spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding mix for a spiced version of this tiramisu cups recipe.

How to Store Tiramisu Cups

Store leftover tiramisu cups covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop after the initial overnight chilling period, making this an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Can you freeze tiramisu cups?

While these tiramisu parfaits are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them for up to two months. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Tiramisu Cups Tips

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What can you serve with tiramisu cups?

Tiramisu cups pair well with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a glass of dessert wine. For a light and refreshing contrast during the summer months, serve them alongside fresh bowls of berries.

What’s the best way to ensure the ladyfingers don’t become too soggy in tiramisu cups?

Don’t let the ladyfingers soak in the coffee for more than the recommended period of five minutes. Also, make sure that the coffee is completely cooled to room temperature before adding it to the ladyfingers.

Can you use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can! Swapping out the whipped topping for homemade whipped cream will result in a richer flavor to the tiramisu cups (we love this recipe for bourbon whipped cream.)