My favorite go-to party dessert: Tiramisu Cups! Layers of cupcake and tiramisu mousse, packaged in plastic party cups perfect for to go!
I sang karaoke.
Sober.
{I know, I can't believe it either.}
Last Friday night a friend of mine hosted a mom's night out – '80s style.
There were hot pink shirts, scrunchies, leg warmers, NKOTB accessories, and spandex.
And Love Shack on the karaoke machine. Oh, and Like a Virgin.
{Funny side story: Jordan used to love to sing Love Shack. Only she would sing it "…bring your JUICE BOX money!"}
I still can't believe I sang karaoke. And the windows didn't shatter!
I brought these yummy Tiramisu Cups for dessert. I made them in plastic cups so they'd be easy to bring with me. I used cupcakes instead of lady fingers. I also used cream cheese instead of mascarpone (because, really, who can find that at Walmart?) so these really are EASY to make.
These just contain simple, easy to find ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. And it's easy to make however many you want, for however many people you're serving. As written, the recipe will make about 6 servings. Depending on how many layers you make them, you could get as many as 8 or as few as 5. It just depends on how hungry you are.
Now, some people will argue with me on this point: I classified this as a no-bake recipe. And that's only kind of a lie, because it can be no-bake. I used a few leftover cupcakes from my Perfect Vanilla Cupcake recipe, but you can also used boxed mix cupcakes…or just buy some unfrosted from the bakery at your local grocery store. Did you know you can do that? You totally can.
You could also use real ladyfinger cookies but, well. Good luck finding those. The last time I tried I ended up sobbing on the floor needing a drink because I'd gone to 12 grocery stores.
Cupcakes are way easier!
If you remember my Tiramisu Mousse, these are very similar. Just as easy…but they have cupcakes. I think cupcakes always win, don't they?
Package these in simple plastic party cups for an easy to-go treat. I placed the cups in a plastic container and got them to the party without dropping them, easy peasy. They're also great for clean-up – just throw them away! And if you're earth conscious…you could use 8 ounce wide mouth mason jars.
If you love tiramisu, you'll love these trifles. This is a total keeper recipe, and it's one I make over and over again!
(Full disclosure: this recipe originally appeared in 2012. Photos, text, and the recipe updated April 2016.)
Tiramisu Cups To Go
Yield: About 6 servings
These Tiramisu Cups are a family favorite! They're packaged to go in plastic cups - perfect for a potluck! Cupcakes are layered with an easy tiramisu mousse and is the most delicious pudding you'll ever eat.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee (or you can use cold brewed coffee, see step 1)
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream (may substitute whipped topping)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6-8 unfrosted (baked and cooled) vanilla cupcakes
- Cocoa, for dusting
Directions:
- Stir instant coffee into hot water and let cool. Alternately, you can use cold leftover coffee.
- Beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form using a stand or a hand mixer. Set aside. (Alternately you can use one 8 ounce tub of whipped topping.)
- Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then mix in vanilla and 1-2 tablespoons of coffee to taste. Fold in whipped cream (or whipped topping, if you're using).
- Slice each cupcake in half or thirds, depending on the size of your cups or how big you want each tiramisu to be. Place one cupcake slice in the bottom of a clear plastic disposable cup. Brush it with remaining coffee, then top with some of the tiramisu cream. Dust it with cocoa, then repeat for 1-2 more layers. Dust the top with cocoa.
- Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. To take these to-go, wrap the tops with plastic wrap. They make a great party treat or easy potluck item.
Notes:
As written, the recipe makes around 6, depending on the size of cup you use and how much you fill them. I recommend using 5 ounce cups so they don't get too big, and you can add some extra whipped cream on top to make them look more full if needed.
