Vanilla Bean Tiramisu Cups

Imagine the elegance of classic Italian tiramisu meeting the cozy comfort of your favorite coffeehouse drink. These Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Tiramisu Cups bring together the best of both worlds—velvety mascarpone infused with real vanilla bean, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a touch of coffeehouse magic. Each individual cup is a perfect portion of indulgence, designed for those moments when you want to impress without the fuss. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or treating yourself after a long day, these cups deliver café-quality dessert right in your own kitchen.

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The secret to this recipe lies in the quality of your ingredients. Fresh mascarpone cheese creates that signature creamy texture, while real vanilla bean seeds dot the cream with tiny flecks of pure vanilla flavor. The quick dip method for the ladyfingers ensures they're perfectly moistened without becoming soggy, maintaining that delicate balance between soft and structured. And with just 25 minutes of active preparation time, you'll have a sophisticated dessert chilling in the refrigerator, ready to wow your guests in just a couple of hours.

Ingredients

• For the Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, cold; 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 2 tsp pure vanilla bean paste); 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar; 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, cold
• For the Espresso Dip: 3/4 cup (180 ml) strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled; 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
• For Assembly: 18–20 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi); 1 tbsp cocoa powder, for dusting; Whipped cream, for topping (optional); Chocolate shavings or coffee beans, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds (or paste), and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and fully combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2: Prepare the Espresso Dip

In a shallow dish, combine the cooled espresso and coffee liqueur.

Step 3: Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture (1–2 seconds per side; do not soak) and layer the bottom of six small glasses or dessert cups with the soaked biscuits.

Step 4: Add First Cream Layer

Spoon a layer of vanilla bean mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.

Step 5: Repeat Layers

Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish with a final layer of cream.

Step 6: Chill

Smooth the tops, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set and chill.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Before serving, dust each cup generously with cocoa powder. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or a coffee bean, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Make sure both your heavy cream and mascarpone cheese are thoroughly chilled before you begin—this ensures the cream whips properly and the mascarpone folds in smoothly without becoming runny. When dipping the ladyfingers, work quickly and resist the temptation to let them soak; a brief 1–2 second dip on each side is all you need to infuse them with coffee flavor while maintaining their structure. If you're using vanilla bean paste instead of a whole vanilla bean, it's a convenient substitute that still delivers those beautiful vanilla specks throughout the cream. Use a sifter or fine-mesh sieve to dust the cocoa powder evenly over the tops just before serving for a professional finish.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the coffee liqueur—the dessert will still be rich and delicious. If you can't find vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste, substitute 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, though you'll miss the visual appeal of the tiny vanilla seeds. To enhance the coffeehouse vibe, try adding a splash of vanilla syrup to your espresso mixture for extra sweetness and flavor. You can also experiment with different liqueurs such as amaretto or hazelnut liqueur for a unique twist. For a lighter version, replace half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, though the texture will be slightly tangier and less rich.

Serviervorschläge

These tiramisu cups are stunning served in clear glass dessert cups or small tumblers, allowing the beautiful layers to show through. Garnish each cup with a light dusting of cocoa powder, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, and a few chocolate shavings or a single espresso bean for an elegant presentation. Serve them chilled alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino for the ultimate coffee lover's dessert experience. They're perfect for dinner parties, bridal showers, or any occasion where you want individual portions that look as impressive as they taste. These cups can be made up to a day ahead, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert that actually improves with time as the flavors meld together.

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With their perfect balance of creamy vanilla mascarpone, bold espresso, and delicate ladyfingers, these Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Tiramisu Cups are destined to become your go-to dessert for any occasion. They combine the sophistication of traditional Italian dessert-making with the convenience of individual portions and the familiar comfort of coffeehouse flavors. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your dessert journey, this recipe delivers impressive results with minimal effort. So grab your mixing bowl, brew some strong coffee, and get ready to create a dessert that tastes like it came from a high-end café—right in your own kitchen.

Recipe Questions

→ How do I prepare the mascarpone cream?

Whisk cold heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in cold mascarpone cheese until smooth without overmixing.

→ What is the best way to soak the ladyfingers?

Quickly dip each ladyfinger in cooled strong espresso or coffee mixture for 1–2 seconds on each side to retain texture without sogginess.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to a day before serving to let the flavors meld and the cream set.

→ Are there any alternatives to using vanilla bean?

If unavailable, use pure vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract as substitutes to maintain the creamy vanilla flavor.

→ How should I garnish the cups?

Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder, topped optionally with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or coffee beans for extra flair.