Personal Tiramisu Indulgence

Indulge in the exquisite pleasure of **Individual Tiramisu Parfaits**, a sophisticated and delightfully easy no-bake dessert that reimagines the beloved Italian classic. Each parfait is a meticulously layered masterpiece, promising a rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible experience with every spoonful. Forget the fuss of slicing and serving a communal dish; these personal tiramisus ensure everyone enjoys their own perfect portion, eliminating the need to share this luscious treat.

This **Easy Tiramisu Recipe** stands out with its sublime fusion of coffee, Kahlua, and Frangelico, creating a symphony of flavors that is both bold and beautifully balanced. The star of the show remains the incredibly rich mascarpone cream, combined with carefully prepared eggs to deliver a velvety smooth, dreamy mouthfeel that truly elevates this dessert to unparalleled heights. Prepare to be swept away by its charm from the very first bite!

Tiramisu Parfait in a glass with a red handled spoon.

Contents

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Individual Tiramisu Parfaits

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a dessert crafted just for you, and these individual tiramisu parfaits deliver on that promise. Beyond the sheer delight of not having to share, here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

**A Personal Indulgence:** Enjoy your very own tiramisu, perfectly portioned and ready to savor without any communal fuss. It’s the ultimate treat for yourself or your guests.
**Stunning Visual Appeal:** Served elegantly in tall, clear glasses, each parfait showcases its beautiful, distinct layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. This presentation instantly elevates your dessert table, making it ideal for dinner parties, holidays, or any special occasion.
**Unforgettable Flavor Profile:** Our recipe boasts a harmonious blend of coffee, Kahlua, and Frangelico, intensifying the classic tiramisu taste with rich, nuanced notes. This “double dose” of liqueur ensures a depth of flavor that is truly remarkable and highly addictive.
**Effortless Elegance (No-Bake!):** Achieve a sophisticated dessert without turning on your oven. This no-bake recipe simplifies the process, making it accessible for home bakers of all skill levels while still delivering an impressive result.
**Perfect for Entertaining:** Pre-portioned and ready to serve, these parfaits reduce stress when hosting. Prepare them in advance, chill, and simply pull them out when it’s time for dessert.

The inspiration for this delightful twist on tiramisu struck me a few years ago while watching an episode of *The Chew*. It featured a memorable tiramisu showdown between a mother and daughter. The mother presented a classic, time-honored Italian version, while her daughter unveiled a fresh, modern interpretation. It was the daughter’s innovative approach that ultimately captured my attention and inspired this very recipe.

I was particularly intrigued by her choice of using `savoiardi` – the harder, more biscuit-like ladyfingers – which was a departure from my usual preference for the softer, spongecake-like variety. The `savoiardi` proved to be a brilliant choice, providing a wonderful textural contrast and holding up beautifully in the layered parfait structure. Furthermore, her brilliant inclusion of both Kahlua and Frangelico liqueurs added an incredible depth of flavor that I knew I had to incorporate. Coupled with her elegant layered presentation in individual glasses, this modern tiramisu was far more enticing than the traditional dish dusted with cocoa powder.

Two tiramisu parfaits and a red handled spoon with a spoonful of tiramisu.

Crafting Your Tiramisu Parfaits: A Simple Guide

At its heart, a traditional tiramisu consists of four essential components: the ladyfingers or sponge cake, a flavorful soaking liquid, the rich mascarpone cream, and a chocolate topping. For these individual parfait glasses, we’ll double down on the layers, creating an even more visually appealing and texturally dynamic dessert that’s bursting with flavor.

The Art of Layering:

**Prepare the Ladyfingers:** Begin by crushing your chosen `savoiardi` ladyfingers. These harder biscuits are ideal as they absorb the liquid without becoming overly soggy, maintaining a pleasant texture. Briefly soak half of the crushed ladyfingers in a luscious mixture of milk, robust coffee, Kahlua, and a touch of sugar.
**First Cream Layer:** Carefully spoon half of the silky, creamy mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers in your chosen parfait glasses. The smooth cream provides a delightful contrast to the texture of the biscuits.
**Repeat and Finish:** Repeat both layers, ensuring a generous distribution of both the soaked ladyfingers and the mascarpone cream. Once your layers are complete, the parfaits are ready for their finishing touch. A delicate dusting of high-quality cocoa powder is classic, but for an extra touch of decadence, finely grated dark chocolate makes a terrific alternative.
**Chill to Perfection:** The magic truly happens during the chilling process. Allow your tiramisu parfaits to refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dessert to set, resulting in an impeccably textured and flavored treat.

Two tiramisu parfaits and a cocoa duster

Frequently Asked Questions About Tiramisu Parfaits

What Exactly Is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu, a name that beautifully translates to “carry me up” or “pick me up” in Italian, is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. This classic Italian delight is celebrated for its invigorating combination of coffee and rich cream. Traditionally, it features layers of ladyfingers (savoiardi) meticulously soaked in a strong coffee and often Marsala wine mixture, then layered with a luxurious mascarpone cream, and finally dusted with cocoa powder or grated chocolate. While sometimes referred to as an Italian trifle, purists will argue that tiramisu possesses a lighter, more ethereal quality, setting it apart from its denser English cousin.

What Defines a Parfait?

The term “parfait” (French for “perfect”) originally referred to a type of frozen custard. However, its meaning has evolved significantly, particularly in American culinary culture. Here in the U.S., a parfait commonly describes a dessert served in a tall, narrow, footed glass, designed to beautifully showcase its distinct layers. Think of classic ice cream sundaes layered with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top – these are often called parfaits. In France, the traditional parfait is still a rich frozen dessert. Today, almost any layered dish, whether sweet or savory, can be called a “parfait” if presented in these elegant glasses, making them a perfect choice for our layered tiramisu.

How Can I Make Tiramisu Safe to Eat?

Many traditional tiramisu recipes call for raw eggs, which can pose a risk of foodborne illness like salmonella. To ensure your dessert is safe for everyone, especially those with compromised immune systems, the very young, or the elderly, there are a few excellent strategies. The simplest is to opt for **pasteurized eggs**, which have been gently heated to a specific temperature (around 140°F or 60°C) before packaging to eliminate harmful bacteria without cooking the egg. While pasteurized egg whites might require a bit more patience to whip into stiff peaks, the peace of mind they offer is invaluable. Alternatively, you can explore recipes like our Tiramisu Recipe without raw eggs, which uses tempered egg yolks or cooked custards to achieve the same creamy texture safely.

Can I Pasteurize Eggs at Home?

Yes, with precision and the right tools, you can pasteurize eggs at home! This process requires careful temperature control to succeed. You’ll need a reliable burner that can maintain a consistent water temperature and, most critically, a highly accurate thermometer. The key is to keep the eggs in water at precisely 140°F (60°C) for a minimum of 3 minutes. It’s a delicate balance: temperatures slightly above 142°F (61°C) will begin to cook the eggs, while temperatures below 140°F (60°C) may not effectively kill salmonella. I highly recommend using an Instant Read Digital Thermometer for this task, as precision is paramount for both safety and preserving the egg’s integrity. While it requires attention, home pasteurization offers a safe way to enjoy recipes calling for raw eggs.

Tips for Tiramisu Perfection

**Quality Ingredients Matter:** Since tiramisu has relatively few ingredients, the quality of each is crucial. Use high-quality espresso or strong brewed coffee, fresh eggs, and authentic Italian mascarpone cheese for the best flavor.
**Don’t Over-Soak Ladyfingers:** Savoiardi ladyfingers are designed to absorb liquid, but a quick dip is usually sufficient. Over-soaking will make them mushy. You want them moist but still with some structure.
**Chill Time is Essential:** Resist the urge to serve your parfaits too early! The minimum 3-hour chilling period allows the flavors to deepen and meld, and the mascarpone cream to firm up, creating that irresistible texture. Overnight chilling is even better.
**Non-Alcoholic Version:** If you prefer to omit the alcohol, simply replace the Kahlua and Frangelico with additional strong coffee or espresso, or even a splash of hazelnut or coffee extract.
**Garnish Creatively:** A simple dusting of cocoa powder is classic, but you can elevate your parfaits with chocolate shavings, a coffee bean, or even a fresh raspberry for a pop of color and flavor.

Ingredient Spotlight

**Mascarpone Cheese:** This Italian cream cheese is the heart of tiramisu. It’s incredibly rich, smooth, and slightly sweet, providing the luxurious base for our cream. Do not substitute with regular cream cheese, as the texture and flavor are distinct.
**Kahlua:** A famous coffee liqueur that brings a deep, sweet coffee flavor with hints of rum and vanilla. It perfectly complements the espresso in tiramisu.
**Frangelico:** A hazelnut-flavored liqueur from Italy. Its delicate, nutty notes add another layer of complexity and warmth to the dessert, distinguishing this recipe from many traditional versions.

Explore More Decadent Desserts

If you loved these Individual Tiramisu Parfaits, you’re in for a treat! Discover more ways to enjoy the rich flavors of tiramisu and other delightful creations:

Tiramisu Cake Roll from Diethood: A fun, roll-cake rendition of the classic.
Classic Tiramisu Recipe: For those who adore the traditional dish.
Kahlua Tiramisu for Two: A perfectly sized dessert for a romantic evening.
Berry Tiramisu with Grand Marnier: A fruity and refreshing twist.
Tiramisu Cheesecake: The best of both dessert worlds!
Chocolate Mousse Tiramisu: Double the decadence with chocolate mousse.
More Easy Dessert Recipes: A collection of delightful treats for every occasion.

Stay connected with us for more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. We love seeing your creations, so don’t forget to tag us when you try one of our recipes! If you adore the results, please consider leaving a 5-star rating in the recipe card below – your feedback means the world to us!

The Recipe:

Individual Tiramisu Parfaits

Prep Time
20 minutes

Total Time
20 minutes

Yield
8 servings

A luscious, layered version of a classic Italian dessert. Everyone gets one of their own mini desserts, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

24 ladyfingers, crushed (ensure you use the harder, biscuit-style savoiardi for best results)
¼ cup milk
1 ½ cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
3 tablespoons Kahlua (or your favorite coffee liqueur), divided
2 large eggs, separated (see notes for raw egg safety)
5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
9 ounces Mascarpone cheese, softened
3 tablespoons Frangelico (or a preferred hazelnut liqueur)
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the milk, cooled coffee, 2 tablespoons of Kahlua, and 4 tablespoons of sugar until well combined. Add the crushed ladyfingers to this mixture and allow them to soak briefly, just until moist but not soggy.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar until light and creamy. Gradually incorporate the softened mascarpone cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Kahlua, and the Frangelico, mixing until smooth.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold these whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Spoon half of the soaked ladyfingers evenly among small individual glasses (approximately 5-ounce capacity each). Top this layer with half of the creamy mascarpone mixture, spreading it gently.
Add a second layer of the remaining soaked ladyfingers, followed by the rest of the mascarpone mixture. Smooth the tops of each parfait for an elegant finish.
Cover each individual parfait with a generous dusting of cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve or a dusting wand.
Refrigerate the tiramisu parfaits for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly. For best results, chill overnight before serving.

Notes

Raw Egg Safety:

This recipe uses raw eggs. If you are concerned about salmonella, please use pasteurized eggs or refer to our Tiramisu Recipe without raw eggs for an alternative.

Recipe adapted from The Chew

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest