Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions Recipe

Imagine all the dreamy flavors of classic tiramisu—velvety mascarpone, a hint of espresso, and a pillowy-soft sponge—but in the most charming, Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions that are perfect for sharing (or selfishly keeping for yourself). This recipe skips the fuss of ladyfingers, and instead, uses a simple yellow cake as the base. Each glass becomes its own little party, topped with a cloud of whipped mascarpone and dusted lovingly with cacao. It’s decadent, super-creamy, and dangerously easy to make.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk simple, superstar ingredients. Each one plays its part—bringing structure, incredible creaminess, or that magical hint of coffee. Gather these favorites for your Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions, and watch the magic come together!

• Yellow Cake Mix (1 box, baked in a 13×9-inch pan): This is your secret timesaver! It forms a soft, sturdy base ready to soak up rich espresso flavor.
• Freshly Brewed Coffee or Espresso (½ cup): Real coffee infuses the cake with that iconic tiramisu depth—choose a bold brew for best results.
• Coconut Sugar (2 tbsp): Adds a light caramel note to your coffee soak, which plays so well with the mascarpone frosting.
• Mascarpone Cheese (8 oz): The creamy heart of tiramisu—choose full-fat for the fluffiest, most decadent results.
• Powdered Sugar (⅔ cup): This blends seamlessly into the mascarpone for a smooth, perfectly sweet frosting.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): Whips into the mascarpone, making your topping cloud-like and luscious.
• Vanilla Extract or Paste (1 tsp): A little vanilla brings elegance and warmth to the creamy layer.
• Cacao Powder (2-3 tbsp, for dusting): The classic tiramisu finish—deeply chocolatey, slightly bitter, and oh-so-pretty on top.
• Coupe Glasses (for cutting/serving): These make portioning tidy and instantly upscale—plus, dessert in a glass just feels special!

Variations

Personalizing your Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions couldn’t be easier—swap in flavors you love, or tweak ingredients for any dietary need. Here are some creative ways to make this dessert your own!

• Chocolate Cake Base: Try a rich chocolate cake instead of yellow for a mocha-inspired twist that’s still tiramisu at heart.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan mascarpone and coconut whipped cream for a non-dairy version that stays dreamy and delicious.
• Liquor-Laced Soak: Add a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or Marsala wine to the coffee soak for a grown-up kick.
• Gluten-Free Cake: Choose your favorite gluten-free cake mix to make these individual portions celiac-friendly and just as satisfying.

How to Make Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions

Step 1: Bake and Prep the Cake

Bake your yellow cake mix according to the box instructions in a 13×9-inch pan. Once baked, allow it to cool completely—this makes it easier to cut neat, tidy rounds. When cooled, use a coupe glass (or any wide glass) pressed upside down to cut out perfect circles for serving. Pop the rounds straight into the coupe glasses for a fun presentation and easy assembly.

Step 2: Soak with Sweet Coffee

In a small bowl, mix the freshly brewed coffee and coconut sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Spoon about three tablespoons of the coffee mixture over each cake round, letting the liquid absorb—think moist, not soggy. Slip the glasses into the fridge while you prepare the frosting, so everything sets and chills to perfection.

Step 3: Whip the Mascarpone Frosting

In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar until it’s smooth (just a minute or two). Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream while beating—the mixture will become fluffy and thick as a cloud. Stir in vanilla until just combined. Take care not to overmix, so your frosting stays dreamy and soft.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish

Scoop or pipe the mascarpone frosting generously over each coffee-soaked cake in its glass. Finish with a generous dusting of cacao powder for that classic tiramisu look. Chill the Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions for at least 30 minutes before serving—the flavors will meld and the texture will become even more decadent!

How to Serve Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions

Garnishes

Nothing says “treat yourself” like a mound of cocoa or cacao powder on top. For extra flair, shave some dark chocolate curls over each Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portion, or add a single chocolate-covered espresso bean for a delightfully caffeinated crunch. You can even sprinkle a pinch of flaked salt for a touch of gourmet sophistication!

Side Dishes

Serve these after a simple Italian meal, or next to a platter of fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness. If you’re making a dessert buffet, a scoop of vanilla gelato or lemon sorbet is divine beside the creamy, coffee-kissed cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Tiramisu in coupe glasses always turns heads, but you can also build Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions in mason jars, cocktail glasses, or even espresso cups for espresso-sized treats! For parties, set out a DIY tiramisu bar—let friends layer cake, soak, and frost their own custom creations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover portions (covered) right in the fridge. They’ll stay plush, creamy, and gorgeous for up to three days—if you can resist them for that long. Actually, the flavor deepens overnight, so leftovers make for a next-level midnight snack.

Freezing

You can freeze Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions—simply wrap each glass tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The texture might soften a bit, but those cake and cream layers will still taste fabulous.

Reheating

No need to reheat! These are meant to be enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge. If they’ve frozen, bring them to fridge-temp before serving for best flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderful about serving Easy Tiramisu Cake-Individual Portions—every guest gets their own little jar of joy, creamy and bold. I hope you give this make-ahead dessert a try and fall in love with its ease, charm, and pure Italian decadence. Enjoy every last spoonful!

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