Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes Recipe

Dreamy Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes Recipe: A Lovely Italian Treat

Crafting delightful mini tiramisu cheesecakes brings pure joy to dessert enthusiasts seeking a decadent twist on classic Italian flavors.

Coffee-soaked ladyfingers create a luxurious base for creamy mascarpone layers.

Rich espresso notes dance through each delicate bite, promising an indulgent experience.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, these miniature treats capture the essence of traditional tiramisu with a modern cheesecake spin.

Delicate and smooth, they represent the perfect balance between two beloved desserts.

Compact portions mean you can savor every incredible moment without overwhelming sweetness.

Let’s whip up these irresistible little treasures that will definitely impress everyone at the table.

What Makes Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes So Irresistible

  • Craft Delightful Mini Desserts: Create adorable individual-sized tiramisu cheesecakes that are perfect for personal servings and elegant presentation.
  • Master Simple Baking Technique: Follow straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into a sophisticated dessert without requiring advanced culinary skills.
  • Impress with Gourmet Flavor: Combine classic tiramisu elements like espresso, coffee liqueur, and mascarpone with cheesecake for a luxurious taste experience that feels restaurant-quality.
  • Prepare Make-Ahead Treat: Refrigerate these mini cheesecakes in advance, making them ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, or special gatherings where you want to reduce last-minute stress.

What Goes in Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes

Main Ingredients:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: A smooth, creamy Italian cheese that provides the signature rich and velvety texture of tiramisu.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor and helps create a dense, smooth cheesecake base.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and balances the rich dairy flavors.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Espresso, Coffee Liqueur: Create a deep, intense coffee flavor that is essential to the traditional tiramisu taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a light, smooth texture in the cheesecake mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
Cookie and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Ladyfinger Cookies, Salt: Ladyfingers provide a classic tiramisu base, while salt helps balance and intensify the other flavors.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds a classic tiramisu finish with its rich, slightly bitter chocolate flavor.

Bake Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes Like a Pro

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 325°F. Line a muffin tin with adorable cupcake liners, making sure each cup is ready for the mini cheesecake magic.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheesecake Base

Grab your mixing bowl and combine:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, dreamy mixture with zero lumps.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This technique creates a luxuriously silky texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Blend Finishing Touches

Gently fold in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Stir softly to keep the mixture light and airy.

Step 5: Prepare Coffee Soak

Brew a strong espresso and mix with coffee liqueur in a shallow dish. This will be the flavor-packed bath for your ladyfinger cookies.

Step 6: Soak Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture. You want them moistened, not drowning. Place a soaked cookie at the bottom of each cupcake liner.

Step 7: Fill Cupcake Liners

Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the cookies, filling each liner about 3/4 full. Be gentle and precise.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the centers are just set but still have a slight wobble.

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the cheesecakes cool completely at room temperature for around 30 minutes.

Step 10: Chill and Develop Flavors

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 11: Dust with Decadence

Before serving, sprinkle a generous layer of cocoa powder over the tops using a fine-mesh sifter. This final touch adds an elegant and delicious finish.

Tricks to Perfect Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes

  • Prevent Soggy Cookies: Quickly dip ladyfingers in espresso mixture to avoid oversaturation, ensuring they maintain slight crispness at the base of each mini cheesecake.
  • Control Cheesecake Texture: Stop mixing immediately once ingredients are combined to prevent overmixing, which can create dense and tough cheesecakes.
  • Master Smooth Baking: Use room temperature ingredients for seamless blending and a consistently creamy cheesecake filling without lumps.
  • Achieve Perfect Doneness: Watch for slight jiggle in cheesecake centers during baking, removing from oven when edges are set but middles remain slightly soft for ideal texture.
  • Enhance Flavor Development: Allow cheesecakes to rest in refrigerator for minimum two hours, enabling coffee and cream cheese flavors to meld and intensify.

Creative Takes on Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes

  • Chocolate Lovers' Edition: Replace ladyfingers with chocolate cookie crumbs and add melted dark chocolate to the cheesecake batter for intense chocolate flavor.
  • Hazelnut Espresso Crunch: Incorporate ground hazelnuts into the crust, drizzle hazelnut liqueur in the coffee soak, and sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts on top.
  • Berry Tiramisu Fusion: Layer raspberry or strawberry compote between the coffee-soaked base and cheesecake filling, garnishing with fresh berries and white chocolate shavings.
  • Caramel Macchiato Style: Swirl caramel sauce into the cheesecake mixture, use caramel-flavored coffee for soaking, and top with caramel drizzle and sea salt flakes.

Pairings for Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes Bliss

  • Pair with Rich Espresso Martini: Complement the tiramisu cheesecakes with a classic espresso martini that echoes the coffee notes, balancing the dessert's creamy texture with a bold, spirited kick.
  • Serve Alongside Dark Chocolate Truffles: Enhance the dessert experience by presenting small, intense dark chocolate truffles that mirror the cocoa powder topping and provide a luxurious contrast to the cheesecake's smooth profile.
  • Match with Sweet Italian Dessert Wine: Select a glass of Vin Santo or Moscato d'Asti, which brings delicate sweetness and light fruity undertones that harmonize perfectly with the tiramisu's coffee and mascarpone flavors.

How to Store Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes the Smart Way

  • Store mini tiramisu cheesecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, protecting them from absorbing other food odors and maintaining their delicate texture.
  • Cover each cheesecake with plastic wrap or place in separate sealed containers to prevent moisture loss and preserve their creamy consistency.
  • Carefully wrap each mini cheesecake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious for future enjoyment.
  • Remove frozen cheesecakes from the freezer and let them defrost slowly in the refrigerator overnight, keeping their original texture and flavor intact.

Questions About Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes, Answered

  • What are ladyfinger cookies?

Delicate, light sponge cookies originating from Italy, typically used in desserts like tiramisu. They have a dry, crisp texture that absorbs liquid well without falling apart.

  • Can I make these mini cheesecakes without coffee liqueur?

Yes, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee or skip the liqueur entirely. The espresso will still provide rich flavor and moisture to the base.

  • Why do I need to beat the cream cheese mixture until smooth?

Smooth beating eliminates lumps and ensures a creamy, consistent texture. Lumpy cheesecake can result in an uneven, grainy final dessert that lacks the desired silky quality.

  • How do I know when the mini cheesecakes are perfectly baked?

Look for centers that are just set but still slightly jiggly.

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Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes Recipe

Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 42 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy mini tiramisu cheesecakes blend Italian dessert magic with indulgent charm. Rich espresso-soaked layers and smooth mascarpone create a delightful treat you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Mascarpone and Cream Cheese:

  • 226 g (8 oz) mascarpone cheese
  • 226 g (8 oz) cream cheese
  • 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar

Cookies and Coffee:

  • 100 g (1 cup) ladyfinger cookies
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) strong brewed espresso
  • 30 ml (2 tbsp) coffee liqueur

Eggs and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream
  • 15 g (2 tbsp) cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, ensuring each cup is prepared for the mini cheesecakes.
  2. Combine mascarpone, cream cheese, and sugar in a large mixing bowl, beating until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
  3. Gradually incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a silky texture.
  4. Fold in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring gently to maintain the mixture’s light consistency.
  5. Brew strong espresso and mix with coffee liqueur in a shallow dish, creating a rich coffee soak for the ladyfinger cookies.
  6. Briefly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the espresso mixture, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy, then place at the bottom of each cupcake liner.
  7. Carefully pour the cheese mixture over the soaked cookies, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes until centers are just set but still slightly jiggly, avoiding over-baking.
  9. Remove from oven and allow cheesecakes to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up and develop deeper flavors.
  11. Before serving, dust the tops generously with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sifter for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Choose room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter with perfect consistency.
  • Dip ladyfingers quickly in espresso mixture to prevent them from becoming too soggy and falling apart.
  • Use a water bath while baking to prevent cracks and create a silky, even texture in the cheesecake.
  • Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to intensify and develop a richer taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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