These tiramisu jars are a fun way to enjoy the classic Italian dessert. These mini, individual-portion tiramisu jars are not only easy to make, but they’re also perfect for celebrations and can be made ahead of time! My mom’s all time favorite dessert is tiramisu, so I wanted to surprise her with these cute mini jars for Mother’s Day! Tiramisu is a classic layered dessert featuring ladyfingers soaked in coffee, a creamy mascarpone cheese filling and a dusting of cocoa powder.
In this version, we’ll be serving it up in pretty glass jars for an elegant and impressive presentation. The best part? This recipe can be customized to be gluten free, dairy free, eggless and even vegan, so everyone can enjoy a delicious and special treat. No alcohol is needed in this recipe, making it perfect for all ages! Who doesn’t love the combination of chocolate, coffee and whipped cream? If you love mini desserts in jars, be sure to also try my cake jars!
Why You’ll Love These Jars
They are so cute!
These tiramisu jars are perfect for any holiday or get together.
They do not contain any alcohol, making them kid-friendly.
These are perfect to make ahead.
This dessert can be made both gluten free and vegan!
There are lots of variations for this dessert.
It is packed with delicious chocolate and espresso flavors.
What Is Tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a delightful Italian dessert famous for its rich, layered flavors and creamy texture. Here’s a breakdown:
Origin: Hailing from Italy’s Veneto region, tiramisu is a relatively recent invention, likely created in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
Key Components:
- Ladyfingers: These light, finger-shaped sponge cookies form the base and structural layers.
- Coffee Soak: Typically espresso or strong brewed coffee, it adds a delightful bitterness that complements the sweetness.
- Mascarpone Cream: The star of the show! This rich and creamy mixture is traditionally made with mascarpone cheese, eggs and sugar, but this recipe will provide a vegan option.
- Cocoa Powder: A light dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a touch of chocolatey depth and visual appeal.
Optional Flavors: While not traditional, some variations incorporate alcohol like Marsala wine, rum, or coffee liqueur for an extra kick.
Equipment Needed
All you need to make these tiramisu jars is mini cake jars. I used these cake jars from Amazon.
Ingredients Needed
Ladyfingers: Ladyfingers are the cookies used for the base of this jar. You can use store bought ladyfingers! If you have dietary restrictions, check out my gluten free and vegan ladyfingers. You can honestly also just use any cookies here! I would recommend trying out the Simple Mills pecan cookies. Schar also makes gluten free ladyfingers, but I have not tried them.
Mascarpone: Mascarpone makes up the next layer of these delicious tiramisu jars. You can use store bought mascarpone (vegan or regular). If you need a dairy free option, try making my quick and easy vegan mascarpone. If you want a quicker hack, use vegan cream cheese thinned out with a drop of vegan milk.
Espresso: Espresso helps give this tiramisu the classic flavor. You can make it yourself or use store bought.
Whipped Cream: I used coconut whipped cream for this recipe!
Cacao Powder: Cacao powder is perfect for dusting on the top of these tiramisu jars!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Dip the ladyfingers in espresso.
Step 3: Layer the ingredients in the mini jars (cookies, mascarpone, coconut whipped cream and then cacao powder). Enjoy!
Storage
These tiramisu jars can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They are the perfect make ahead dessert!
Variations
Ladyfingers: Feel free to use store bought ladyfingers (gluten free if needed). If you want to make homemade ladyfingers you can use my gluten free ladyfingers recipe!
Espresso: If you would like to omit the caffeine from this recipe, feel free to skip the espresso. You can also use decaf espresso if you prefer!
Mascarpone: If you are not dairy free, you can use regular mascarpone. Otherwise, try out my vegan mascarpone recipe or purchase vegan mascarpone at the store. Another quick hack is mixing vegan cream cheese with a drop of vegan milk if you want to make these jars more quickly!
Whipped Cream: I used store bought coconut whipped cream here, but feel free to make your own!
Toppings: I topped my tiramisu jars with cacao powder, but if you are looking for a little something extra, try adding chocolate shavings, sprinkles, cacao nibs, fresh berries, chopped nuts or a caramel drizzle!
How to Serve
Serve these tiramisu jars at your next party, brunch or get together. They also make a great romantic date night dessert!
Tiramisu needs to be chilled for the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften. Aim for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, in the refrigerator before serving.
When layering in the jars, ensure you can see the beautiful layers of cake, cream, and cocoa powder through the glass. This adds to the visual appeal.
For a classic touch, offer a cup of espresso or strong brewed coffee alongside the tiramisu jars.
Recipe FAQ
Do Costco tiramisu jars have alcohol?
Yes, it does! My version does not have any alcohol in it.
Why is tiramisu so expensive?
Tiramisu is costly and time consuming to make. This recipe provides homemade options for each component or you can save time by using store bought options.
How to make individual tiramisu in a jar?
This recipe will teach you how to make individual jars!
Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, you can freeze these!
Can these tiramisu jars be made gluten free?
Yes, these jars can be made gluten free if you use gluten free ladyfingers. These can be homemade or store bought.
Can these tiramisu jars be made vegan?
Yes! As long as the lady fingers, mascarpone and whipped cream are vegan.
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these fun dessert ideas next:
Gluten Free Chocolate Lava Cake
If you make these tiramisu jars and love them, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.
Tiramisu Jars
Equipment
- 6 mini jars
- 1 spoon
Ingredients
- 12 ladyfingers
- 1/2 cup espresso
- 1 cup mascarpone
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Dip the ladyfingers in espresso.
- Layer the ingredients in the mini jars (cookies, mascarpone, coconut whipped cream and then cacao powder). Enjoy!
These look so adorable and just enough for that craving of a sweet treat. Can’t wait to make for hubby. 💓💝
Aw yay!