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    Home » Recipes » Sweet Things/Desserts

    Tiramisu Cups (Low Fat)

    December 30, 2020 By Monika Last Updated July 16, 2024 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    These delicious Tiramisu Cups offer a lighter alternative to traditional mascarpone-based tiramisu. They are incredibly simple to make and take minutes to put together!

    Side view of 4 tiramisu cups on black tray.

    These Tiramisu Cups consist of layers of sponge fingers dipped in brandy laced coffee and creamy ricotta mixture (made without eggs!). They contain a moderate amount of sugar, are creamy, delicious and super easy to make!

    What is tiramisu

    Tiramisu is one of the best know Italian desserts. Its name is a combination of 2 words: 'tirami su', which in Italian mean 'pick me up' or 'cheer me up'. For me this dessert couldn't have been more aptly named. The combination of coffee-infused delicate sweet and moist sponge fingers with layers of creamy filling dusted with cocoa is pure bliss!

    The only small drawback is that tiramisu is quite calorific. My healthier tiramisu cups have all the flavours of traditional tiramisu but only ⅓ of the calories!

    Tiramisu cups ingredients and substitutions

    Ingredients for making tiramisu cups in individual dishes.
    Tiramisu cups ingredients
    • Ricotta cheese: naturally low in fat, with a mild flavour, makes a fantastic healthier alternative to mascarpone. 100 grams of ricotta contains about 8 grams of fat while the same amount of mascarpone has a whopping 40 grams!
    • Heavy cream: I used a small amount for a velvety smooth and creamy finish.
    • Confectioners' sugar: adjust the amount to your taste.
    • Sponge fingers/ladyfingers: I used ordinary ones in the tiramisu layers and chocolate-and-vanilla savoiardi sponge fingers for decoration, but you don't have to.
    • Brandy: substitute Marsala or rum if desired (another dessert containing alcohol you might like are kahlua cheesecake pots). Alternatively omit the alcohol altogether.
    • Coffee: see details below.
    • Cocoa: either cocoa or cacao powders are fine to use.
    • Dark chocolate: for decoration.

    What coffee to use in mini tiramisu cups

    You can use any strong coffee, such as espresso, though regular black coffee (including decaf) is also fine to use.  You could also dissolve 2 teaspoons of instant coffee in 150 ml of lukewarm water. 

    Top tip

    Make sure the coffee is cooled completely before making the recipe.

    If you are a fan of coffee desserts check out also my healthy coffee cheesecake!

    Texture

    These ricotta tiramisu cups are a little denser than traditional tiramisu (ricotta has a different texture than mascarpone). They are still creamy and smooth but firmer.

    Step-by-step recipe instructions

    1.Prepare coffee mixture: Place the coffee in a shallow bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of brandy. Snap the sponge fingers in half and set aside.

    Coffee in bowl and ladyfingers on white plate.

    2. Beat cream: Beat the cream until soft peaks form (you can do this using either an electric mixer or whisk).

    Creamy mixture in large mixing bowl.

    3. Whisk cheese: In another bowl whisk together the ricotta, icing sugar and 2 tablespoons of brandy until thoroughly combined.

    Ricotta, icing sugar and brandy in mixing bowl.

    4. Combine: Gently fold in the cream until the mixture is smooth.

    Creamy tiramisu mixture in bowl with blue spoon.

    5. Assemble: Briefly dip the sponge fingers in the coffee (for approx. 3 seconds) and arrange in a single layer at the bottom of your cup. Spoon a little ricotta mixture on top (about 1.5 tablespoons) and cover with another layer of sponge fingers dipped in the coffee.

    Sprinkle over some grated chocolate.

    Layers or cream and ladyfingers with chocolate shavings in cup.

    6. Finish off: Cover with another layer of the cheese mixture, dust with a little cocoa (I use a small fine mesh sieve to do this), scatter chocolate shavings over the top and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

    You can also use pieces of Italian sponge fingers as decoration but this is optional.

    Top down view of tiramisu cup with ladyfinger on top of white saucer.

    Can I make mini tiramisu ahead

    Yes, you can!  For me actually these tiramisu cheesecake cups taste even better the next day.  But if you don’t want to wait that long that’s fine, too, although I would recommend refrigerating them for at least 30 minutes before serving.

    Can I use cream cheese

    I wouldn't replace the ricotta entirely with cream cheese as the mixture will be sour. You could, however, use a little cream cheese (approx. ¼ of the cheese content) to add a tangy flavour twist if you like.

    Side view of 3 mini tiramisu desserts with ladyfingers in cups.

    Top tips

    • I used Italian chocolate-and-vanilla sponge fingers (savoiardi) for decoration only but you could also use them instead of ordinary sponge fingers to create layers.
    • I recommend using good quality dark chocolate (65-70% cocoa solids). You can grate it using a box grater or vegetable peeler.
    • Make sure the coffee is cold before making the dessert.
    • It is important to dip the sponge fingers in the coffee mixture briefly (approx. 3-4 seconds), otherwise they might become completely soggy or even disintegrate before you’ve had a chance to place them in your cups. Having said that you might prefer a little more moisture in your sponge fingers so perhaps dip a couple of them in the coffee for 2 seconds longer as a test (before making the recipe).
    • The amount of sponge fingers is approximate as it will depend on the shape and size of your cups as well as personal preference. I used approx. 5 sponge fingers for each cup.
    • Refrigerate your individual tiramisu pots for at least 30 minutes before serving. Consume within 3 days. Keep refrigerated.
    • Freeze for up to 3 months.
    Side view of 4 tiramisu cups on black tray.

    More mini desserts to try next

    • Kahlua Cheesecake Pots
    • Stracciatella Cheesecake Cups (Gluten Free)
    • Blueberry Cream Cheese Dessert Cups

    Why not check out ALL my healthier desserts!

    Keep in touch!

    If you make this easy tiramisu cups recipe I'd love to know how it turned out for you. Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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    Recipe

    4 tiramisu cups on top of black tray and white saucer.

    Tiramisu Cups (Low Fat)

    These delicious tiramisu cups are a lighter version of traditional mascarpone-based tiramisu. They are incredibly simple to make and take minutes to put together!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Italian fusion, vegetarian
    Prep Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 12 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 349kcal
    Author: Monika Dabrowski

    Equipment

    • 4 dessert cups
    • Electric mixer
    • Grater to make chocolate flakes

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup+1tbsp (250 g) ricotta cheese thoroughly drained
    • ½ cup less 1tbsp (100 ml) heavy cream/double cream
    • 8 tablespoons (50 g) confectioners/icing sugar
    • ⅔ cup (160 ml) strong coffee cooled
    • 4 tablespoons brandy Marsala or rum
    • 4.94 ounces (140 g) sponge fingers ladyfingers
    • 1 tablespoon cocoa/cacao powder plus dark chocolate for decorating
    • dark chocolate for decoration

    Instructions

    • Prepare coffee mixture: Pour the coffee into a shallow bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of brandy. Snap the sponge fingers in half and set aside.
    • Beat cream: Beat the cream until soft peaks form (you can do this using either an electric mixer or whisk).
    • Whisk ricotta: In another bowl whisk together the ricotta, icing sugar and 2 tablespoons of brandy until thoroughly combined.
    • Combine: Gently fold in the cream until the mixture is smooth.
    • Assemble tiramisu cups: Briefly dip the sponge fingers in the coffee (for approx. 3 seconds) and arrange in a single layer at the bottom of your cup. Spoon a little ricotta mixture on top (about 1.5 tablespoons) and cover with another layer of sponge fingers dipped in the coffee.
      Sprinkle over some grated chocolate.
    • Finish off: Cover with another layer of the ricotta mixture, dust with a little cocoa (I use a small fine-mesh sieve to do this), scatter chocolate shavings over the top and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
      I also decorated each of my tiramisu cups with a piece of Italian chocolate-and-vanilla sponge finger but this is optional.

    Notes

    • I used Italian sponge fingers (savoiardi) for decoration only but you could also use them instead of ordinary sponge fingers to create layers in these tiramisu cups.
    • I recommend using good quality dark chocolate (65-70% cocoa solids). You can grate it using a box grater or vegetable peeler.
    • Make sure the coffee is cold before making the dessert.
    • It is important to dip the sponge fingers in the coffee mixture briefly (approx. 3-4 seconds), otherwise they might become completely soggy or even disintegrate before you’ve had a chance to place them in your cups. Having said that you might prefer a little more moisture in your sponge fingers so perhaps dip a couple of them in the coffee for 2 seconds longer as a test (before making the recipe).
    • The amount of sponge fingers is approximate as it will depend on the shape and size of your cups as well as personal preference. I used approx. 5 sponge fingers for each cup.
    • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Consume within 3 days. Keep refrigerated.
    • Freeze for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 349kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 133mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 774IU | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 2mg

    *Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

    **A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!

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    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    1. DAVID GONZALEZ says

      December 30, 2020 at 10:14 pm

      Yum, Monika, YUM!! And Happy New Year!!

      Reply
      • Monika says

        December 31, 2020 at 9:00 am

        Thank you Dave, Happy New Year!

        Reply
    2. Sid says

      December 30, 2020 at 9:14 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious, absolutely delicious 😜❤️
      Happy New Year!
      Sid

      Reply
      • Monika says

        December 30, 2020 at 9:28 pm

        Thank you:) Happy New Year!

        Reply

    Hi, I am Monika, welcome to Everyday Healthy Recipes! This blog is all about simple recipes with a healthy twist, old classics with a modern take, and an occasional Polish dish thrown into the mix - all easy to make and delicious, perfect for everyday cooking.

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