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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Tiramisu for Two Recipe

    Published: Jan 21, 2018 · Last modified: Jan 29, 2023 by Leslie Kiszka / This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    4.2 from 11 votes
    Tiramisu in a trifle dish topped with a dusting of cocoa powder

    A classic tiramisu recipe, but made just for two people! Espresso and liqueur-soaked ladyfingers are layered with creamy whipped mascarpone custard and grated chocolate, and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. The perfect romantic Valentine’s Day dessert! 

    Tiramisu in a trifle dish topped with a dusting of cocoa powder

    If you celebrate Valentine’s Day anywhere that gets weather-y this time of year, I highly recommend going to the store a few days before and picking up the fixings for a lovely, romantic dinner at home.

    Maybe to you that means steak and wine, or maybe that means making mac and cheese that’s not out of a blue box. I don’t judge, because frankly the latter sounds amazing. 

    May I suggest splurging a little on dessert? Given the option of spending a little bit more time and money on appetizer, dinner, drinks or dessert…. I always choose dessert. 

    So no matter what your plans are, I think this homemade tiramisu recipe should be on the menu. And what’s even better about it is that it’s specifically made for two people!

    A chocolate baking bar being grated with a microplane grater onto a speckled plate
    Grated chocolate in a measuring spoon

    What is tiramisu?

    The short answer: friggin’ frackin’ delicious.

    The better answer: Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that consists of ladyfingers (savoiardi, or sponge fingers) soaked in freshly brewed espresso, and layered with a whipped custard mixture of mascarpone cheese, sugar, and eggs, plus layers of liquor, cocoa powder and espresso powder.

    Why small batch tiramisu is better

    Tiramisu is a classic dessert that also has liquor in it, so really you’re splurging on dessert and drinks. Multitasking FTW. But the thing with most tiramisu recipes is that you usually make a big ol’ pan of it, and that’s just entirely too much for two people.

    So by making tiramisu for two, there’s no leftovers! No massive baking dish of tiramisu that you’re desperately trying to eat your way through, or give away to friends. Just a small batch tiramisu that’s perfect for dessert after a romantic dinner.

    Or after binging episodes of The Mandalorian. Both are perfect.

    Ingredients for tiramisu on a marble countertop

    Key Ingredients for Tiramisu

    • Ladyfingers: Commonly known as ladyfingers, savoiardi (pronounced sa-voy-ar-di) are super light sponge cake biscuits with an oblong shape that so an exceptional job of soaking up liquids without fully falling apart.
    • Eggs: These will be room temperature and separated, as the yolks are used for the custard and the whites are folded in at the end.
    • Granulated sugar: Added to the egg yolks to make the custard. I don’t recommend substituting granulated for other types of sugars.
    • Mascarpone cheese: My favorite of favorites! Mascarpone is used for the custard, though I admittedly also like to top my tiramisu with dollops of mascarpone whipped cream as well.
    • Liqueur: I like to soak my ladyfingers in a combination of brandy and orange liqueur… that sounds dirty, but it’s not. I swear. 
    • Espresso: Freshly pulled shots of whatever brands and beans you like best. We’ve been ordering DOMA Coffee Roasting Company’s Virgil’s Organic blend for years from Trade and adore it. If you don’t have an espresso machine (aff link), you can substitute strong coffee.
    • Dark chocolate: Grated and placed between the layers along with…
    • Cocoa powder + espresso powder: Sifted together and placed between each layer.

    How to Make Small Batch Tiramisu

    Whipped egg whites in a clear mixing bowl

    Beat egg whites: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Set aside.

    Whipped egg yolk mixture in a clear mixing bowl

    Beat egg yolks: In a large bowl, beat together egg yolks and sugar together until combined. Add mascarpone and beat again to combine.

    Whipped egg whites added to a bowl of whipped egg yolk mixture

    Make the custard: Fold egg whites into egg yolk mixture until just combined and no white streaks remain.

    Whipped egg whites folded into a bowl of whipped egg yolk mixture to form a custard

    See? No streaks!

    Ladyfingers soaked in espresso and liqueur in a trifle dish

    Ladyfinger layer #1: Arrange one ladyfinger that’s been sliced into 3 pieces in a single layer in the bottom of trifle dish. Pour 1 tablespoon of liqueur over ladyfingers (you want to coat them so they soak it up). Now pour 1 tablespoon espresso over them as well.

    A layer of custard in a trifle dish

    Add mascarpone mixture layer #1: Cover the ladyfingers with ⅓ of the custard mixture.

    Layer of custard and grated chocolate in a trifle dish

    Chocolate layer #1: Add ½ tablespoon grated chocolate.

    Layer of custard and cocoa mixture in a trifle dish

    Cocoa espresso layer #1: Add ½ tablespoon cocoa/espresso powder mixture.

    Layers of custard and cocoa mixtures in a trifle dish

    Repeat: Repeat this process two more times to form three layers of each mixture.

    Tiramisu in a trifle dish topped with dollops of whipped cream

    Top with whipped cream: I highly recommend piping on dollops of my mascarpone whipped cream – you’ve already got the mascarpone out, so why not?

    Tiramisu in a trifle dish topped with a dusting of cocoa powder
    And finish with a light layer of cocoa powder.

    Tips for the best tiramisu

    • High quality ingredients: Since we’re not baking any of this, be sure to use high quality ingredients since all of their flavors are going to shine through!
    • Cocoa powder: Make sure you don’t add a thick pile of the cocoa/espresso powder mix to the top, otherwise you’ll be choking it down, and two people violently coughing and drinking water straight out of the faucet isn’t sweet. Or romantic. Just add a nice light dusting to the top.
    • Be my valentine? Since we’re making tiramisu for two, why not give it a special touch? Add little heart sprinkles (aff link) on top for the perfect little “I love you” without the life-sized stuffed animals or singing telegrams…. or do all of that, and send me the video of your partner’s reaction to it all, please and thank you.
    Heart sprinkles on a marble counter

    Where can I find ladyfingers at the store?

    It depends on the grocery store, but I typically find them in the baking aisle or the cookie aisle.

    What if I can’t find ladyfingers?

    If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can substitute margherite cookies in your tiramisu. But you may want to soak the cookies in your espresso and liqueur in a bowl ahead of time, since they’ll take longer to absorb the liquids.

    How do I store leftover tiramisu?

    Depending on your tolerance for booze and sweets, you might even find that these portions are too much for one sitting so you can just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge to finish it later (within the next 5 days) – and that’s okay. I still love you. 

    Tiramisu in a trifle dish topped with a dusting of cocoa powder and heart sprinkles with a spoonful removed

    FAQs

    What is tiramisu?

    Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that consists of ladyfingers (savoiardi, or sponge fingers) soaked in freshly brewed espresso, and layered with a whipped custard mixture of mascarpone cheese, sugar, and eggs, plus layers of liquor, cocoa powder and espresso powder.

    Where can I find ladyfingers at the store?

    It depends on the grocery store, but I typically find them in the baking aisle or the cookie aisle.

    What if I can’t find ladyfingers?

    If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can substitute margherite cookies in your tiramisu. But you may want to soak the cookies in your espresso and liqueur in a bowl ahead of time, since they’ll take longer to absorb the liquids.

    What if I don’t have espresso?

    If you don’t have espresso, you can substitute the same amount of strong coffee.

    How do I store leftover tiramisu?

    Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    After you’ve made this recipe, please consider coming back to share your experience with others by leaving a comment below with a star rating!

    Tiramisu in a trifle dish topped with a dusting of cocoa powder

    Tiramisu for Two

    4.19 from 11 votes
    A classic tiramisu recipe, but made just for two people! Espresso and liqueur-soaked ladyfingers are layered with creamy whipped mascarpone custard and grated chocolate, and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. The perfect romantic Valentine's Day dessert! 
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 2 servings
        ✓ Read the recipe from beginning to end
          ✓ Check oven calibration
            ✓ Check expiration dates
              ✓ Properly measure ingredients
                ✓ Check butter temperature

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 6 ladyfingers
    • 2 eggs, room temperature and separated
    • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
    • 3 ounces brandy or orange liqueur, or mix of both, my personal preference
    • 3 ounces brewed espresso
    • 1 ounce chocolate, grated
    • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder + ½ teaspoon espresso powder, sifted together
    • Heart sprinkles, for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Slice each ladyfinger into three equally-sized pieces – this is to help them fit in your individual serving bowls. Set aside.
      6 ladyfingers
    • In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Set aside.
      2 eggs
    • In a large bowl, beat together egg yolks and sugar together until combined. Add mascarpone and beat again to combine.
      2 eggs | 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
    • Fold egg whites into egg yolk mixture until just combined and no white streaks remain. Set aside.
      4 ounces mascarpone cheese
    • Arrange one of the sliced ladyfingers (the 3 pieces you sliced earlier) in a single layer in the bottom of trifle dish.
      6 ladyfingers
    • Pour 1 tablespoon of liqueur over ladyfingers (you want to coat them so they soak it up). Now pour 1 tablespoon espresso over them as well.
      3 ounces brandy or orange liqueur | 3 ounces brewed espresso
    • Cover the ladyfingers with ⅓ of the custard mixture.
    • Top with ½ tablespoon grated chocolate and ½ tablespoon cocoa/espresso powder mixture.
      1 ounce chocolate | 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder + ½ teaspoon espresso powder
    • Repeat these steps twice more to form three layers in total.
    • Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 5 days (covered with plastic wrap) before serving. Enjoy!
      Heart sprinkles

    Video

    Notes

    Serving bowls: I use 10 ounce trifle bowls similar to these, so you may need to adjust the number of layers depending on the size of the serving bowls you’re using.
    What if I don’t have espresso? You can substitute the same amount of strong coffee.
    Where can I find ladyfingers at the store? It depends on the grocery store, but I typically find them in the baking aisle or the cookie aisle.
    What if I can’t find ladyfingers? If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can substitute margherite cookies in your tiramisu. But you may want to soak the cookies in your espresso and liqueur in a bowl ahead of time.
    Storage: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 670kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 293mg | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 265mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 1215IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 3mg
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Italian
    Author Leslie Kiszka
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating!

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    Leslie Kiszka in a red dress

    About Leslie

    I'm the hot mess behind every recipe you see here! I use baking as an outlet for relieving stress and anxiety to provide you with approachable homemade recipes and a little humor, for good measure.

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    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Hannah

      April 02, 2021 at 10:28 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious!! Would make again

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        April 04, 2021 at 1:41 pm

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    2. JEG

      January 19, 2021 at 8:24 am

      We don’t like to eat out for any of the Hallmark greeting card holidays. I would prefer to eat out a different day and then on those days try to replicate it or make something special at home in a quiet relaxed atmosphere. And my birthday is the next day anyway. This recipe I am going to try out this year. For 2 creations are the best. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Leslie Kiszka

        January 21, 2021 at 9:11 am

        I’m so glad you enjoyed the small batch recipes!

        Reply
    3. Amy

      February 09, 2019 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      This dessert is good any day, not just for Valentine’s Day right? Small batch also great :)

      Reply
    4. Mackenzie

      January 29, 2018 at 4:27 am

      We don’t really celebrate Valentine’s day in the traditional sense – we treat it more like a food holiday than a consumer holiday. We always trade off making a different part of the meal for the other person and put a little extra love into it. This may be what I have to make this year!

      Reply
    5. babylovesberry

      January 29, 2018 at 2:10 am

      I share your feelings about Valentines… stores are making so much money by selling pinkish teddy bearish stuff that is not even funny ! But hey, people love it so I guess it makes sense :)

      Reply
    6. Jordan

      January 28, 2018 at 4:55 pm

      I love tiramisu! I’ve never tried making it at home before. Maybe this V-Day!

      Reply
    7. Rachel

      January 28, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      My husband are planning on staying in this Valentine’s Day. This recipe would be perfect as we are both chocolate and coffee lovers!

      Reply
    8. alifeofhappenstance

      January 28, 2018 at 3:27 pm

      My husband and I don’t do anything extra special for Valentines Day either. I always feel like dinner at a restaurant on that day ends up being a little dissapointing because it’s SO busy and the food just isn’t as good when they’re rushing it out. Dinner at home and an indulgent dessert like this adorable tiramisu is right up my alley!

      Reply
    9. Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery

      January 28, 2018 at 12:00 pm

      Those heart sprinkles are adorable!! Love putting tiramisu in individual trifle bowls – I always make a big pan, but the presentation on these is spot on. What a great idea for a big dinner party, too.

      Reply
    10. Tina

      January 28, 2018 at 10:09 am

      I enjoyed your take on Valentines Day. I always say that when you are in love, everyday is Valentines Day. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    11. lauren

      January 27, 2018 at 11:50 pm

      Girl, I am with you! It’s so funny, I’m SO not into Valentines Day but my husband is all over it. I’m over here like “I got you a card” and he shows up with flowers and a new hand mixer. (True life, this happened last year.) ANYWAYS, this tiramisu is perfect because that’s his favorite dessert. Maybe, since I really love him, I’ll let him eat mine too. But probably not.

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        January 28, 2018 at 9:23 am

        Girl, sharing’s overrated.

        Reply
      • JEG

        January 19, 2021 at 8:19 am

        @Leslie Haasch, Love the hand mixer–better than a lot of the stuff. It then helps to make this tiramisu–which is now on my menu for THIS year.

        Reply
        • Leslie Kiszka

          January 21, 2021 at 9:12 am

          Awesome!

    12. Jenni LeBaron

      January 27, 2018 at 5:58 pm

      I love tiramisu and the fact that this is a small enough portion for two makes it that much better. I find that when making recipes for specialty desserts that they make more than we can eat and then I end up wasting half the batch. Thanks for the great alternative!

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        January 28, 2018 at 9:23 am

        You’re very welcome!

        Reply
    13. Meymi-Pastry and Beyond

      January 27, 2018 at 5:03 pm

      They look so delicious! I love tiramisu. What a great presentation for Valentine’s day!

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        January 28, 2018 at 9:24 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    14. Paige

      January 27, 2018 at 2:17 pm

      Love that this makes just two…perfect! It looks sinful and I wish i was eating it right now!

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        January 28, 2018 at 9:24 am

        Me too! haha

        Reply
    15. Dominique| Perchance to Cook

      January 26, 2018 at 3:14 pm

      These are so cute! I looooove tiramisu but sometimes you don’t want such a big portion of it! This tiramisu for two is perfect, especially for Valentine’s Day!

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        January 28, 2018 at 9:24 am

        I definitely think so, too!

        Reply
    16. issa

      January 26, 2018 at 2:29 am

      delicious

      Reply
    17. Sarah @ Champagne Tastes

      January 22, 2018 at 9:09 pm

      I never celebrate Valentine’s Day either- I don’t care for the origins of the holiday. BUT I do love tiramisu, and brandy and orange liqueur sounds like an amazing combination! And you’re right- I usually end up giving away tiramisu after a make a whole batch (but no one seems to mind the gift hahaha!) I’ll have to try this next time!

      Reply
      • Leslie Haasch

        January 28, 2018 at 9:25 am

        Valentine’s Day or not, small batch FTW!

        Reply
    18. Kate

      January 22, 2018 at 10:34 am

      My husband and I don’t tend to do anything too special for Valentine’s Day, but if Ican use it as an excuse to make these, sign me up! :)

      Reply

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