If you love classic tiramisu but want a fun individual sweet treat, this mini tiramisu cakes recipe is the perfect alternative! Layers of airy sponge cake dipped in a sweet coffee soak, with velvety mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder create a heavenly coffee dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make.

Whether you’re looking for mini tiramisu desserts for a party, tiramisu flavored dessert ideas for a special occasion, or just a new tiramisu variation to try, this tiramisu inspired recipe ticks all the boxes.

top view of mini tiramisu flavored cakes with cup of coffee.

With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, I’ll show you how to create gorgeous Tiramisu flavored individual cakes that taste just like the Italian dessert. Each bite is packed with creamy, coffee-infused goodness, making them a must-try for coffee lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Mini Tiramisu Cakes Recipe

A Sophisticated Yet Simple Dessert: These mini tiramisu desserts bring the elegance of a classic tiramisu into a beautiful, individual dessert. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, with no slicing required!

The Perfect Coffee-Infused Treat: Each layer of sponge cake is soaked in coffee, delivering that deep, bold coffee flavor in every bite. For an extra kick, a splash of coffee liqueur enhances the experience, making this dessert a dream for coffee lovers.

Easy Party Dessert: With their mini size and pretty features, these mini desserts are perfect to serve at your next dinner party, afternoon tea party, holiday feasts, or as a sweet ending to a romantic dinner.

If you love tiramisu recipes, try my tiramisu cookies, these yummy pistachio tiramisu cups, or this festive gingerbread tiramisu.

Mini Tiramisu Cake Ingredients

To make mini Tiramisu flavored cakes you’ll need the following ingredients. I cover a few of the key ingredients here, you can find the specific quantities and steps in the recipe card below.

Mascarpone Cheese: A soft spreadable cheese used in many Italian desserts, this ingredient is essential to layer your mini cakes. You can find it in the deli/cheese section at your grocery store.
Coffee: Used to flavor the sponge cake, it’s best to use hot and strong brewed coffee, or espresso coffee if you have an espresso machine.
Coffee Liqueur: An optional ingredient for the coffee soak, you can use Tia Maria, Kahlua or the traditional Tiramisu liqueur, Marsala.
Heavy Cream: It’s best to use full fat heavy cream to make the mascarpone cream.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened dutch processed cocoa powder is what I use for baking.
Vanilla extract – Use the best quality vanilla extract you can find for the best flavored Tiramisu.
Sugars: Both granulated sugar and powdered sugar are used in this recipe.
All purpose flour
Eggs
Baking powder
Salt

tiramisu layered mini cakes on black tray.

Equipment Needed

To make these mini layered cakes you will need a coffee maker, a couple of large mixing bowls, a hand or stand mixer and a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Optionally, you can use 2.5-inch cake rings to layer the mini cakes, or you can layer them without a mold.

How To Make Mini Tiramisu Cakes

Here’s a quick overview of how to make tiramisu mini layer cakes. For the full recipe and ingredient list, scroll down to the printable recipe card.

Step 1: Make The Sponge Cake Layers. Whip the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy then add the vanilla extract. Add the sifted flour, salt and baking powder. Fold gently to combine.

adding vanilla extract to tiramisu sponge mixture.

sifting dry ingredients into bowl of tiramisu mini cake mixture.

Pour the batter into a lined 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and baked through.

Let the cake cool in the pan, then remove and cut 12 sponge circles using a 2.5-inch round cutter.

Tip: Reserve the left over sponge cake pieces and make my Pistachio Tiramisu Cups!

Step 2: Prepare The Coffee Soak. In a small bowl mix the hot coffee, sugar and coffee liqueur (optional). Stir until the sugar dissolves.

tiramisu sponge cake in tray before baking.

mini tiramisu sponge cakes on parchment paper.

Step 3: Make The Mascarpone Cream. In a mixing bowl whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to soft peaks. In a separate bowl mix the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese and mix until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble The Cakes. Place a sponge cake circle at the bottom of a cake ring or round cutter (if using). If layering manually, place the sponge circle on parchment paper on a baking sheet.

Brush the cake with the coffee soak. Add a layer of mascarpone cream using a piping bag or by spooning it on carefully.

Repeat the layers – one more sponge circle and a layer of mascarpone. Smooth the top layer and place on a lined baking sheet in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to firm up.

brushing mini sponge soaking with coffee.

adding mascarpone cheese to mini layer cakes.

Step 5: Decorate And Serve. Carefully unmold the cakes from the cake rings (if using). Decorate the tops with piped mascarpone cream using a large star tip (optional).

Just before serving, use a fine mesh strainer to dust the tops with cocoa powder.

stack of tiramisu flavored dessert cakes.

Recipe Variations

Tea Infusion: Swap the coffee and coffee liqueur soak for a strong brewed tea. Try Earl Grey or Chai tea for a unique flavor profile.

Liqueur Alternatives: Instead of coffee liqueur, try Frangelico or Amaretto for a different flavored mini cake.

tiramisu mini desserts on tray with cup of coffee.

Recipe Tips For Success

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the eggs and mascarpone cheese are brought to room temperature before using.
Cake rings: Using a cake ring or mold gives your mini layer cakes a professional finish.
Cool the cake: Do not cut the sponge circles out until the cake is completely cooled or they may break apart.
Cocoa topping: Dust the cocoa on top just before serving your mini layer cakes as the cocoa will soak into the mascarpone cream.