These Chocolate Tiramisu Balls combine rich chocolate cake with espresso, mascarpone, and a hint of cocoa for a simple take on the classic dessert. Everything comes together in a soft, dough-like mixture that’s rolled and finished with a light coating of cocoa powder. They’re easy to make ahead of time and come together in minutes for a quick, coffee-inspired treat.
I don’t really need an excuse to work coffee into a dessert. If there’s espresso involved, I’m already interested. Tiramisu has always been a favorite of mine, but a classic tiramisu can take a lot of time to get right. So, I just really wanted something a little lower maintenance, something I could make ahead, bring to a get-together, or just keep in the fridge for the week.
That’s where these Chocolate Tiramisu Balls come in. You still get those classic tiramisu flavors — espresso, mascarpone, cocoa — but in a simple, no-fuss, individually-portioned dessert. Using a Dutch Apron® Bakery Chocolate Crème Cake Roll as the base keeps things quick, and, once everything is mixed together, it’s really just a matter of rolling and chilling.
I’ve made these a few times now, and they’re so easy to make and personalize to your own tastes through the addition of hazelnut, liqueurs, or fruit puree into the mascarpone mixture. There are endless possibilities meaning these treats can literally please any palate. Plus, anything bite-sized automatically feels easier to share…or not, depending on the day.
More Tiramisu-Inspired Recipes
Tiramisu Brownies
The ultimate mashup of two classic desserts: rich, fudgy brownies and creamy chocolate tiramisu. Layers of chocolate cake are dipped in coffee and layered on a base of brownies then topped with a fluffy mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. They’re indulgent, impressive, and deceptively easy to make!
Strawberry Tiramisu
This dessert brings together the richness of mascarpone cream with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries for a treat unlike any you’ve ever tried. As elegant as the Strawberry Tiramisu looks, it’s quite easy to make, requiring fewer ingredients and less equipment than a standard tiramisu.
What You’ll Need
- Multiple mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Parchment-lined tray
Storage Information
Store your Chocolate Tiramisu Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing these desserts as freezing and thawing can cause the texture of the mascarpone to change.
Chocolate Tiramisu Balls are best served cold. Chill for about 30 minutes before serving to allow them to firm up and to enhance all the rich, wonderful flavors.
Tips for Making Chocolate Tiramisu Balls
- For the best flavor, use freshly brewed espresso. The rich taste of the coffee is key to getting that authentic tiramisu flavor.
- When you combine the cake crumbs with the mascarpone mixture, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the texture less creamy, so gently fold the ingredients together until well combined.
- Want to add even more flavor? Consider incorporating a fruit flavor by folding in pureed fruit (I recommend strawberry or raspberry) into the mascarpone mixture. This adds a refreshing twist to your Chocolate Tiramisu Balls that helps lift the coffee and chocolate flavors.
How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu Balls
Chocolate Tiramisu Balls
Course: DessertCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy15-18
servings80
kcal7
These Chocolate Tiramisu Balls combine rich chocolate cake with espresso, mascarpone, and a hint of cocoa for a simple take on the classic dessert. Everything comes together in a soft, dough-like mixture that’s rolled and finished with a light coating of cocoa powder. They’re easy to make ahead of time and come together in minutes for a quick, coffee-inspired treat.
Ingredients
1 Dutch Apron® Bakery Chocolate Crème Cake Roll
1/2 c. brewed espresso, cooled
250g mascarpone cheese
1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 tbsp. cocoa powder + extra for coating
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Let your Chocolate Crème Cake Roll thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. Once thawed, unroll the cake roll and gently remove the filling. Place the cake portion in a mixing bowl and use your hands to break it down until it forms fine, soft crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, cooled espresso, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the chocolate cake crumbs to the mascarpone mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined and forms a soft, dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a 1-inch ball. Place on parchment-lined tray and repeat with the rest of the mixture.
- Roll each ball in cocoa powder for that classic tiramisu finish.
- You can serve right away. However, I recommend refrigerating for 30 minutes before serving to get the best taste and texture.
Chocolate Tiramisu Balls Recipe Video
Notes
- Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze as freezing and thawing can cause the texture of the mascarpone to change.
- Special Tools: Multiple mixing bowls, whisk, and parchment-lined tray.
- Use Fresh Espresso: For the best flavor, use freshly brewed espresso. The rich taste of the coffee is key to getting that authentic tiramisu flavor.
- Want to Add More Flavor?: Consider incorporating a fruit flavor by folding in pureed fruit (I recommend strawberry or raspberry) into the mascarpone mixture.
About the Author:
Katelyn Helgevold has been the Product Line Manager and editor for Dutch Apron® Bakery since 2019. In her role, she manages the introduction of new products to our portfolio, ensures each and every item meets our strict customer and quality standards, and uses her much-loved English degree to make sure every marketing piece is just as immaculate as our baked goods. In her spare time, Katelyn enjoys touting the benefits of the Oxford comma, spending time with her cat Merlin, and listening to way too many true crime podcasts.
