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Tiramisu topped with chocolate shavings in glass bowls.
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5 from 5 votes

Easy Tiramisu For Two

Easy Tiramisu For Two is the perfect Valentine's Day (or date night) dessert. You can even make individual tiramisu cups for your next shower or party. Ditch the expensive mascarpone and use a delicious cream cheese mixture instead. Tender, coffee-soaked ladyfinger cookies, rich custard and vanilla whipped cream piled into a decadent parfait. Yes, please!
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 2 -4 servings
Calories: 430kcal
Author: Myra

Ingredients

For custard

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup sugar

For mascarpone substitute

  • 4 oz cream cheese (1/2 a block) - softened
  • 2 tbsp whipping cream
  • 1 tbsp softened butter

For whipped cream

  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sugar

For assembling

  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • 1/2 tsp rum extract
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract*
  • 12-14 ladyfinger cookies
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions

  • First, make coffee and set it aside to cool.

For Custard

  • Separate eggs and put yolks into a heatproof bowl.  Whisk in sugar (1/4 cup) and set bowl over a pot of water (make sure water isn't close to touching bowl).  Bring water to a boil, lower heat and cook, whisking, for about 5 minutes - until mixture thickens into a creamy yellow custard.  Set bowl aside so custard can cool.  Whisk it every couple of minutes so it doesn't form a skin.

For Whipped Cream

  • Whip cream with vanilla (1/2 tsp) and sugar (1/4 tsp) until stiff peaks form.  Set aside.

For Mascarpone Substitute

  • In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together cream cheese, whipping cream (2 tbsp) and butter until fluffy and smooth.
  • Use the mixer to blend the "mascarpone" into the cooled custard.  Fold in whipped cream.

To Assemble

  • In a shallow dish, combine coffee, rum extract and vanilla extract (1/2 tsp).  Dip ladyfingers into coffee mixture one at a time.  Don't soak them - just dip for about one second, flip over and dip the other side for one second.  Then assemble in a layer in the bottom of whatever dishes you're using.**
  • Add a layer of the creamy custard on top of the ladyfingers.  Sprinkle with a dusting of cocoa powder from a small sieve.  Continue to layer until you run out of ingredients.
  • Chill at least 4 hours but up to 24 hours.
    Enjoy! :)

Notes

* If you're finding vanilla extract really expensive right now, check out our post on How to Make Vanilla Extract & Save Money on Groceries!
** This recipe can either make 2 very large tiramisu cups or 4 average size cups.  I used stemless wine glasses but you can also use ramekins or mini mason jars.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 252mg | Sodium: 159mg | Potassium: 158mg | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1240IU | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 1.7mg