Calling all tiramisu lovers! Do you love the strong espresso flavor paired with chocolate? These delicious Tiramisu Truffles are a bite-sized version of the classic Italian sweet treat!
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One of my hubby’s favorite desserts is tiramisu. Each time we go to an Italian restaurant, it doesn’t matter how full we are, we must order the tiramisu because it is how he “judges” the restaurant. If it’s out of this world tasty, he declares the restaurant a hit and adds it to our “must return” list. If it’s mediocre, sometimes the restaurant still makes the cut (usually not)—and then of course, if it’s terrible, we can’t go back, ha-ha!
Over the years of our marriage, we attempted a few homemade tiramisu recipes that never quite lived up to the restaurant quality.
There is something so addicting about that irresistible coffee flavor, ladyfinger cookies, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa combined into one dessert. It has a rich, yet light taste to it and is the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee after dinner!
A few weeks ago, I was mentioning to my hubby how I was thinking of making a batch of cake balls for a treat when he got the idea to make a Tiramisu version. Of course, this version is a shortcut version and not authentic (uses cake versus cookies), but when he mentioned it, I knew I had to try it. I went to the grocery store the next day and after picking up a box of white cake mix as well as some other ingredients I didn’t have on hand, I returned home to whip these up. The hardest part about these is having to make the cake, allow it to cool, and then crumble it into the mixture. If that is the hardest part, I would say this is a pretty simple recipe, right?!
Anyhow, these mimicked the Tiramisu flavor, just in cake form and mini sized! My hubby went crazy over these chocolate truffles as did his coworker (I sent some in to share of course), and neighbors! Everyone who tried them agreed, definitely a tasty bite sized treat. And if you store these in an airtight container, they can last up a week in the fridge!
If you’re a Tiramisu fan, or just love cake balls, I highly recommend this easy recipe! Simple, quick, and budget friendly to make!
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Tiramisu Truffles Ingredients
- White cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
- Mascarpone cheese (an Italian acid-set cream cheese)
- Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
- Espresso granules (espresso powder)
- White almond bark
- Cocoa powder to garnish
Tiramisu Truffles Directions
- Prepare cake according to box directions. Bake and allow to cool completely.
- Once the cake has cooled, crumble into a large bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, add in the mascarpone cheese, Kahlua, and espresso to create your truffle mixture.
- Once combined, roll into 1-inch balls and place on cookie sheet or parchment paper.
- Place cookie sheet into freezer for about 45 minutes.
- Melt almond bark in a microwave safe container (or over the stove).
- Remove cake balls from freezer and dip each ball thoroughly into the chocolate using a fork.
- Place coated truffle balls onto a cookie sheet and immediately sprinkle some cocoa powder on top to garnish.
- Continue the process until all the cake balls are coated.
- Allow to fully harden for a few minutes before serving!
Alternative Ingredients
Try this recipe as originally intended and see what you think! If you make it again, try adding these two additions and see what you think. I’d love to hear how it turns out!
- Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla never hurt anyone. If you want to make a batch
- Crushed lady fingers: Mix some crushed lady fingers in with your cocoa powder for an even more unique truffle
- Chocolate curls: Instead of, or in addition to, the cocoa powder, try adding chocolate curls for a different texture and more chocolatey goodness!
The Origin of Tiramisu
Tiramisu originates from Italy! Since Italy is known for being the home of espresso, it should come as no surprise that they would also be the origin of an espresso dessert! According to Accademiadeltiramisu.com, historical records regarding tiramisu dates back to 1800 and said to have been invited “a clever “maitresse” of a house of pleasure in the Centre of Treviso”. If that’s it’s true origin, it has a very interesting beginning!
Other Delicious Desserts
Can’t get enough sweet treats? If you like this chocolate truffle recipe, will love these other popular recipes from the site!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle
- Salted Caramel Brownies
- Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Eclair Cake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
What do you think about this Tiramisu Truffles recipe? Do you taste the flavor of the classic Italian dessert? Let me know in the comments below and don’t forget to tag me over on Instagram and use #thecookinchicks so I can see what you cooked up!
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Tiramisu Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on box)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 3 tablespoon kahlua
- 3 tablespoon espresso granules
- 1 pkg white almond bark
- cocoa powder to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare cake according to box directions. Bake and allow to cool completely.
- Once cake has cooled, crumble into large bowl.
- Using an electric mixer, add in the mascarpone cheese, Kahlua, and espresso.
- Once combined, roll into 1" balls and place on cookie sheet.
- Place cookie sheet into freezer for about 45 minutes.
- Melt almond bark in a microwave safe container (or over the stove).
- Remove cake balls from freezer and dip each ball thoroughly into the chocolate using a fork.
- Place coated ball onto cookie sheet and immediately sprinkle some cocoa powder on top to garnish.
- Continue process until all the cake balls are coated.
- Allow to fully harden for a few minutes before serving!
Aunt Gail says
So easy so good. Will make again for Valentine Day! With some chocolate covered strawberries.
Kristin says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed! Great idea on making these for Valentine’s Day! Yum!!