Easy Fig Tiramisu In a Cup

This easy Fig Tiramisu is a fruity twist on the traditional Italian dessert. Served in glasses, layers of mascarpone cream, espresso dipped ladyfingers and figs require no baking and are perfect for an entertaining party. The dessert is made in 15 minutes!

I am a great fan of the classic Tiramisu. However, I want to give this dessert some makeover, create a lighter treat and serve in a cup/glass. Moreover, fig season brings an additional summery twist on the dessert.

I used simple short glasses to make this easy Fig Tiramisu, but you can simply use cocktail glasses like chef Rick Stein, martini glasses like chef Gordon Ramsey, wine glasses like Claire from Sprinkles and Sprouts and little jars like Jamie Silva from A Sassy Spoon.

I have gathered a few creative ways to substitute Tiramisu ingredients and mix them up when preparing this iconic Italian favorite.

What is a Substitute of Ladyfingers in This Tiramisu Recipe?

Ladyfingers * are sweet sponge biscuits that are shaped like a large finger. These cookies are the main ingredient of tiramisu, trifles and charlottes. Replace espresso dipped ladyfingers with:

• Shortbread cookies reduced to pieces with a food processor
• Gingerbread sliced or cut into small cubes (without soaking)
• Madeleines or Financiers cut or broken into pieces, arranged in a glass and then poured with a liqueur to soak
• Pink Champagne Biscuits of Reims * dipped in orange juice
• Speculoos cookies * dipped in orange juice, reduced into pieces with a food processor or broken into pieces by hand (no dipping in this case)
• Biscotti soaked in espresso 
• Macarons broken into small pieces (without dipping)
• Granola (no dipping or soaking)

What Alcohol Can be Used in Tiramisu?

Sweet Marsala * is mostly used to make the classic Tiramisu; although, you can easily replace it with other liqueurs to create your own twist on the classic Tiramisu. Here is a list of possible substitutes:

• Madeira or sweet Sherry
• Amaretto
• Dark rum
• Brandy
• Porto
• Coffee liqueur or coffee-flavored liqueur Kahlua
• Cherry, raspberry or plum liqueur diluted with water if you use cherries, raspberries or plums respectively

How to Make Non-Alcohol Tiramisu

There always is an option to make this easy Fig Tiramisu without alcohol if you want to serve the dessert to kids.

• Dip ladyfingers in espresso without adding alcohol
• Use ladyfingers or Pink Champagne Biscuits of Reims dipped in orange juice
• Dip biscuits in a mix of equal amount of maple syrup and water

Since classic Tiramisu is made with raw eggs, this dessert is not suitable for kids, pregnant women and nursing mothers. It is quite understandable that the classic Tiramisu turns out into a simple glass dessert, but this twist on Tiramisu still works!

Replace mascarpone cream with a fruity yogurt or a plain yogurt mixed with some jam. Use whipped cream to avoid raw eggs in the dessert.

However, if you want to pick something different, still served in glasses, you might like Banoffee Pie Cups – a no-bake banana dessert.

How to Make Easy Fig Tiramisu in a Cup – Step by Step

To make the mascarpone cream, separate egg whites from yolks. In a bowl whisk egg yolks, sugar and mascarpone, until smooth. Then add one tablespoon Marsala * and whisk again (photo 1).

In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites with a pinch of salt and gently add them to the mascarpone mixture, using a rubber spatula * (photo 2).

Pour cold strong espresso in a deep plate and add the remaining tablespoon Marsala. Dip ladyfingers * cut in halves quickly and arrange on the bottom of 6 glasses. Spread half of the mascarpone cream, than place 8 quarters of fresh figs (photo 3). Cover with another layer of cookies dipped in coffee, than spread the remaining cream and even top of the dessert with a bent spatula *.

Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. At the last moment, sprinkle with cocoa powder * (photo 4).

Expert Tips to Make Easy Fig Tiramisu in a Cup

1. Use pasteurized eggs to make Fig Tiramisu.
2. Do not over soak ladyfingers – just dip cookies in cold coffee (count to 3).
3. Cover the ready dessert with a plastic film * if you plan to serve this sweet treat later than 2 hours after making.
4. Sprinkle with cocoa powder * once you are ready to serve.
5. Use a decorating stencil * to make a design with cocoa powder * if you prefer.

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