Tiramisu Pudding Cups Recipe

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🍮 Tiramisu Pudding Cups Recipe

🕒 Prep Time

• 20 minutes prep
• 2–4 hours chilling

🍽️ Servings

• Makes 6–8 cups

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Cream Layer:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coffee Layer:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
• 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional — like Kahlúa or rum)

For the Layers:

• 12–15 ladyfinger cookies (or shortbread/biscuits if unavailable)
• 2 cups instant vanilla or French vanilla pudding (prepared as per package)
  • Or use homemade vanilla pudding — recipe below
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

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🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Whipped Mascarpone Cream
   • In a large bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form.
   • In another bowl, mix mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
2. Prepare the Coffee Dip
   • Mix the coffee (and liqueur, if using) in a shallow bowl.
   • Quickly dip each ladyfinger for 1–2 seconds — don’t soak them or they’ll get mushy.
3. Assemble the Cups
   • In small dessert cups or jars, layer as follows:
     1. A layer of dipped ladyfingers (break them to fit if needed)
     2. A layer of vanilla pudding
     3. A layer of mascarpone cream
   • Repeat layers until cups are nearly full, finishing with mascarpone cream.
4. Chill
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best texture and flavor.
5. Garnish
   • Just before serving, dust the tops generously with unsweetened cocoa powder.
   • Add chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of espresso powder, or a small dollop of whipped cream if desired.

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🍫 Optional Homemade Vanilla Pudding

If you want to make your own pudding instead of using instant:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Add milk gradually, whisking until smooth.
3. Heat over medium heat until thickened and bubbling.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks; slowly add a bit of the hot mixture to temper them.
5. Pour yolk mixture back into the saucepan; cook for 1–2 minutes until thick.
6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
7. Cool completely before layering.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
• For a mocha twist, mix 1 tbsp cocoa powder into the pudding layer.
• Serve in clear cups or mini dessert glasses to show off the layers.

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