Eggnog Tiramisu Cups

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Creamy eggnog custard, fluffy whipped mascarpone, and espresso‑soaked ladyfingers come together in these cozy Eggnog Tiramisu Cups. Every spoonful tastes like classic tiramisu dressed up for the holidays, with warm nutmeg and a hint of rum if you’d like a grown‑up twist.

Served in individual glasses, this no‑bake dessert looks elegant enough for a Christmas dinner party but is surprisingly simple to put together. You can make it entirely in advance, so when guests arrive, all you have to do is pull the tray from the fridge and dust with cocoa.

Why You’ll Love These Eggnog Tiramisu Cups

Eggnog tiramisu cups combine the best parts of two beloved holiday treats: rich, custardy eggnog and decadent tiramisu. Instead of a complicated layer cake, you get neat little parfaits that are easy to scoop, serve, and store.

The filling is light yet luscious, thanks to a mix of mascarpone, eggnog, and softly whipped cream. Espresso‑soaked ladyfingers add that familiar tiramisu flavor and a bit of structure, while cocoa and nutmeg on top give each serving a café‑style finish.

What Kind of Eggnog Works Best in Eggnog Tiramisu Cups?

Use a thick, full‑fat refrigerated eggnog for the creamiest texture and flavor. A richer eggnog helps the mascarpone filling set up nicely and gives the dessert a luxurious mouthfeel.

If you prefer a lighter dessert, a reduced‑fat eggnog will still work, but the filling may be slightly softer. You can always add a little extra mascarpone to help it hold its shape. Homemade eggnog is also lovely here—just be sure it’s fully chilled before you start.

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Ingredients

These Eggnog Tiramisu Cups use simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store, but the combination feels truly special. This list explains what each one does in the recipe.

• Eggnog – Forms the flavor base of the filling and lightly soaks the ladyfingers with cozy holiday sweetness.
• Mascarpone cheese – Adds rich, tangy creaminess and helps the filling stay thick and mousse‑like.
• Heavy whipping cream – Whips into soft peaks to lighten the mascarpone and give the dessert an airy texture.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling while dissolving smoothly so the cream stays silky.
• Vanilla extract – Boosts the custardy flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
• Dark rum or bourbon (optional) – Brings a classic tiramisu warmth and pairs beautifully with eggnog and coffee.
• Strong brewed coffee or espresso – Soaks the ladyfingers, adding that signature tiramisu bitterness to balance the sweet cream.
• Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi) – Provide structure and a delicate crunch that softens into cake‑like layers as they chill.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Sprinkled between and on top of the layers for deep chocolate flavor and a pretty finish.
• Ground nutmeg – Echoes the spice in the eggnog and makes each bite smell like the holidays.
• Whipped cream or whipped topping (optional) – Swirled on top right before serving for an extra‑fluffy, bakery‑style look.

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How To Make Eggnog Tiramisu Cups

This dessert comes together in a few simple steps: mix the eggnog cream, soak the ladyfingers, and layer everything into cups. The fridge does the rest of the work while the flavors meld.

Step 1: Brew and Flavor the Coffee

Brew a strong pot of coffee or espresso and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in a splash of eggnog and the rum or bourbon, if you’re using it. This creates a fragrant soaking mixture that tastes like a holiday latte.

Step 2: Whip the Eggnog Mascarpone Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone with eggnog, powdered sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth and creamy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the eggnog‑mascarpone mixture so the filling stays light and fluffy.

Step 3: Dip the Ladyfingers

Working with a few at a time, quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture. Turn them just long enough to soak the outside—if they sit too long, they can become overly soft and fall apart. Break the cookies as needed so they fit in a single layer inside your serving cups.

Step 4: Build the Layers

Spoon a little eggnog cream into the bottom of each cup. Add a layer of soaked ladyfingers, then dust lightly with cocoa powder and a pinch of nutmeg. Repeat the layers of cream, ladyfingers, and cocoa until you reach the top of the glasses, finishing with a generous layer of cream.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have time. Chilling allows the ladyfingers to soften into cake‑like layers and gives the eggnog cream a chance to firm up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, top each cup with a swirl of whipped cream if you like, then dust with more cocoa and nutmeg. Serve the tiramisu cups well chilled, straight from the fridge.

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Serving Eggnog Tiramisu Cups

These Eggnog Tiramisu Cups are perfect for holiday parties, Christmas Eve dessert, or any winter gathering where you want a make‑ahead treat that feels special. The recipe is designed to serve about 6 people when made in small dessert glasses, but you can stretch it to 8 smaller portions if you’re serving it alongside other sweets.

For a festive presentation, serve the cups on a platter with extra ladyfingers or biscotti on the side. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel on the plate, or a sprinkle of crushed cookies over the whipped cream, makes them look restaurant‑worthy with very little effort.

How to Store Eggnog Tiramisu Cups

Because this dessert is made with dairy and eggnog, it needs to stay chilled. Cover each cup tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen on the second day as the coffee, cocoa, and eggnog meld together.

If you’re making these ahead for a party, prepare and layer the dessert as directed, but wait to add the final whipped cream topping until just before serving so it stays fluffy. Avoid freezing eggnog tiramisu cups—the texture of the mascarpone cream and ladyfingers can become grainy or watery once thawed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Eggnog Tiramisu Cups without alcohol?

Absolutely. Simply leave out the rum or bourbon and soak the ladyfingers in plain coffee mixed with eggnog. You still get all the cozy holiday flavor from the eggnog, coffee, cocoa, and nutmeg.

Can I substitute cream cheese for mascarpone?

Yes, you can use full‑fat cream cheese if mascarpone is hard to find. Soften it well and beat it until smooth before adding the eggnog. The flavor will be slightly tangier and a bit less delicate, but still delicious.

How far in advance can I make these cups?

Eggnog tiramisu cups are best when chilled for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours before serving. If you need to make them earlier, you can assemble them up to 48 hours ahead, but wait to add the whipped cream topping until closer to serving time.

What kind of cups or glasses should I use?

Any small glass dessert cups, rocks glasses, or stemless wine glasses work well. Clear glass looks especially pretty because it shows off the layers of cream and ladyfingers. Just make sure the opening is wide enough to spoon the dessert out comfortably.

Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

Yes—double or even triple the ingredients and layer everything in a trifle dish or a 9×13‑inch pan instead of individual cups. Scoop into bowls to serve, and adjust the chilling time slightly longer so the larger dish sets fully.

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Want More Dessert Ideas?

If these Eggnog Tiramisu Cups are a hit at your holiday table, you’ll love exploring more festive desserts from the site:

• Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie – A rich, gooey classic with a chocolaty twist that’s perfect for sharing after a cozy dinner.
• Black Forest Trifle for Christmas – Layers of chocolate cake, cherries, and whipped cream that make a stunning centerpiece dessert.
• No‑Bake Turtle Mini Cheesecake – Individual cheesecakes loaded with caramel, chocolate, and pecans for an easy yet impressive treat.
• Apple Crisp Cheesecake – A creamy cheesecake topped with cinnamon‑spiced apples and a crunchy crisp topping for the ultimate fall‑winter mashup.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save these Eggnog Tiramisu Cups to your favorite holiday dessert or Christmas board so you can come back to them any time you’re craving an easy make‑ahead treat.

If you try them, let me know how they turned out. Did you spike the coffee with rum or keep it family‑friendly? Did you add extra cocoa or a caramel drizzle on top?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter this season. For even more cozy dessert inspiration, follow Life With Livia on Pinterest for daily recipe ideas.

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