Name: White Chocolate Cranberry Tiramisu Cups
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1⁄3 cup granulated sugar; 1⁄4 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped; 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, room temperature; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1⁄3 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 to 14 crisp ladyfingers (savoiardi); 1⁄4 cup orange liqueur or orange juice; White chocolate curls and extra cranberries, for garnish

Creamy, elegant, and bursting with tart cranberry brightness, these White Chocolate Cranberry Tiramisu Cups are a festive twist on a classic dessert. They layer fluffy mascarpone filling, sweet-tart cranberry compote, and soft ladyfingers soaked in orange liqueur or juice. Each spoonful is an experience of holiday cheer, perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in.

This dessert is no-bake, make-ahead friendly, and portioned into individual cups or jars. The balance of rich white chocolate and tangy cranberries gives it a refreshing edge, making it a crowd favorite among those who want something unique but comforting.

What Kind of Ladyfingers Should I Use?

Look for crisp, Italian-style savoiardi ladyfingers, which absorb liquid well without becoming mushy. Soft American-style ones can be used, but may result in a soggier texture. Either will work, but for defined layers and structure, go for the firm variety.

Ingredients for the White Chocolate Cranberry Tiramisu Cups

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tsp orange zest
6 oz white chocolate, chopped
8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
12–14 crisp ladyfingers (savoiardi)
1/4 cup orange liqueur or more orange juice
White chocolate curls and extra cranberries, for garnish

White Chocolate Cranberry Tiramisu Cups (1)

How To Make the White Chocolate Cranberry Tiramisu Cups

Step 1: Make the Cranberry Compote

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and zest. Cook for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate

Place chopped white chocolate in a heat-safe bowl and melt gently over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each. Let it cool to lukewarm.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

Step 4: Make the Mascarpone Filling

In another bowl, gently fold the melted white chocolate into the mascarpone until smooth. Then fold in the whipped cream until fully combined and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the Cups

Quickly dip ladyfingers into orange liqueur or juice (don’t soak) and layer the bottom of small dessert cups. Add a spoonful of mascarpone mixture, followed by cranberry compote. Repeat layers once more, ending with mascarpone on top.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish

Cover and chill cups for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, top with white chocolate curls and a few cranberries.

How to Serve and Store These Tiramisu Cups

Serve the cups cold, straight from the fridge. They are ideal for individual servings at holiday gatherings, bridal showers, or winter dinner parties. You can garnish right before serving for the freshest look.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor develops even more after a day, so they’re great to make ahead. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture can change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these tiramisu cups?

They’re best made 1 day in advance but will hold well for up to 3 days chilled.

Can I skip the orange liqueur?

Yes, simply replace it with extra orange juice. The flavor will still be delicious and kid-friendly.

What can I use instead of mascarpone?

Full-fat cream cheese is a common substitute, though the flavor will be tangier and less rich.

Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?

You can, but homemade cranberry compote provides better texture and brightness.

Are these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free ladyfingers and double-check other ingredients to make it suitable.

Want More Dessert Ideas with a Fruity Twist?

If these White Chocolate Cranberry Tiramisu Cups made your heart sing, take a peek at these other fruity delights:

📌 Save this dessert to your Pinterest board for holiday treats or fruity no-bake desserts.

Let me know in the comments if you played around with different berries or swapped the white chocolate for dark. Did you layer it in jars or fancy cups?

I love seeing your spins on these recipes. Don’t be shy with questions either—let’s make your dessert table shine.

Explore more of my daily treats and sweet ideas over on my Pinterest @NinaDishes.

White Chocolate Cranberry Tiramisu Cups

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 6 individual cups
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy mascarpone, zesty cranberry compote, and rich white chocolate come together in these festive no-bake tiramisu cups. Layered with crisp ladyfingers and a hint of orange, they’re the perfect make-ahead dessert for winter gatherings or a cozy night in.

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, and zest. Cook for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let cool completely.

2. Place chopped white chocolate in a heat-safe bowl and melt gently over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each. Let it cool to lukewarm.

3. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.

4. In another bowl, gently fold the melted white chocolate into the mascarpone until smooth. Then fold in the whipped cream until fully combined and fluffy.

5. Quickly dip ladyfingers into orange liqueur or juice (don’t soak) and layer the bottom of small dessert cups. Add a spoonful of mascarpone mixture, followed by cranberry compote. Repeat layers once more, ending with mascarpone on top.

6. Cover and chill cups for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, top with white chocolate curls and a few cranberries.