Easy Tiramisu Snack Bites
All the flavors of tiramisu, tucked into one irresistible bite. Naturally sweet California Prunes are filled with creamy espresso mascarpone, dipped in dark chocolate, and finished with cocoa and a little extra chocolate crunch. These elegant, gluten-free treats come together quickly, making them just as welcome at a dinner party as they are during an afternoon coffee break.
Equipment
- baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 12 large pitted California Prunes
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese softened
- 2 TBSP powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp instant espresso powder
- 1 tsp hot water
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- ⅓ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil optional
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Finely grated dark chocolate or chocolate covered coffee bean or both, for topping
Instructions
- Line a small plate or baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Gently open each prune and flatten slightly.
- In a tiny bowl, stir together the instant espresso powder and hot water until dissolved. Let it cool for a minute or two.
- In a medium bowl, stir the mascarpone, powdered sugar, vanilla, espresso mixture, and sea salt until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the mascarpone mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off. You can also use a small spoon.
- Pipe or spoon the filling into the center of each prune.
- Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Dip the bottom of each stuffed prune into the melted chocolate, or drizzle the chocolate over the tops.
- Place the prunes back on the parchment paper. Dust lightly with cocoa powder and finish with grated dark chocolate or chocolate covered coffee bean.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or until the filling is chilled and the chocolate has set.
Notes
Mascarpone becomes easier to mix when it’s slightly softened, but don’t let it become warm or runny.
Instant espresso powder gives the filling a concentrated coffee flavor without adding too much liquid. Regular instant coffee works too, but the flavor may be milder.
For a slightly less-rich filling, replace half the mascarpone with full-fat Greek yogurt. The mixture will be softer and tangier but still delicious.
These are best eaten within three days. Store them in a covered container in the refrigerator.
For a grown-up dinner-party version, add a very small splash of coffee liqueur to the filling. Reduce the hot water so the mascarpone doesn’t become too loose.
Instant espresso powder gives the filling a concentrated coffee flavor without adding too much liquid. Regular instant coffee works too, but the flavor may be milder.
For a slightly less-rich filling, replace half the mascarpone with full-fat Greek yogurt. The mixture will be softer and tangier but still delicious.
These are best eaten within three days. Store them in a covered container in the refrigerator.
For a grown-up dinner-party version, add a very small splash of coffee liqueur to the filling. Reduce the hot water so the mascarpone doesn’t become too loose.
Nutrition
Serving: 2bitesCalories: 201kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 11mgPotassium: 181mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 421IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 0.2mg