Save These adorable Graveyard Tiramisu Cups are my go-to Halloween dessert for parties and family nights. Creamy layers of mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers get a spooky touch with cookie gravestones and candy bones making them irresistible for kids and grownups alike. I love how they come together in minutes and require zero baking a total lifesaver on busy October evenings.
The first time I made these cups at a neighborhood Halloween bash they vanished before dinner even started. Now when my kids see the cookie tombstones they beg for dessert.
Ingredients
- Mascarpone cheese: adds a rich authentic flavor and creamy texture choose a high quality Italian mascarpone for the best result
- Cold heavy cream: whips beautifully make sure it is well chilled to keep the cream thick and luscious
- Powdered sugar: blends in smoothly and gives perfect sweetness sift before using for a lump free mixture
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor use pure vanilla for depth not imitation
- Strong brewed coffee: brings the classic tiramisu flavor use freshly brewed and cooled for bold taste and aroma
- Coffee liqueur: optional for a grown up touch you can substitute with more coffee or skip for kids
- Ladyfinger biscuits: provide structure and soak up the coffee choose crisp savoiardi for authentic layers or gluten free as needed
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: for dusting adds drama to the graveyard tops use a fine sieve for even dusting
- Oval shaped chocolate cookies: make the tombstones pick sturdy ones that will stand up in the cream and write easily
- Black food gel or melted dark chocolate: for writing goes on smooth and keeps the messages readable
- Gummy worms or candy bones: optional for that playful Halloween finishing touch look for colorful options at your local store
Instructions
- Sourcing the Best Mascarpone:
- Begin by checking your grocer's cheese section for real Italian mascarpone. It should be soft but never watery. A good mascarpone will stay thick when whipped and taste slightly buttery.
- Layering the Flavorful Cream:
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer beat together the mascarpone cold heavy cream powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until the mixture forms firm peaks with a silky sheen. Take care not to overmix as mascarpone can turn grainy.
- Making the Coffee Dip:
- Combine cooled strong coffee with coffee liqueur for adults in a shallow dish. Stir well so flavors combine and taste to check intensity. The coffee should be strong enough to flavor but not overpower the biscuits.
- Dipping the Ladyfingers:
- Quickly submerge each ladyfinger in the coffee dip for no more than two seconds per side. Over-soaking can cause them to fall apart. Snap the dipped fingers gently to fit the cup base making sure they cover the bottom evenly.
- Building the First Layer:
- Set two dipped ladyfinger halves in each serving cup. Spoon a generous helping of mascarpone cream over the biscuits using a spoon or piping bag for a smooth even layer. Press gently so the cream settles into any gaps.
- Repeating for the Second Layer:
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers over the cream then top with remaining mascarpone. Smooth the surface so it is ready for cocoa. A palette knife can help achieve professional looking tops.
- Creating the Graveyard Look:
- Dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve for even coverage. Take your chocolate cookies and write RIP or spooky names with black food gel or melted chocolate. Set each tombstone cookie upright in the cream layer so it stands out.
- Adding Halloween Decorations:
- Add gummy worms or candy bones for fun effects by gently pressing them into the cream or arranging them around the tombstone. Make sure candies are food safe and freeze resistant if making ahead.
- Chilling to Set:
- Cover the cups lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours. This firms up the cream and lets flavors meld beautifully.
Save My favorite part is writing the silly messages on the tombstone cookies my kids always ask for their names in chocolate. Last year my daughter giggled so hard when she found two gummy worms peeking out of her “soil” she declared it the best Halloween treat ever.
Storage Tips
Store the finished cups in the fridge lightly covered for up to three days. Decorate just before serving so cookies stay crisp and candy does not dissolve. If making ahead keep gravestone cookies separate and place them right before guests arrive.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap mascarpone for full-fat cream cheese in a pinch. Gluten free ladyfingers and cookies work beautifully for sensitive eaters. For a coffee free version use decaf or a weakly brewed roasted barley drink. For kids omit coffee liqueur and use extra vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
Set cups on a tray surrounded by Halloween confetti or fake cobwebs for themed presentation. Pair with sweet dessert wine for adults or hot cocoa for kids. Add small spoons and let everyone dig in straight from the cups.
Celebrating Italian Roots With Halloween Fun
Tiramisu originated as a celebration dessert in Italy often passed through generations for special occasions. My family started the graveyard twist when looking for a no bake dessert for our haunted house party. The easy layering technique lets even little helpers join in.
Seasonal Adaptations
Top with autumn leaf shaped candies or pumpkin jelly candies for a more autumnal feel Make gingerbread cookie tombstones for Thanksgiving Use peppermint candies and green food gel for a winter holiday version
Success Stories
These cups were a hit at my son’s classroom party his teacher said they were the first desserts to go. Last Halloween my nieces made their own tombstones and spent half the night laughing over their creative designs.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prepare the cream and ladyfinger layers in jars but skip adding cookies and candy. Freeze up to three weeks wrapped tightly. Before serving thaw in the fridge add fresh cocoa and graveyard decorations.
Save Set trays of these Graveyard Tiramisu Cups out for your Halloween gathering and watch them disappear—easy chilling and decorating make serving effortless.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dessert ahead?
Yes, prepare and chill the cups up to 24 hours in advance for best flavor and texture.
- → How do I substitute coffee liqueur?
Omit coffee liqueur for a kid-friendly option or use decaf coffee for less caffeine.
- → What can I use instead of ladyfingers?
Try soft sponge cake strips or gluten-free biscuits for special dietary needs.
- → How should I decorate the cups?
Use chocolate cookies for gravestones, write spooky messages, and top with candy bones or gummy worms.
- → Are these dessert cups vegetarian?
Yes, they use mascarpone, cream, and vegetarian-friendly cookies. Check ingredient labels to confirm.
- → Can I freeze the dessert cups?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change. Refrigerate before serving for best results.