This easy tiramisu recipe is such an impressive dessert with creamy filling between layers of alcohol-infused coffee-soaked lady fingers and a dusting of cacao powder takes less than 30 minutes to prepare - it's the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Contents
🌟 Why this recipe works
This easy eggless tiramisu is a dream dessert; it's creamy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious! The key ingredients are perfect for creating an amazing version of the authentic Italian tiramisu recipe.
Unlike the original recipe that combines raw eggs and sugar to make an egg yolk mixture, this recipe uses vanilla-infused whipped cream to fold in with the creamy mascarpone cheese. The result is a thicker creamy base that sits on top of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
The espresso mixed with liquor is what makes this recipe really special, as it adds a deep flavor profile that is a huge hit with adults.
Plus, it is such a simple recipe to follow for any home cook and is great for making ahead for parties and gatherings. With minimal ingredients and 30 minutes to prepare this decadent dessert, you can enjoy a stress-free sweet treat that is sure to impress your guests!
And if you want a fruity, zesty version of this classic Italian dessert, try our Limoncello tiramisu - it's made with similar ingredients but is bursting with lemon flavor instead of coffee.
🍽 Key Ingredients
This eggless tiramisu recipe is made with only a few ingredients, but that's what makes it so delicious and easy to make. Here's what you'll need:
Heavy cream - The heavy whipping cream provides a thick consistency for the cream filling.
Mascarpone cheese - This soft, creamy cheese gives the filling a light and airy texture.
Granulated sugar - This sweetener adds just the right amount of sweetness to the filling.
Vanilla extract - A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds depth of flavor.
Espresso - Cold espresso is used to help soak the ladyfingers. Use instant coffee or filter coffee.
Coffee-flavored liquor - To make this delicious treat even better, add some coffee liquor like Kahlua.
Lady Fingers - These Italian cookies are perfect for soaking up the coffee mixture and helping the dessert hold together.
Cocoa powder - A dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder on top is the perfect contrast to the coffee-flavored dessert and gives it a beautiful presentation.
Substitutions
Mascarpone cheese
If you can’t find mascarpone cheese at the store, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream cheese.
Coffee liquor
Using coffee-flavored liquor enhances the coffee flavor in tiramisu recipes, but you can also use dark rum, brandy, or Marsala wine if you don't want to skip the alcohol.
Ladyfingers
If you don't have Lady Fingers, you can use sponge cake or even pound cake chopped into fingers.
🔪 How to make
This easy eggless tiramisu recipe is a creamy dessert you can whip up In less than 30 minutes. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below to make this delicious recipe treat that's perfect for any occasion.
Preparations
Step 1
Prepare 1 and a half cups of coffee to cool while making the whipped cream mixture.
Step 2
Add the whipping cream to a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed with an electric mixer or use a stand mixer for 2 minutes until thickened.
Step 3
Slowly add the granulated sugar and vanilla to the whipped cream and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Fold the mascarpone cheese into the stiff peaks and mix just until combined.
Tip: Cover the mascarpone cream mixture and set aside while making the coffee dip.
Step 5
Add the cold coffee and liqueur to a shallow bowl.
Step 6
Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture and lay them in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 7
Cover the fingers with a layer of the mascarpone mixture.
Step 8
Then place another layer of soaked fingers on top, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Step 9
Smooth the top with a knife or spatula and dust with cocoa powder using a sieve or fine mesh strainer.
Step 10
Refrigerate the Italian tiramisu overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours.
Step 11
Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!
💭 Cooking tips
Quickly dip the ladyfingers
You only need to submerge the fingers in the coffee mixture for a few seconds. If you leave them to soak for longer, they will fall apart and become a mushy mess.
Chill the dessert
Tiramisu needs to be chilled for several hours or overnight for best results before serving. This gives it time to set and for the flavors to mingle.
📖 Recipe Variations
If you want to mix things up a little or change the structure of the tiramisu, here are a few variations you can try.
Individual tiramisu
Make individual tiramisu's for parties and picnics by using several small plastic throwaway bowls to fill with the tiramisu ingredients. Break the ladyfingers in half, soak them, fill the bottom of the bowls with them, and add a layer of the mascarpone mixture. Repeat this process until the bowls are full, then dust them with the cocoa powder.
Tiramisu roll cake
If you like our spiced pumpkin roll cake, why not try tiramisu roll cake? Follow the pumpkin roll cake recipe to make the sponge cake but without the cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and pumpkin.
Once the sponge has cooked, soak it with 4 or 5 tablespoons of the coffee mixture, then proceed to roll it in a towel. Unroll it, spread the mascarpone mixture over it, then roll it up and dust it with the cocoa powder. (refrigerate the mascarpone spread to thicken before spreading).
Tiramisu trifle
To make an easy, layered tiramisu trifle, layer sponge cake pieces soaked in the coffee mix instead of ladyfingers in a large glass bowl and pour the mascarpone cream over the top. Spread a layer of whipped cream over it and finish with freshly grated chocolate or cocoa powder.
🥗 What to serve with
Italian tiramisu is usually served with coffee at lunch or on its own after dinner for dessert. Although you can easily combine it with other desserts if you're having a feast. Here are a few of our favorites:
Cheesecake recipes
Serve slices of rich cheesecake alongside a generous portion of tiramisu for a decadent and indulgent dessert. Some great cheesecake recipes include Oreo cheesecake, pumpkin cheesecake, turtle cheesecake, lemon cheesecake bars, and lemon blueberry cheesecake bars.
Chocolate and peanut recipes
If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, try our no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars, chocolate and peanut butter fudge, a giant-sized Reese's pie, or an easy but decadent chocolate and peanut butter pie.
Cupcakes and muffins
If you’re after something a little lighter for your guests, try some of our cupcake or muffin recipes. We have everything from apple cinnamon crumble muffins and lemon meringue cupcakes to more unusual options like sour cream coffee cake muffins and carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.
🙋 Frequently asked questions
Can I make tiramisu without alcohol?
Yes, you can make tiramisu without alcohol. Simply omit the coffee liqueur from the recipe, and it will still be delicious.
What type of coffee should you use?
We recommend using espresso powder or strong, brewed coffee for this recipe. This will help to ensure that the ladyfingers are properly saturated and give them a slightly stronger flavor. You may also use decaffeinated coffee if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe with egg yolks?
No, this recipe is made for egg-free tiramisu. For a classic tiramisu recipe with an egg mixture, you'll need to use a different recipe.
🧊 Storing
Tiramisu is the perfect make-ahead dessert that can be refrigerated or frozen.
Fridge - You can refrigerate leftover tiramisu in the baking dish for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer - If you don’t plan on eating it all within this time, you can freeze the leftovers by transferring them to an airtight container for up to 2 months. For preparing and freezing tiramisu in advance, assemble it in a large throwaway aluminum tray.
To thaw, simply transfer the tiramisu to the refrigerator overnight.
🍳 Related recipes
If you've enjoyed Italian tiramisu, why not try other desserts inspired by French and Italian cuisine? Try our best French cookies or our best Italian recipes. And if you like to bake, we have a curated list of fun things to bake at home.
From classic cakes like my Southern hummingbird cake recipe to decadent sock it to me cake and cookies, you can find something delicious for every occasion.
👪 Serving size
This tiramisu recipe yields 8 to 10 large servings. If you have a large tray or dish, you could double the recipe ingredients and make a bigger tiramisu.
Italian tiramisu is the perfect make-ahead dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. With its simple mix of mascarpone, sweet cream, ladyfingers, and coffee, it’s a classic Italian treat that everyone will love.
Love this dessert recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Try one of my comfort dessert recipes for your next meal! And if you have any questions, I'm here to help!
📋 Recipe
Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ cups Heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces Mascarpone cheese - room temperature
- ⅓ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1½ cups Cold espresso
- 3 tablespoons Coffee flavored liquor - optional (Kahlua or DaVinci brands)
- 1 package Lady Fingers - Savoiardi brand can be found in the cookie aisle, or online
- Cocoa powder - for dusting the top
Instructions
- Prepare 1 and a half cups of coffee to cool while making the whipped cream mixture.
- Add the whipping cream to a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed with an electric mixer or use a stand mixer for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Slowly add the granulated sugar and vanilla to the whipped cream and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Fold the mascarpone cheese into the stiff peaks and mix just until combined.
- Cover the mascarpone cream mixture and set aside while making the coffee dip.
- Add the cold coffee and liqueur to a shallow bowl.
- Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture and lay them in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cover the fingers with a layer of the mascarpone mixture, then place another layer of soaked fingers on top, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Smooth the top with a knife or spatula and dust with cocoa powder using a sieve or fine mesh strainer.
- Refrigerate the Italian tiramisu overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours.
- Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Damaris M.
It was amazing!!!