You want creamy? Caffeinated? Slightly dramatic? Boom—tiramisu. It’s the kind of dessert that whispers “I have my shit together” even when you’re eating it in sweatpants straight from the fridge.
We’re talking layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone that feels like edible velvet. A dusting of cocoa on top makes it look fancy as hell, even if the bottom layer’s slightly crooked. It’s got that just-enough-bitterness to keep things interesting energy.
Whether you throw it in a jar for a casual snack, spoon it into a glass for a date night flex or just eat it straight from the mixing bowl, this recipe does not miss.
No baking. No stress. Just whip, dip, layer and chill like the caffeinated queen you are.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tiramisu is like coffee’s sexy dessert cousin. Rich. Silky. Ridiculously easy to love. And this version? Even better because you can make it without breaking a sweat or your spirit.
- No baking required: Zero oven. Zero meltdown
- Coffee-loaded: Espresso-soaked ladyfingers = flavor bombs
- Fancy-looking: Cocoa dusting makes it look high-end even if your layering’s a mess
- Customizable: Go classic, jar it, or make a “for two” version to share (or not)
- Simple ingredients: Eggs, cream, sugar, espresso—stuff you recognize
- Big payoff: Minimal effort, max drama
It’s one of those desserts that feels impressive but secretly takes like 30 minutes and some fridge time. Total fraud move. Highly recommend.
Ingredient Substitutions
Missing an ingredient or just wanna get weird with it? Tiramisu doesn’t judge. Here’s how to make it work with whatever you’ve got stashed in your fridge:
- No mascarpone: Swap with cream cheese (just add a little extra cream to loosen it up)
- No coffee liqueur: Use vanilla extract or go wild with dark rum
- No ladyfingers: Try sponge cake, pound cake or even graham crackers in a pinch
- No espresso machine: Brew strong coffee, instant espresso or use cold brew concentrate
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and a plant-based cream cheese substitute
- Low sugar: Dial it back or use a sugar alternative if you hate joy (kidding… kinda)
This isn’t a pastry school final. It’s dessert with caffeine and vibes. Make it yours.
Storage For Your Tiramisu
Tiramisu doesn’t need to be eaten in one go (but no judgment if it is). It actually gets better the next day, like revenge and chili.
- Fridge it: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or shove it in an airtight container. Keeps for up to 4 days
- Make ahead: Whip it up the night before so it has time to chill and become even more dangerous
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze slices for later cravings. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and try not to eat it frozen like a monster
Basically, tiramisu is low-maintenance. Store it, ignore it, then devour it.
Serving Suggestions
You can dress it up, dress it down or just go straight from spatula to mouth. Tiramisu doesn’t care. It’s always the star.
- Tiramisu for two: Layer it into cute little jars and pretend you’re romantic
- Tiramisu latte: Pour some espresso over it and call it breakfast. We won’t tell
- Top it off: Cocoa powder, shaved chocolate, or crushed espresso beans if you’re extra
- Pairings: Goes great with coffee, wine or mild emotional breakdowns
- Bonus move: Add a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling chaotic-good
Deliciously Decadent Tiramisu
This tiramisu is creamy, coffee-soaked bliss layered into edible gold. Soft ladyfingers. Silky mascarpone. That bittersweet cocoa dust on top. Every bite hits like a caffeine-kissed hug.
Make it once and suddenly you’re the person who “just whips up tiramisu” like it’s no big deal. Total power move. Total dessert domination.
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- 24 ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Make the Custard: In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale. Gradually stir in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- Combine: Slowly mix the cooled custard into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Ladyfingers: In a shallow dish, combine the brewed espresso and coffee liqueur. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture and layer them in a dish or individual tiramisu jars.
- Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mix.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and enjoy this delightful tiramisu.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Classic Tiramisu Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- 24 ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Make the Custard: In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale. Gradually stir in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- Combine: Slowly mix the cooled custard into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Ladyfingers: In a shallow dish, combine the brewed espresso and coffee liqueur. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture and layer them in a dish or individual tiramisu jars.
- Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mix.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and enjoy this delightful tiramisu.
