Easy Tiramisu

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

Get crisp ladyfingers and dip them lightly into a strong coffee blend. Layer them with mascarpone cream that’s whipped till it’s airy. Repeat layers till the dish is full. Sprinkle cocoa on top, let it chill through the night in the fridge. No oven needed—just time for the flavors to settle perfectly. It’s a good-looking dessert with flavors straight from an Italian café.

A man wearing a white shirt and suspenders holding a piece of paper.
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:33:14 GMT
A delicious slice of tiramisu featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone filling, topped with cocoa on a white plate. Pin it
A delicious slice of tiramisu featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone filling, topped with cocoa on a white plate. | chefmelt.com

Ever wondered about tiramisu? This simple Italian dessert can now be made in your own home. If you've tasted tiramisu at your local eatery or want to whip up a tasty treat yourself, our down-to-earth version delivers real Italian flavors without any hassle. Using ladyfingers dipped in coffee and smooth mascarpone, this fantastic version creates a dessert that's just as good as anything you'll find eating out.

Reasons To Make This Delicious Tiramisu

This recipe really shines because it's both straightforward and packed with flavor. We've cut out raw eggs but kept all the yummy goodness you'd want from a top-notch tiramisu. It doesn't matter if you're putting it together for a birthday or just want something sweet after dinner, you'll get awesome results every time. Even if you're new to baking, you can nail this dessert by following our easy steps.

Ingredients For Perfect Tiramisu

  • Heavy Whipping Cream: You can't make good tiramisu without it
  • Mascarpone Cheese: The must-have item for genuine Italian flavor
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens everything just right
  • Vanilla Extract: Boosts the overall taste profile
  • Cold Espresso: A crucial element for proper soaking
  • Coffee Liqueur: You can skip it, but it adds nice depth
  • Ladyfingers: They form the base of your creation
  • Cocoa Powder: Sprinkle on top for that classic finish

How To Create Your Tiramisu

Whip Your Cream:
Beat the cream until it stands up in firm peaks.
Handle The Mascarpone:
Carefully mix it into your whipped cream.
Get The Coffee Ready:
Mix your espresso with liqueur for that signature flavor.
Bottom Layer:
Start by soaking and placing your ladyfingers.
Spread The Mixture:
Cover with a thick layer of your creamy mascarpone blend.
Keep Going Up:
Do it all again for that amazing layered effect.
Top It Off:
Sprinkle cocoa powder across the surface.
Be Patient:
Put it in the fridge so all those flavors can come together.

The Essence Of Tiramisu

Getting to know tiramisu means loving its wonderful layers. Unlike regular cakes, this no-bake treat needs time in the fridge to really shine. Our version shows you don't need to go out to enjoy this classic - just grab some quality ingredients and don't rush the process.

The Magic Behind Amazing Tiramisu

The key to great tiramisu is using good mascarpone. Our approach gives you that smooth texture you're craving, without any complicated steps. When you beat the cream and cheese just right, you'll get that dreamy, light-as-air consistency everyone loves.

Balancing The Coffee Kick

Tiramisu wouldn't be the same without that coffee flavor! Our version gets the mix of coffee and alcohol just right. You can always tweak how strong you want these elements, making the dessert truly yours to customize.

A rectangular dish of tiramisu with a layer of cocoa powder on top, showing a sliced portion revealing creamy layers underneath. Pin it
A rectangular dish of tiramisu with a layer of cocoa powder on top, showing a sliced portion revealing creamy layers underneath. | chefmelt.com

Tricks For Outstanding Tiramisu

Getting tiramisu right comes down to not rushing things. This works best when you let it sit in the fridge overnight, so all the flavors can mingle properly. No matter if you're making a simple version or following our detailed instructions, taking your time makes all the difference.

Add Your Personal Touch

All wonderful desserts leave room for your own ideas. While keeping true to what makes tiramisu special, feel free to change things up to match your preferences. Maybe you want it exactly like your favorite restaurant serves it, or perhaps you'd rather create something unique - the best version is simply the one that makes you happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I use instead of alcohol?

Just make it stronger with extra vanilla extract. Use good strong coffee as your base and maybe add a splash of cream. It's still delicious and perfect for little ones.

→ How long should I chill before serving?

If you're in a hurry, four hours can work. But leaving it overnight really brings out the flavors. Patience pays off here!

→ Can I freeze this dessert?

First, skip the cocoa dusting. Wrap tightly in plastic or foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator and add cocoa fresh before serving.

→ What if I don’t have strong coffee?

No problem! Brew a dark roast or double up on regular coffee. You can even use instant. Just make sure you’ve got a bold coffee flavor—don’t skip this!

→ Is this vegetarian?

Yep, there’s no meat involved here! Just double-check your cream cheese to make sure it suits your preference. Dairy and eggs are the main ingredients, so it’s straightforward.

→ Why is it turning mushy?

Make your dip quick—don’t leave the cookies soaking! One or two dips is enough, then lay them in the dish right away. A firm mascarpone cream will help keep the whole thing together.

→ How should I transport it safely?

Keep it chilled in a cool box and take the cocoa powder separately to dust it fresh after arrival. Pack some spare cream for any touch-ups, and go slow to avoid bumps!

→ How can I make this quicker?

Grab store-bought ladyfingers and have your coffee already cooled. Whip the cream fast and skip the long chilling time. It’ll still be delicious, even if not as set.

→ What if I need a bigger serving?

Easy—just double the ingredients and use a larger pan. You can add more layers but keep an eye on the cream to make sure you don’t run out. And allow extra time to chill since it’ll take longer to firm up.

→ How do I make the coffee flavor stronger?

Add a splash of espresso or stir in a little coffee powder. Brew your coffee extra strong, or even play around with a mocha twist. Just don’t overdo it or make the layers soggy.

→ Why isn’t my cream thick enough?

Try whipping it longer and make sure everything stays cold while you work. Using fresh, high-quality cream is key. You can also strain it if it seems too runny to start.

→ How can I stop the layers from sliding?

Be gentle when stacking. Keep the cream thick and avoid towering too high. Let it chill between layers if needed. Using a square or rectangular dish helps keep things neat and stable.

Conclusion

Love this one? Next, try a luxury egg-based version or a chocolate coffee twist. Both equally impressive and easy to whip up.

Easy Tiramisu

Fast Italian coffee delight.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 9 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 A cup and a half of cold espresso.
02 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
03 A container (about 225 grams) of mascarpone cheese at room temperature.
04 A third cup of white sugar.
05 One and a half cups of heavy cream.
06 Cocoa powder to sprinkle on the top.
07 A package of Ladyfingers, look for the Savoiardi brand in France.
08 Optional: 3 tablespoons of coffee liquor for flavor, like Kahlua or a French equivalent.

Instructions

Step 01

Take a large bowl and pour in the heavy cream. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer, set to medium, and beat it. While whisking, slowly add the sugar and vanilla extract. Keep going until the mixture forms stiff peaks.

Step 02

Carefully fold the mascarpone into the whipped cream until it's smooth and well combined. Set this creamy filling aside for later.

Step 03

Mix the cold espresso with the optional coffee liquor in a shallow dish. Dip the ladyfingers, making sure they absorb some coffee but don't get soggy.

Step 04

Lay the dipped ladyfingers neatly in a single layer at the bottom of an 8x8-inch dish or something similar.

Step 05

Take half of the mascarpone mixture and spread it over the ladyfingers evenly.

Step 06

Create a second layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers on top. Then finish it off with the rest of the mascarpone cream.

Step 07

Dust the top of the dessert using cocoa powder to give it a beautiful finish. Let the tiramisu chill in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to really let the flavors come together.

Notes

  1. You don’t need to include alcohol if you'd rather keep it simple. Some folks prefer Marsala wine or brandy as tasty substitutes to coffee liqueur.
  2. If you want the flavors to really pop, make this dessert a day ahead. It keeps well for a couple of days in the fridge, so don't worry about having leftovers!
  3. To freeze tiramisu, skip the cocoa powder layer. Wrap it up tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then stash it in the freezer for about 3 months. When you're ready, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add cocoa powder just before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • An 8x8-inch dish.
  • Electric hand or stand mixer.
  • A fine sieve or mesh for sifting cocoa.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 297
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
  • Protein: 5 g