Create a classic Italian Tiramisu without turning on your oven or using raw eggs. This simple, no-bake recipe delivers creamy mascarpone layers and perfectly espresso-soaked ladyfingers for a decadent, make-ahead dessert.
Author:katereilly
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:6 hr 25 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
1/4 cup coffee liqueur or dark rum (optional)
1 package (7 oz) ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits)
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
1 cup granulated sugar
16 oz mascarpone cheese, cold
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the coffee soak: Mix the cooled espresso and coffee liqueur (if using) in a shallow dish. Set aside.
Make the cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, beat the cold mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Do not overmix.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until just combined. You want the cream to remain light and airy. This is your creamy mascarpone filling.
Assemble the tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger, one at a time, into the coffee mixture. Do not soak them too long, or they will become soggy.
Arrange a single layer of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish or a similar-sized serving dish.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the layer of ladyfingers.
Repeat the process: Dip the remaining ladyfingers and arrange them over the cream layer.
Spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over the second layer of ladyfingers. Smooth the top surface.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Chill the tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Before serving, generously dust the top layer with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Slice and serve this easy Italian dessert.
Notes
Use high-quality, strong espresso for the best coffee flavor in your espresso-soaked ladyfingers.
Chilling time is essential; this allows the ladyfingers to soften properly and the cream to firm up, making clean slices possible.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the coffee liqueur or rum and use only strong brewed coffee.
This is a perfect make-ahead dessert for dinner parties, as it tastes better when prepared a day in advance.