The Best Homemade Tiramisu Recipe

Outrageously creamy tiramisu with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone—discover the secret to this no-bake Italian classic.

Share your Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This tiramisu recipe is a dream come true for dessert lovers, with its creamy layers and coffee kick that’ll make you swoon. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, even if you’re new to baking!

  • No-bake magic: Skip the oven and let the fridge do the work—perfect for hot days or lazy bakers.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Impress your friends and family with a dessert that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple.
  • Customizable: Swap in your favorite flavors, like caramel or chocolate, to make it your own.

Recipe

creamy coffee dessert masterpiece

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a rich, creamy mascarpone filling. This no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and always impresses.

Ingredients:

  • 6 large egg yolks
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • ¼ cup coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 24-30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions:

  1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar. Place over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk constantly until pale and thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Add mascarpone to the egg mixture and beat until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold into the mascarpone mixture.
  4. Combine coffee and coffee liqueur (if using) in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture (do not soak).
  5. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and remaining cream.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder.

Notes:

  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur.
  • Make sure the coffee is cooled to prevent soggy ladyfingers.

Equipment:

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • 8×8-inch baking dish

Time:

  • Prep time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
  • Chilling time: 4 hours

Cuisine: Italian

Serving: 8-10 servings

Nutrition

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert known for its rich flavors and creamy texture. It is important to be mindful of its nutritional content due to its indulgent ingredients.

Calories: 450

Total Fat: 25g

Saturated Fat: 15g

Cholesterol: 150mg

Sodium: 120mg

Total Carbohydrates: 45g

Sugars: 30g

Protein: 8g

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade tiramisu with a strong cup of coffee, like espresso or a rich dark roast, to bring out its creamy, coffee-flavored goodness. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll pair it with a light dessert wine or some fresh berries for a sweet contrast. Trust me, these combos make every bite even better!

Coffee Pairings

Since coffee plays such a big role in tiramisu, it’s only natural to think about what kind of brew pairs best with it. I love serving a strong espresso alongside—its bold flavor cuts through the dessert’s creaminess, balancing each bite. If you prefer something smoother, a latte works beautifully, adding a milky contrast. For a cold option, iced coffee with a hint of vanilla complements the tiramisu’s sweetness without overpowering it. Just avoid anything too bitter or acidic—it can clash with the delicate layers. Trust me, the right coffee turns each forkful into a little celebration.

Dessert Complements

While a great coffee pairing enhances tiramisu, it’s even better when served alongside other treats. I love pairing it with fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, for a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness. A scoop of vanilla gelato or creamy mascarpone ice cream adds a cool, smooth contrast. For a bit of crunch, I’ll serve biscotti or almond cookies on the side. Sometimes, I’ll even whip up a light fruit salad with honey and mint. These simple additions make the dessert feel more complete, turning a slice of tiramisu into a full, satisfying treat.

Share your Recipe