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Fluffy Italian Coffee Dessert

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Quickly dunk ladyfingers in strong coffee mixture. Spread a layer of whipped sweet mascarpone cream in your dish. Keep adding alternating layers until you've filled the container. Sprinkle cocoa on top, refrigerate overnight. No oven needed, just patience for proper setting. You'll get a stunning dessert that tastes authentically Italian.

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Updated on Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:08:29 GMT
A piece of tiramisu, layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, sits on a white plate dusted with cocoa powder. Pin it
A piece of tiramisu, layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, sits on a white plate dusted with cocoa powder. | cookingkitchn.com

Ever wondered about tiramisu? Our no-fuss Italian dessert brings this coffee-soaked delight straight to your home. If you've tasted tiramisu at fancy places or always wanted to whip it up yourself, this straightforward approach delivers genuine Italian flavors with minimal work. With coffee-dipped ladyfingers and smooth mascarpone, our version matches what you'd get at top-notch restaurants.

Reasons to Whip Up This Delightful Tiramisu

This version stands out from other options because it's uncomplicated yet packed with flavor. We skip raw eggs but keep all the authentic goodness you'd want. It works perfectly for celebrations or when you just need something sweet after dinner. Don't worry if you're new to baking—we've broken everything down into easy steps anyone can follow.

Essential Ingredients for Amazing Tiramisu

  • Heavy Whipping Cream: You can't make proper tiramisu without it
  • Mascarpone Cheese: The heart and soul of true Italian tiramisu
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and ties all flavors together
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds that wonderful background note
  • Cold Espresso: The signature element that makes tiramisu special
  • Coffee Liqueur: You can skip it, but it adds nice depth
  • Ladyfingers: They form the backbone of the dessert
  • Cocoa Powder: For that classic dusted finish on top

Steps to Create Your Dreamy Tiramisu

Whip Your Cream:
Beat heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks that hold their shape.
Work With Mascarpone:
Carefully fold the cheese into your whipped cream mixture.
Get Your Coffee Ready:
Mix your espresso with liqueur for that trademark flavor.
Begin Building:
Start by quickly dipping ladyfingers in coffee mix.
Spread Some Love:
Cover with a generous layer of your mascarpone mixture.
Keep Going:
Add another round of soaked cookies and cream.
Finish Beautifully:
Sprinkle cocoa powder across the entire top.
Be Patient:
Stick it in the fridge so all those flavors can get friendly.

The Story Behind Italian Tiramisu

Tiramisu is all about those beautiful layers working together. Unlike baked desserts, it needs time in the fridge to become its best self. You'll soon discover you don't need to visit fancy Italian places to enjoy this treat—just good stuff from your grocery store and a bit of waiting time.

What Makes Truly Outstanding Tiramisu

The magic happens with good mascarpone. Our approach creates that smooth, velvety texture you'd get at an upscale restaurant without any complicated tricks. When you blend your cream and cheese just right, you'll end up with that cloud-like consistency everyone loves.

The Coffee Experience

Tiramisu wouldn't be the same without its coffee flavor. We've found the sweet spot between coffee strength and liqueur. You can adjust these elements to suit your own taste buds, making each batch uniquely yours.

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. | cookingkitchn.com

Tricks for Flawless Tiramisu

Getting tiramisu right comes down to chilling time. It works way better when left overnight in the fridge, letting everything mingle nicely. Whether you're making it for the first time or the fiftieth, remember that waiting makes all the difference.

Add Your Personal Touch

The best versions allow for tweaks and changes. While keeping the core elements intact, feel free to adjust this dessert to match your preferences. Maybe you want more coffee kick or less sweetness—whatever makes you happiest is the right way to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Skip the booze?

Extra vanilla does the trick. Just brew coffee stronger. Maybe add a splash of cream. It'll still taste amazing. Perfect for family gatherings.

→ How long to chill?

About four hours will do in a pinch. Overnight works much better though. Gives everything time to meld together. Don't cut corners on cooling. You'll thank yourself later.

→ Can you freeze it?

Leave off the cocoa for now. Wrap everything tightly. Stays good frozen for three months. Let it thaw slowly in your fridge. Add fresh cocoa before serving.

→ No strong coffee?

Any dark roast can work. Make regular coffee double strength. Instant coffee works in a pinch. You really need that coffee flavor to shine through. Weak coffee won't cut it.

→ Good for veggies?

Absolutely - nothing meaty here! Just double-check your mascarpone ingredients. Most brands are vegetarian-friendly. Contains only dairy and eggs. Pretty straightforward ingredients.

→ Getting too wet?

Just dip cookies briefly. A second or two is plenty. Never soak them completely. Put them in the pan right away. Stiffer cream helps everything stay together.

→ Taking it places?

Transport it chilled in a container. Bring cocoa powder separately. Dust it when you arrive. Maybe bring extra cream just in case. Avoid rough roads.

→ Need it faster?

Use store-bought ladyfingers. Prepare coffee ahead and cool it. Whip cream quickly. Reduce chilling time. It'll still taste pretty good.

→ Making big batch?

Simply double everything. You'll need a larger dish. Adding more layers works fine. Monitor your cream quantities. It'll need extra cooling time.

→ Want more coffee kick?

Try using real espresso. Mix in some coffee powder. Brew your coffee extra strong. Even try mocha flavors. Just don't make it soggy.

→ Cream not thick?

Whip it a bit more. Keep ingredients cold. Check expiration dates. Fresher ingredients work better. You might need to strain it.

→ Layers falling?

Press down very gently. Make sure your cream stays firm. Don't build it too tall. Cool between adding layers. A straight-sided container helps a lot.

Conclusion

Want more? Try adding egg to the cream next time. Or go for chocolate coffee combinations. They're both impressive yet simple.

Coffee Mascarpone Dessert

No-bake Italian delight.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 9 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups heavy cream for whipping.
02 8 ounce pack of mascarpone cheese, left out to reach room temp.
03 1/3 cup white sugar.
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla.
05 1 1/2 cups espresso, thoroughly chilled.
06 3 tablespoons boozy coffee flavor (try Kahlua or DaVinci if you want).
07 1 package of Savoiardi Lady Fingers.
08 Some cocoa powder to sprinkle on top.

Instructions

Step 01

Pour your heavy cream into a bowl and start beating at medium speed with your electric mixer or stand mixer. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla while you keep mixing until the cream forms stiff peaks.

Step 02

Take your softened mascarpone and carefully fold it into your whipped cream mix until everything's smooth. Put this creamy goodness aside for now.

Step 03

Get a shallow dish and fill it with your cold espresso and coffee liqueur if you're using it. Quickly dunk each ladyfinger - they should get wet but not turn to mush.

Step 04

Put your coffee-soaked ladyfingers down in one layer covering the bottom of your 8x8-inch dish or something close to that size.

Step 05

Take half your mascarpone mix and spread it evenly over those ladyfingers.

Step 06

Place another row of coffee-dunked ladyfingers on top and then cover them with what's left of your mascarpone cream.

Step 07

Get your fine strainer and shake cocoa powder all over the top until it looks pretty. Stick it in the fridge for at least 3-4 hours, but letting it sit overnight works even better.

Notes

  1. You don't need booze in your tiramisu if you don't want it. The coffee liqueur makes the coffee taste richer, but you can swap in Marsala or even brandy if that's more your style.
  2. This dessert tastes way better when made the day before. It'll stay good in your fridge for 2-3 days, and the flavors get friendlier with each other over time.
  3. Want to make it ahead and freeze? Make the whole thing but skip the cocoa on top. Wrap it up tight with plastic and foil, then pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and add the cocoa just before you serve it.

Tools You'll Need

  • Square 8x8 pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Sifter or small mesh screen.

Allergy Information

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