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Tiramisu Recipe | Tiramisu Cake

Rich and creamy, this easy tiramisu recipe is one of the best desserts we’ve ever had the privilege of devouring. A showstopping no-bake treat, Tiramisu Cake is guaranteed to impress your guests. 

a tiramisu cake dusted with chocolate shavings on top
Tiramisu Cake is a LOT easier to make than it appears; it’s an outstanding dessert for any celebration.

Tiramisu Recipe: What Exactly Is It? 

If you’ve never had a classic tiramisu cake, prepare for your mind to be blown. We’ve traveled the globe taste-testing this scrumptious dessert, and our no-bake recipe still remains our favorite version to this day. Truly indulgent, it is a type of Italian cake that is made with ladyfinger cookies that have been dipped in coffee and are often soaked in alcohol. They are then layered with a decadent whipped mixture consisting of eggs, sugar, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa. The end result is a beautiful fluffy cake with a rich coffee and chocolate taste. 

What Is In Tiramisu Cake?

The ingredients used in this tiramisu recipe are simple and few yet so rich in taste. Here’s what you’ll need: 

  • Coffee, sugar, Kahlua, and rum are melted together to form the base of flavors in this tiramisu recipe. 
  • Egg yolks, Marsala wine, and more sugar are whisked together to form a fluffy cream especially when you beat mascarpone in, and we do. 
  • Ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits) are dipped in the coffee mixture and used to form the “crust” or base of this tiramisu recipe. 
  • A dusting of cocoa powder and a sprinkle of semi-sweet chocolate shavings are used to top off the cake and create a beautiful presentation that will have you positively drooling. 
a tiramisu cake on a cake stand without ladyfingers around the edges
If edges of your tiramisu cake are uneven, you can cover them with ladyfinger cookies around the edges.

Pro-Tips: How to Make Tiramisu

Although it looks complicated, tiramisu cake is actually quite simple to make. To ensure it comes out perfectly every time, we’re giving you our best tips and tricks. Here they are: 

Work Fast. Delicate and sponge-like, ladyfinger cookies will absorb the coffee mixture quickly. So be sure to work quickly to prevent them from becoming soggy. 

Separate the Eggy Yolks and Egg Whites. Take extra care to completely separate the egg yolks from the egg whites before adding them to the whipped mix. Otherwise, it will collapse, and you won’t achieve the thick, fluffy peaks we’re looking to create. 

Take Note of Your Pan Size. Depending on whether you use a 9 or 10-inch springform pan, you may need to add more or less ladyfingers around the edge. 

Prepare Your Tiramisu Ahead of Time. Believe it or not, this tiramisu recipe is even tastier when served the next day! Trust us, it’s worth the wait. 

Storage Options

It’s hard not to eat your cake all at once. However, if you’ve got the willpower to save it for later, it can easily be wrapped with cling wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Or, keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To do so, leave off the cocoa powder and chocolate shavings. Then, place a layer of cling wrap on top of the tiramisu. Tightly wrap the cake in tin foil, and transfer it to the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and add the toppings just before serving. 

a tiramisu recipe with ladyfingers wrapped in red ribbon
Add a dusting of cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate shavings for the most indulgent cake.

Common Questions About This Tiramisu Recipe

What if I can’t find ladyfingers? 

Don’t worry! You can easily replace the ladyfinger cookies with a similar alternative such as Margherite cookies or panettone

Can I use decaf coffee

Yes. For a tiramisu recipe that won’t keep you up all night long, feel free to replace the coffee with decaf instead. For best results, brew strong decaf for using in the recipe.

Can I use a different type of alcohol? 

Sure! In fact, if you’d rather, you can leave the alcohol out altogether. Or replace it with coffee liqueur, dark rum, brandy, or Amaretto instead. 


More to Bake and Eat


Also Try Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake (Gluten-Free)

Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

side image of tiramisu topped with cocoa powder and wrapped in a red ribbon

Tiramisu Recipe

4.92 from 46 ratings
Rich and creamy, this easy tiramisu recipe is one of the best desserts we’ve ever had the privilege of devouring. A showstopping no-bake treat, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients  

Instructions

  • Stir strong coffee, 1 TB sugar, Kahlua, and rum until sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large metal bowl, beat egg yolks, Marsala, and 1/2 cup sugar. Set bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water.
  • Using a handheld electric mixer or whisk, mix until tripled in volume. This takes about 8 min. Remove from heat and beat mascarpone in until just combined.
  • Put heavy cream in a chilled bowl with chilled beaters. Beat until stiff peaks. Fold whipped cream in mascarpone mixture gently, taking time to fully incorporate it.
  • One at a time, very gently dip both sides of each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, lining bottom of a 9-10 inch Springform pan (I use a 9 inch). Dip and line as you go. The ladyfingers can break apart, so don’t dip them too long; just until mostly soaked through, about a 2-second dip on each side. Trim any ladyfingers as needed so that it fits comfortably in pan.
  • Split mascarpone filling in half. Spread half of the filling on top of ladyfingers. Repeat dipping and lining for second layer of ladyfingers. Spread remaining mascarpone filling on top. Dust with cocoa. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Chill overnight in springform pan to set.
  • Carefully release sides of springform. If your sides are slightly haphazard, no worries. Take leftover ladyfingers, slice them in half, and use them to wrap around your Tiramisu.

Notes

Entire dessert can be made up to a day ahead of time; cover and chill until ready to serve.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating ♡

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 559kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 207mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 0.03g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1567IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Method: No cook

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Recipe Rating




43 comments

    • nicoleflintkontrol

    I saw this on your Instagram and I started drooling! This would be perfect for a potluck at work or the holidays!

    • lucicoo

    This looks so delicious. Having this would give me a little pep during the holiday season.

    • Daria

    My husband loooooves Tiramisu… will definitely try this for him

    • Emma, PathofPresence

    Oh my – the photos look decadent and recipe – doable. I think I’m in for a project this weekend!! Thanks for sharing this!!

    • Bhushavali

    AS much I’d totally love to make and eat it, since I’m breastfeeding now, alcohol is off-limits for me now. This recipe is really tempting me though.

    • Jess (tonyandkimoutdooradventures)

    A liqueur dessert is a sure way to warm up this winter and this classic tiramisu is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

    • Different Frame of Mind

    Oh my goodness! All of these desserts look incredible! I am going to have to try these! I always love no bake desserts, as they are super easy and very tasty all at the same time. Loved this post, thank you for sharing!

    • Vasundhra

    I have never tried to make Tiramisu but these pictures are amazing and I am inspired to try this recipe. The other desserts look great too!

    • Cia Black
    • 5 stars

    I can see why this would disappear in one sitting. Oh and just wanted to let you know we are trying your thumbprint cookies this weekend , super excited for that.

    • Are We Adults Yet

    This looks so good! I love the way you put the ladyfinger cookies around the edge for decoration, it looks super impressive.

    • Courtney Blacher

    That is a no bake recipe? It looks so nice and yummy! I can’t resist to try this recipe.

    • alainamonster

    Tiramisu is one of my favourite desserts. I love that this is no-bake and only takes 30 minutes. Perfect for the holiday season!

    • Alicia Taylor at Taylorlife.com
    • 5 stars

    That is gorgeous! I am responsible for making a dessert for my mother-in-laws Christmas party. I was thinking about buying a frozen apple pie, but this looks delicious.

    • Dia Darling

    This is so pretty. I don’t think I’ve ever had tiramisu. Haha no lie but it’s beautiful.

      • chewoutloud

      Oh my, Dia, you have to try tiramisu soon! 🙂

    • Sue Meo

    You say to line the bottom of the pan for the Tiramasu but the sides look lined?

      • chewoutloud

      yes, the bottom is first lined and you form the “cake” first. The sides are lined last, once the tiramisu is built 🙂 really easy once you start and so so good!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

    • Karolina | But, First, Tea!

    I’m adding your blog to my favorites! you had me at ‘tiramisu’ 🙂 Very detailed directions as well – thanks:)

      • chewoutloud

      Aww, thank you, Karolina!! 🙂

    • Emily Fata

    Your tiramisu (as well as all of your other baked goods) looks incredible! This is the perfect recipe for me to add to my list of things to bake for Christmas dinner this year. 🙂

    • Nisi Wanders

    Oh my kids love this. Seems so easy I may even attempt it! Wish me luck! 🙂

    • Venus Fitness-Shannon

    Those raspberry Cheesecake bites looks YUMMY! and i like that the heading says impressively easy…that is my cooking language.

    • roadtowajnblom

    OMG I’m drooling! This tiramisu looks AMAZING! And it’s so beautifully placed.

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