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Easy Tiramisu Recipe

You won’t believe how easy this Tiramisu recipe is! A classic no-bake dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, amaretto liqueur, and powdered chocolate. Dreamy and delicious, and simple to make!

overhead shot of tiramisu in a glass with a spoon inside of it.

Heavenly Homemade Tiramisu

Tiramisu is the dreamiest dessert. Layers of sweet coffee-soaked sponge and whipped mascarpone filling, while the light and airy goodness is topped with a dusting of cocoa… Do you hear that? That’s the sound of angels rejoicing.

Whenever I spot a sale on ladyfingers, you best believe that this tiramisu is in the cards! It’s one of my favorite no-bake desserts with all of its deliciously creamy, coffee flavors. And I especially love this version, as it’s foolproof. SO simple.

So without further adieu, let’s get started with the easiest recipe for tiramisu. Possibly ever!

A spoonful of tiramisu is scooped from the glass.

What is Tiramisu?

In case you may be wondering: Tiramisu is an Italian dessert made from ladyfinger cookies dipped in coffee and liqueur, then layered with whipped mascarpone filling and dusted with cocoa powder. It requires zero baking, and it tastes incredible!

The ingredients for easy homemade tiramisu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy homemade tiramisu:

  • Egg Yolks: While a traditional tiramisu filling involves sugar with raw egg, I opt to warm and combine the egg yolks and sugar over a double boiler instead. Just in case!
  • Egg Whites: The egg whites, though, remain raw and are added into the filling later.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: I highly recommend making this recipe with mascarpone for tradition’s sake. However, if you’re stuck, cream cheese is the next best substitute!
  • Ladyfingers: I use store-bought ladyfinger cookies from my local grocery chain. You can also find them in many Italian delis! If you find ladyfingers hard to come by, you can also use sponge cake slices, pound cake, or biscotti in a pinch.
  • Espresso Coffee: Cooled down before you use it. And make it strong!
  • Disaronno Amaretto: A brand of the Italian liqueur often used in tiramisu. It really enhances the flavors! Next best options would be dark rum, brandy, or coffee liqueur (like Kahlua).
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Sugar
  • Chocolate Shavings: For garnish, optional but always recommended!

How to Make The Best Tiramisu

Did I mention that you can make this restaurant-worthy tiramisu in under an hour? Here’s a rundown of the steps involved:

The whipped mascarpone filling in a mixing bowl.

Prepare the Filling: Over a double boiler, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Pop this mixture into the fridge for a half hour to cool down again, then fold in the mascarpone. Beat the egg whites, and fold this into the mascarpone mixture too.

Soak the Sponge: One at a time, dip the ladyfingers into a mixture of espresso and amaretto. Layer the soaked sponges tightly side by side in a dish.

Make the Layers: Spread the mascarpone filling in an even layer over the ladyfingers, then give this a sprinkle with cocoa powder. Repeat this a second time with the remaining ingredients. I also like to give my tiramisu a final layer of chocolate shavings, for good measure.

Chill: Place your tiramisu in the fridge to chill for a few hours. This allows all the delicious flavors to blend together!

Can This be Made in Advance? 

Absolutely. In fact, tiramisu is even BETTER when it’s made in advance! This tiramisu can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days, giving the amazing flavors and ingredients all sorts of time to mingle. 

You can also make this tiramisu recipe ahead and then freeze it. See my section below for freezing and storing tips!

Cocoa powder is dusted over a glass of tiramisu.

Tips and Tricks

  • Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture First: Have your mascarpone cheese mixture completely ready to go before you even start to soak the ladyfingers. This way, you don’t have to leave the sponges soaking too long, while you wait to begin the layers.
  • Make Alcohol Free Tiramisu: If you’d rather make this dessert without alcohol, you can leave it out entirely. Add a couple teaspoons of vanilla extract instead for the extra flavor.
  • Do I Need To Use Espresso?: If you don’t have an espresso machine, or if you would prefer, you can substitute espresso with regular coffee or even decaf.
Homemade tiramisu in a glass.

Storage Instructions

Tiramisu can be stored airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days, wrapped in plastic wrap.

Can I Freeze This?

You can! If you’re planning to freeze this tiramisu, follow the recipe up until the final dusting of cocoa powder. Leave this off, and cover the dish tightly in plastic wrap. I like to add an extra layer of aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Store your tiramisu in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to serve it, thaw the tiramisu in the fridge. Dust with cocoa powder, and enjoy!

A spoonful of tiramisu is scooped from the glass.

More No-Bake Desserts to Try

overhead shot of tiramisu in a glass with a spoon inside of it.

Easy Tiramisu

Katerina | Diethood
A classic no-bake Tiramisu made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone. Dreamy, homemade, and so delicious!
5 from 10 votes
Servings : 8 servings
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tub (8 ounces) mascarpone cheese
  • 2 egg whites
  • 20 ladyfingers
  • 1 cup cold brewed espresso coffee
  • 2 tablespoons Disaronno Amaretto
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl combine the egg yolks and the sugar over a double boiler. Whisk for 10 minutes, continually. 
  • Cover with plastic wrap and cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  • Once cooled, fold in the mascarpone cheese.
  • Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into the mascarpone cheese mixture, continue to fold until blended.
  • In a small mixing bowl combine the espresso and amaretto.
  • Dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture, one at a time, and layer them very close together in a dish or in glass cups.
  • Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
  • Do another layer of dipped ladyfingers, and top with the remaining mascarpone mixture, then sprinkle with cocoa powder.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 hours.
  • Top with chocolate shavings before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 312 kcal | Carbohydrates: 29 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 181 mg | Sodium: 74 mg | Potassium: 109 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 10 g | Vitamin A: 672 IU | Calcium: 68 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: how to make tiramisu, italian desserts, no-bake dessert
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85 comments on “Easy Tiramisu Recipe”

  1. I was so excited to make this recipe. I’m beyond glad I did. It came out perfect and we loved every bite!

  2. I made this a few nights ago, and it only took that one time for it to become one of my new favorites. This is seriously delicious.

  3. This was a perfect (and EASY!) make-ahead dessert for a dinner party that I recently hosted. I got ooohs and ahhhs and several requests for the recipe. Thank you!

  4. Avatar photo
    Paolo @ QuatroFromaggio

    Perfect recipe! And I’m very fussy about Italian food 🙂 I normally use brandy or rum, but Amaretto matches perfectly with chocolate and coffee – I must try it next time!

  5. Avatar photo
    Tracy Wilson

    OMG that looks SO wonderful- my mouth is watering…
    Well I cant see the future but I am fairly certain that Tiramisu is close at hand.
    Looks wonderful, can’t wait to try it!

  6. Lol, cute story! I have never made tiramisu and I’m not sure if I have even ever eaten it! I guess I need to. Now to find ladyfingers 🙂

  7. Mmmm, I love tiramisu, especially homemade one. I always think it’s a dessert that tastes even more amazing made at home, than at a restaurant !

  8. Avatar photo
    The Farmers Wife

    Oh Kate… That looks spectacular!!! Love this, Tiramisu is seriously my favorite dessert ever… Yum!

  9. Avatar photo
    Roxana GreenGril

    I have the same problem here too. I almost never find lady fingers. Last time I made a cake using some I asked my friend from New York to send me some.
    Your Tiramisu looks great. If it isn’t for the eggs, I’d probably make Tiramisu weekly :))

  10. Avatar photo
    Hester aka The Chef Doc

    I’ve got leftover Savoiardi ladyfingers from the individual tiramisus I made for the baby shower. I’m going to try your recipe since it involves no heavy cream. The one I use does. I like this egg white business 🙂 Congrats on such a fab post, Kate!

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Kate@Diethood

      Hi Maureen!!

      Actually, I set up four glasses (or you can use ramekins), and layered the tiramisu inside the glasses. I wouldn’t recommend making it in a dish and then pouring it in glasses… if you want to serve it in glasses, do as I did…and before putting them in the fridge, cover each glass with plastic wrap. Hope that helps!! 🙂

  11. I love tiramisu tremendously, but I’ve never actually tried it homemade. This looks so delicious! Love it!

  12. Gourmets can use nutty Frangelico liqueur and Baileys Cream Liqueur 250 ml
    I used also 3 / 4 cup chopped roasted hazelnuts.

  13. Congratulations on making for the Top 9….it’s well deserved and my earlier comment said this would make it!

  14. Avatar photo
    Priscilla - She's Cookin'

    You’ve been ruling the Top 9 lately! Well deserved – very cute and creative way to present tiramisu. It was serendipitous that those lady fingers from the shelf 🙂 Have a fantastic 4th of July weekend, Kate!

  15. Avatar photo
    Maggie @MaggieCooks

    I’ve been dying to try tiramisu!!!!!!!
    I need to give it a try! 🙂
    Thank you for sharing this recipe and congrats on the top 9!

  16. Avatar photo
    Chris and Amy

    How lovely – a serendipitous dessert indeed! Why are ladyfingers so hard to find??!!?? Congrats on the Top 9!

  17. Not suprised this is in the Top 9 today! Love those individual servings – gorgeous and delicious!

  18. Avatar photo
    Hester Casey - Alchemy

    Kate! Wow! What a stunning photo! Congrats on the No.1 spot. This is a wonderful dessert.

  19. Oh Kate!! I haven’t made tiramisu in ages! And I agree with you… you cannot make tiramisu without espresso (and ladyfingers/savoiardi, and eggs)… it just wouldn’t taste the same!!! Yummy recipe and great pictures! Looking forward to the ice cream recipe now!

  20. Avatar photo
    Angie@Angiesrecipes

    I think they are fine even it’s due in July…well, it’s just BEST enjoyed them before July…freezing them if you can’t finish them all at once. I do that with my leftover chiffon cake too.
    Tiramisu in a glass looks petite and lovely!

  21. Do you think you could freeze the ladyfingers, or make a couple of batches and take them to a senior center? Or just have a Tiramisu feeding frenzy!!! Lovely photos Kate and Congrats again on all of your recent Top 9 spots.

  22. Avatar photo
    Ana Helena Campbell

    I really like how you presented you dessert. Your pictures are so beautiful, and your recipe looks very creative and yummy. Thanks for sharing.

  23. Avatar photo
    Emily @ Life on Food

    I have always wanted to try tiramisu. I love it. I have yet to find lady fingers though. I think I might just have to google and buy online. I love the little cups!

  24. Avatar photo
    bhavani/ameanderingmango

    This tiramisu sounds and looks delicious! I agree you shouldn’t substitute flavours of espresso and amaretto – they make the dish!

  25. Whoa whoa whoa… tiramisu ice cream? Oh you better post that soon!

    In the meantime, I think these will suffice my craving =)

  26. Avatar photo
    spcookiequeen

    You don’t have to say Tiramisu to me twice. It’s gorgeous, hope you and the family have a great holiday weekend.
    -Gina-

  27. This sounds so delicious! I’ve always wanted to make tiramisu, but haven’t gotten the chance to do it. What a lovely recipe that you shared with us! I hope to get some of those ingredients and make that soon! =]

  28. Avatar photo
    Kristen @ notsodomesticated

    This is my first time checking out your site, and I really like it! And I just have to commiserate with you… why is it that I can never find ladyfingers?! They are like this mystical ingredient that can only be found every 1,000 years! 😛 But your recipe looks amazing, so I’m glad you found them!

  29. Avatar photo
    Terris@Freeeatsfood

    This is a beautiful dessert. I love that you can fool your guests into thinking that it took all day to make too. Those are my favorite kinds of desserts. Looking forward to seeing the tiramisu ice cream recipe….with lots of amaretto I hope!

  30. Avatar photo
    Sandra's Easy Cooking

    Sounds great Kate! I love anything creamy, in my book tiramisu is one of the best desserts..really creative recipe!

  31. Avatar photo
    Nami @ Just One Cookbook

    You whip up something just because and make this beautiful tiramisu. It’s called skills… 😉 I don’t know what will come out when I whip up, but definitely not dessert… only in my dream! I enjoyed looking at your yummy dessert!

  32. This looks gorgeous! Truly the best looking tiramisu I’ve seen. Your daughter sounds just like mine in the grocery store. I’m amazed she has yet to break anything…knock on wood.

  33. Avatar photo
    Lil @ sweetsbysillianah

    hehe i would’ve done the same thing and stocked up on those 99cent lady fingers! i probably wouldn’t have been as good about using it up quickly though… tiramisu is such a classic dessert and always a fave of mine!

  34. Avatar photo
    Cassie @ Bake Your Day

    Homemade tiramisu ice cream? Yes, please!! This is my favorite dessert ever and I love your twist on it. Your photos are awesome too!

  35. Pfftthtth! You’ll fly through those ladyfingers before there’s even a threat of expiration. This tiramisu looks brilliant and I’ve noted the ‘no subsitutions!’ 🙂

  36. I love, love, love tiramisu! I made it for the first time a couple years ago and loved it so much, I never tried any other recipe, and I won’t even if they all look yummy ;).
    Tiramisu ice cream, that I can’t wait to see!!

  37. Tiramisu is one of my favorites, can’t wait to see your tiramisu ice cream! Beautiful presentation!

  38. Avatar photo
    Tori @ The Shiksa in the Kitchen

    Now THAT is some gorgeous tiramisu. Marscapone, lady fingers, amaretto… it all sounds so lovely!

  39. Avatar photo
    claudia lamascolo

    Wow this looks great we love this dessert I have only made it eggless never with eggs… nice and rich!

  40. Avatar photo
    Mike@The Culinary Lens

    I love finding stuff on sale to trigger culinary ideas. These look very tasty. Looking at your glasses I was thinking you could do this i shot glasses for a tasting menu.

  41. Avatar photo
    Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts

    So pretty, love the presentation. I don’t like coffee, so I am not a fan of tiramisu – but I really want to be!!!

  42. Your tiramisu looks amazing, Kate! I’ll have to try your recipe with Amaretto…yum! Can’t wait to see your ice cream…that sounds wonderful, too!

    PS…congrats on another gorgeous top 9!!!

  43. I love the presentation in a glass. It yells “mine!” – a perfect little treat just for one to enjoy. I can’t wait to see the tiramisu ice cream post1

  44. Avatar photo
    Felice - All That's Left Are The Crumbs

    I am glad that you found a bargain in the ladyfingers and could share this wonderful tiramisu with all of us. I have trouble finding them here too, and they are quite expensive, so I don’t make tiramisu as often as I would like to. I will definitely be on the lookout for them now so I can try your version.

  45. Hi Kate, I’m a tiramisu fan and I just love the way you’ve served this up in a glass – fresh, fun and summery.

  46. Avatar photo
    Tina@flourtrader

    Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts and yours looks simply delicious. I have bookmarked this recipe.
    I don’t like expiry dates and I wish everyone sold in bulk so you could just buy the amount that you need and use it right away. Of course, the down side would be having to go out and buy more often.

  47. Avatar photo
    Junia @ Mis Pensamientos

    hahaha love the anecdote. 🙂 the tiramisu looks fabulous!!! love the chocolate shavings you put on top!

  48. I know how you feel about the lady fingers… I can never find them! My market only sells these really cheap crappy ones 🙁 I’ve had to resort to using a pound or sponge cake in place of the lady fingers. The cake still works, but I’m like you and prefer the lady fingers for sure! I’m looking forward to your tiramisu ice cream!

  49. Great recipe and what a great bargin at the store. I love when things are on sale… but you do have to watch those exp. dates. Some of my last minute recipes come from “using” stuff up before they expire. : )

  50. Avatar photo
    Mina @ Angelloves Cooking

    Ooooo, Kate – this Tiramisu is awesome!! I’ve been planning to make tiramisu soon, soI may give your lovely recipe a try :)… Thanks for sharing!!!

  51. July 2011! Well, then, you have more than a month to go nuts on Tiramisu! But then, I also doubt they will be completely awful if you hang on to them a little longer to make wonderful desserts like this. Yum!

  52. Avatar photo
    Megan @ pipandebby

    You should have a tiramisu party! 🙂 I haven’t made tiramisu in so long. I will have to look for some 99 cent ladyfingers and give this a try. Beautiful photos, as always..

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