Easy Tiramisu Recipe (No-Bake & So Creamy!)
Posted in Italian recipes, Mediterranean recipes, Recipes for a Crowd This tiramisu is an easy no-bake layered dessert made with coffee soaked ladyfingers and a light and fluffy cream cheese filling. Refrigerate until set, then cover with cocoa just before serving.
These are the kind of fancy-looking but actually quite simple desserts that only get as far as a “when you’re preparing your coffee and whipping some cream.” The layers settle gorgeously in the refrigerator and slice cleanly.
Since it’s served cold, it’s great for make-ahead parties, holidays or a weekend special as you cozy up with something creamy and coffee-forward.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake dessert that feels restaurant-quality
- Soft, airy cream layer: not too thick or heavy
- Cocoa to soften the blow of strong coffee flavor.
- Great make-ahead option for gatherings
- Simple ingredients and easy layering
Ingredients
Candy base
Cream Layer
- 2 egg yolks
- minced 1/2 c. granulated sugar (100 g.)
- 7 oz cream cheese (200 g)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup whipping cream (250 g)
Finish
Coffee Dip + Finish
- 1 1/2 tbsp instant coffee
- 7 tbsp water (100 ml)
- 28 ladyfingers (about 28 round cookies)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (20 g)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cream cheese: I recommend using full-fat for the creamy texture. If it’s really firm, let it stand at room temp 10–15 minutes to blend more easily.
- Whipping cream: Keep it cold before whipping so that it will hold peaks.
- Instant coffee: Up or down depending on how strong you want the coffee dip.
- Ladyfingers: Turn quickly or they will go soggy.
- Cocoa powder: Dust only at the last minute when you’re ready to serve for the neatest look and flavor.
How to Make Tiramisu
- Whisk yolks + sugar. In a heat proof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar to combine.
- Heat and thicken. Set bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (double boiler). Whisk constantly until it is pale, a bit thick and warm to the touch. Remove from heat.
- Add cream cheese + vanilla. Add cream cheese and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the cream. In another bowl, beat the whipping cream until thick and soft to medium peaks.
- Fold to lighten. Fold in the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and well combined.
- Make the coffee dip. Dissolve the instant coffee in water and mix well. Let it cool slightly.
- Layer. Dip each ladyfinger quickly in coffee (about 1–2 seconds) and layer them in your dish. Drape a layer of cream on top. Top with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and cream.
- Smooth the top. Top with another layer of cream and smooth over.
- Chill. Seal tightly with plastic wrap and chill until firm.
- Dust with cocoa powder just before serving.
Expert Tips
- And for double boiler, let the water gently simmer (no rapid bubbling).
- Whisk all the time so the yolks don’t overheat in only a few places.
- For layers with a clean finish, opt for an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Dunk ladyfingers quick: soak = soggy.
- Chill long enough that it can be sliced cleanly (overnight is even better).
- Dust the cocoa just before serving, so it does not get damp and spotty-looking.
- If you want a punchier coffee flavor, skip the round teaspoonful and add a tiny pinch more instant coffee.
- (Slice cleanly with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts, for neater portions.
Storage & Freezing
- Fridge: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: These keep (well-wrapped) up to 1 month in the freezer.
- To thaw: Thaw the sausage puffs overnight in the fridge. Sprinkle with fresh cocoa before serving.
Variations
- In between the layers, put some dark chocolate shavings.
- If you like, spice up the cocoa dusting with a pinch of cinnamon.
- Give it more coffee up front by adding a stronger coffee dip.
- Stir in a small teaspoon of cocoa into the cream for a mild touch of chocolate.
- ‘ Serve in single-serve cups at parties.
Tiramisu
Creamy no-bake tiramisu layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a fluffy cream cheese filling, finished with cocoa.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a heat-safe bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until combined.
- Set the bowl over gently simmering water (double boiler) and whisk constantly until pale and slightly thick. Remove from heat.
- Add cream cheese and vanilla, then beat until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip whipping cream until soft-to-medium peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy.
- Stir instant coffee into water until dissolved; let cool slightly.
- Dip ladyfingers quickly in coffee (1–2 seconds), layer in the dish, then spread cream over top. Repeat layers.
- Smooth the final cream layer on top.
- Cover and chill until set. Dust with cocoa powder right before serving.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Dip ladyfingers quickly to prevent sogginess.
- Chill longer for cleaner slices (overnight is ideal).
- For stronger coffee flavor, increase instant coffee slightly.
- Dust cocoa right before serving so it stays dry and looks fresh.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can you prepare tiramisu the day earlier?
Yes, it’s better the day after making it because it firms up and you can slice into clean lines.
Will it be too sweet?
It’s balanced with coffee and cocoa. If you like things less sweet, reduce sugar a hair next time.
How long do I dip the ladyfingers?
About 1–2 seconds per side. Quick dip only.
Can I use regular coffee instead of instant?
Yes. Replace with an equal amount of strong cooled brewed coffee.
Why is my cream layer runny?
More often, the whipped cream had been under-whipped, or it wasn’t folded in gently.
When do I add the cocoa powder?
Dust with the top right before serving for the best look and taste.
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Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
