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Easy No-Bake Classic Tiramisu with Authentic Mascarpone Cream

A rich, layered slice of homemade tiramisu recipe, dusted heavily with cocoa powder, sitting on a white plate.

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You can make this classic Italian dessert easily at home. This no-bake tiramisu recipe uses rich espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone mixture. It is perfect for making ahead for parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup coffee liqueur or dark rum (optional)
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 package (7 ounces) ladyfingers (about 2430 cookies)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coffee soak: In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled espresso and the coffee liqueur or rum, if using. Set aside.
  2. Make the mascarpone cream base: In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened. This takes about 2 minutes.
  3. Gently whisk in the softened mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Do not overmix.
  4. Whip the cream: In a separate, clean bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
  5. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two additions until just combined. You want the cream to remain light and airy.
  6. Assemble the tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger, one at a time, into the coffee mixture. Do not let them soak too long, or they will become soggy.
  7. Arrange a single layer of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish or a similar sized serving dish.
  8. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the layer of ladyfingers.
  9. Repeat the process: Dip the remaining ladyfingers and arrange them over the cream layer. Top with the remaining mascarpone cream.
  10. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Chill the tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend and the dessert to set.
  11. Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Slice and serve this creamy dessert recipe.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use freshly brewed, very strong coffee or espresso.
  • If you skip the alcohol, add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the coffee soak for depth.
  • This dessert tastes best when made a day ahead, as the chilling time lets the ladyfingers fully absorb the coffee flavor.

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