Easy Cheat’s Tiramisu
Preparation time: 1 hour + 4-6 hours chilling time | Serves: 4 people
I was never a fan of coffee flavoured desserts, so tiramisu was usually off the cards for me. It wasn’t until I moved to Australia where the coffee culture is unmatchable, that I learnt to appreciate the taste of quality coffee. Now, tiramisu is a regular craving, and while it’s easily available in restaurants, I love whipping up this cheat’s tiramisu recipe at home.
It uses rich mascarpone and whipped cream for the filling - instead of the traditional method that uses raw eggs (hence the ‘cheat’s recipe). While it may sound complex, it’s a deceptively easy dessert with most the time spent letting it set to cloudy, bitter-sweet perfection.
What goes in a traditional tiramisu -
Tiramisu is a no-bake Italian dessert that has become popular worldwide. Traditional Italian tiramisu is made with high-quality, simple ingredients that allow this rich dessert to really shine. It uses ladyfingers (savoiardi) - long, finger shaped sponge biscuits that are relatively flavourless but have spongy interiors perfect for absorbing coffee while retaining their shape. Other key ingredients include mascarpone (a soft Italian cream cheese), raw eggs (whipped and folded into the mascarpone for that light, airy texture), and of course, strongly brewed espresso coffee.
How to make my homemade tiramisu -
My easy tiramisu recipe is such a crowd pleaser! I’ve made it for several dinner parties and potlucks and it always goes down a treat. I like to set it in a 1l glass container (20.4cm L x 15.4cm W x 6.9cm - D) which makes it easy to assemble, store and transport.
For this eggless tiramisu recipe, I use store bought ladyfingers, mascarpone, whipped cream, vanilla essence and coffee. I often make mine boozy with Bailey’s and Mr. Black coffee liquor along with espresso shots, I have included the recipe for this version in the recipe notes below.
This make-ahead tiramisu dessert needs a few hours to set properly, so I recommend making it ahead of time and dusting with cocoa powder just before serving. I always find it tastes better the next day - if you can make yourself wait that long.
Ingredients
250 gms mascarpone
200 ml thickened cream
1 tsp. vanilla essence
Pinch of salt
100 gms brown sugar (or more, depending on how sweet you want it)
12-14 ladyfingers
3 heaped tbsp. cocoa powder + more for dusting
4 espresso coffee (around 120ml)
6-8 tbsps. hot water
Method
In a deep bowl, fold the mascarpone with vanilla essence, sugar (you can add 2-3 tbsps. more sugar according to taste) and salt. Whisk by hand until soft peaks form.
Add the thickened cream, fold until combined, then whisk until semi-stiff peaks form. Refrigerate for 30 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.
In a wide, shallow bowl, mix cocoa powder, coffee and hot water until smooth with no lumps. The mixture should be the consistency of brewed coffee and deep enough to dunk the ladyfingers.
Quickly dip each ladyfinger (about 20-30 seconds per side) and arrange in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish.
Spread half of the chilled mascarpone mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers, smoothing with a spoon or palette knife.
Repeat with another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the surface and refrigerate for 4-6 hours until set.
Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder.
Serve chilled.
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Swaps, Serves & Storage
Can I swap mascarpone for cream cheese?
Mascarpone is an Italian soft cheese with a delicate flavour and rich, buttery texture. I wouldn’t recommend swapping it with cream cheese in a pinch, as you won’t be able to replicate the distinct, creamy texture of tiramisu. Look for it in the speciality cheese section of the supermarket or Italian grocers.Can I make this recipe boozy?
I love making this tiramisu recipe boozy! I like to add around 60 mls Bailey’s to the mascarpone mix. Refrigerate before whipping for the best consistency. I also love adding a shot of Mr. Black coffee liquor to the coffee and chocolate mix for dunking.Can I make a coffee-free tiramisu?
I have made this recipe for my mum without the coffee and it turns out just as good! Use an additional tbsp. of cocoa powder and hot water instead of espresso to dunk the ladyfingers.How long can I store this tiramisu?
Store the tiramisu in an air-tight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Tips & Tricks
Dipping the ladyfingers - Ladyfingers are quite delicate when dunked and can often crumble into a soggy mess. Be quick while you dip them - you’ll see the colour changing through the sponge which is a good indicator of how much liquid they have absorbed.
Good quality coffee - Use the good stuff in this recipe. It’s not like a brownie or cake that can be baked and is just there to enhance the chocolate flavour - it IS the flavour.
Check out my other dessert recipes -
The Best Chocolate Tart
Brown Butter Fig & Almond Cake
Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting
Cherry Mascarpone Tart
