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No-Cook Tiramisu

Layers of espresso-dipped ladyfinger cookies with creamy mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa powder. The iconic Italian-American dessert.

30 minMediumServes 8280 cal/serving

Italian-AmericanDessertNo-CookVegetarianEgg-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp espresso powder
  • 1/2 cup hot water
  • 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (Kahlua)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 24 cookies ladyfinger cookies
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 oz dark chocolate (optional), shaved

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp espresso powder and 1/2 cup hot water until dissolved. Stir in 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (Kahlua). Let cool to room temperature.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks. Set aside.

  3. 3

    In another bowl, whisk 1 lb mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

  4. 4

    Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until no white streaks remain.

  5. 5

    Briefly dip each 24 cookies ladyfinger cookies into the cooled espresso mixture (about 1 second per side) and arrange in a single layer in an 8x8 dish.

  6. 6

    Spread half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfinger layer.

  7. 7

    Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then top with remaining cream.

  8. 8

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

  9. 9

    Dust generously with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and scatter 1 oz shaved dark chocolate (optional) over top just before serving.

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Questions

Why fold instead of stir in No-Cook Tiramisu?

Step 4 reads: "Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until no white streaks remain." Folding keeps the air you just beat in. Stirring at step 4 would knock it out and the result would come out dense.

What can I use instead of mascarpone in No-Cook Tiramisu?

The entry for No-Cook Tiramisu calls for 1 lb mascarpone cheese. In its place: Beat full-fat cream cheese with a splash of heavy cream until loose and smooth.

Can I make No-Cook Tiramisu dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (1 lb mascarpone cheese, 1 cup heavy cream) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free dessert collection instead.

Is No-Cook Tiramisu vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1 lb mascarpone cheese and 1 cup heavy cream. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Can I make No-Cook Tiramisu ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Keep No-Cook Tiramisu covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days. Chilled and set desserts lose their texture in the freezer.

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