Easy Tiramisu Recipe, my take on the classic Italian dessert, but with no alcohol and no raw eggs added to the filling. This no-bake dessert is so indulgent and heavenly rich, made with those layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and silky mascarpone filling. It's a must-have dessert for any party or celebration.
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What is Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a famous no-bake Italian dessert that has become very popular all over the world. There are many varieties out there, but it is mainly made from lady or sponge fingers dipped in coffee, mascarpone or heavy cream/whipping cream, eggs and a touch of rum.
It is heavenly flavourful and at its best served chilled from the fridge. I find that the cake tastes even better the following day l make it, as the flavours are even more intense.
It is a posh dessert, so it can definitely be a winner if you serve it at a very special occasion. Why not have a super easy Tiramisu recipe without alcohol and raw eggs, and you get the perfect treat every single time. In this way you cater for people you do not drink alcohol, and people who avoid raw eggs.
I am not a coffee lover, yet l just love the subtle taste of coffee, its bitterness makes a lovely combination with the sweetness of the cream.
Note!
Go to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions!
Ingredients overview
- lady/sponge fingers - they can be found in the baking section on most big supermarkets
- mascarpone cheese
- whipping cream - or double/heavy cream
- icing sugar - or powdered sugar
- instant coffee - smooth, rather than granules
- vanilla extract - adds more flavour, but it can be left out if you wish
- cocoa powder - for sprinkling over the tiramisu
- boiling water - for the coffee
Variations
Baked on this easy tiramisu recipe I create 3 other variations that are as easy and delicious:
- Pistachio Tiramisu, which uses pistachio cream to give it an irresistible tough
- Pumpkin Tiramisu with pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a touch of Fall and cosiness
- Dalgona Tiramisu, for an intense coffee flavour
There are, of course, countless ways to make this tiramisu your own, you can add fresh fruit to it, various other flavours like orange, lemon, lime, the sky is the limit here.
For a touch of summer, I'd definitely go for berries, my Strawberry Icebox Cake is actually pretty similar to a tiramisu, although it uses shortcake biscuits as a base instead.
Step-by-step instructions and photos
- add the expresso coffee to a cup of boiling water, give it a stir, then leave to cool down completely
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- add the cream to a large bowl, and use a hand mixer to beat everything until it holds stiff peaks
- add the mascarpone cheese and icing sugar, and mix again (see photo 3)
- line a baking tray or large dessert plate with non-stick paper
- quickly dip each sponge finger in the cold coffee, then arrange each of them in one layer
- spread half of the cream over, and sprinkle with cocoa powder
- arrange the rest of the sponge fingers, and repeat with cream and cocoa powder
- refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight
Expert tips
It's such an easy recipe, and apart from cooling the coffee, it can be ready in 10 minutes only! Festive season, Valentine's Day, birthdays or any other celebrations, this tiramisu is perfect for them all!
Make sure you don't dip the sponge fingers for too long in the coffee, otherwise they turn soggy and break up easily before arranging them onto the tray/plate.
Also, it is crucial to allow the coffee to cool down completely before using it, otherwise it will turn the cream into a proper mess.
Leave the tiramisu to chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours, ideally overnight, the cooler, then tastier.
If you’ve tried my EASY TIRAMISU RECIPE or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’m getting up to.
Easy Tiramisu Recipe ( No Alcohol)
Ingredients
- 2 packets lady/sponge fingers (125 g each packet)
- 250 g mascarpone cheese
- 300 ml whipping cream
- ½ cup icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 cup boiling water
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Instructions
- Pour boiled water into a wide bowl and add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee. Stir and then leave the coffee to cool completely.
- Use an electric mixer to beat the whipping cream until it holds stiff peaks.
- Add the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract and icing sugar, and beat again.
- Dip each lady/sponge finger one by one into the coffee for 1 second, making sure it's soaked, but not soggy. We want them to hold their shape.
- Arrange the sponge fingers on a plate, then have a layer of the cream mixture, sprinkle half of the cocoa powder, another layer of sponge fingers, and repeat until all the ingredients have been used, but make sure the top has the cream on.
- Sprinkle cocoa powder on top.
- Chill in the fridge for a few good hours, ideally overnight.
Video
Notes
- Click on the US Customary link to see the measurements displayed in cups and ounces.
- The servings can be adjusted by clicking the number next to Servings.
- Make sure you don't dip the sponge fingers for too long in the coffee, otherwise they turn soggy and break up easily before arranging them onto the tray/plate.
- Also, it is crucial to allow the coffee to cool down completely before using it, otherwise it will turn the cream into a proper mess.
- Leave the tiramisu to chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours, ideally overnight, the cooler, then tastier.
Nutrition
Tanuja says
Hi may i know what size pan have you used for the 6 person servings recipe ?
Daniela Apostol says
Hi! Mine it's is 20 cm/ 8 inches in diameter, depending on the size of the slices, you can even get 9, if they are cut smaller.
SR says
Hi,
How much is 5 packets of ladyfingers?
Daniela Apostol says
Hi! In my recipe I used 2 packets lady/sponge fingers, 125 g each packet.
SR says
Yes, but how many ladyfingers is that? I have about 96 ladyfingers in total. Thank you!
Daniela Apostol says
I’m afraid it’s an old recipe that l made some years ago, l do not recall how many l used, if you already have all the ingredients it’s best if you make it based on the tray measurements l gave. I hope it helps!
Randyski says
I made this recipe for a dinner that had 40 people. It was a hit everyone loved it. Of course I had to double the recipe. It was simple and real easy to make and it tasted delicious
Daniela Apostol says
That's amazing! I am glad everybody enjoyed it, it's such a simple yet delicious dessert!
Rebecca says
Hi there, could you double the recipe for more servings?
Daniela Apostol says
Absolutely! Double the amount if all ingredients, it will definitely work.
Lily says
Hello Daniela,
I am very happy you have a recipe of a tiramisu cake that is alcohol and egg free. I am getting ready to make this cake tomorrow for my daughter's birthday, who is now expecting her first baby. I have just one question: did you home made the "vanilla powdered sugar" or does this product actually exist in the grocery store? I went shopping yesterday for the ingredients and could not find the powdered sugar with vanilla flavor... anywhere. Could you please give me the name of the grocery store?
Thank you,
Lily
Daniela Apostol says
Hello Lily, thank you for your comment. The vanilla powdered sugar is very popular in Eastern Europe, so it’s easily available in any shops over there. But it’s completely optional, regular icing/confectioners’s sugar can be user instead, and a touch of vanilla extract.
Barbara Urlaub says
I just found your recipe and I was t to try it but I'm not seeing how much boiled water to use. Would it be one cup?
Thanks,
Barb
Daniela Apostol says
Yes, one cup should be enough.
Rania says
Hi! This recipe looks amazing! I have a silly question though… 1tsp instant coffee has to be added to what quantity of water?
Daniela Apostol says
One cup should do.
Fauzia says
Can the vanilla sugar be substituted? Can’t say Iv ever seen it in the UK
Daniela Apostol says
Yes, just use vanilla extract. And regular sugar.
Maria says
Absolutely gorgeous ... thank you for sharing this recipe
Maria says
Hi I’m trying this today but I have a question ...
You said beat the whipping cream with electric beater until it’s stiff. Then add the mascarpone and heavy cream then mix for another minute, does it mean with the electric beater as well or just fold it?
Daniela Apostol says
Hi! You can use an electric mixer for everything. I hope you like the recipe!
Maria says
Absolutely gorgeous ... thank you for sharing this lovely recipe
Karis says
Why do the ingredients say 1 cup instant coffee when the recipe uses only a tsp of it? Am I missing something?
Thank you- Karis
shailini sisodia says
you put the coffee into 1 cup of water - see the instructions!
Samira says
Can I use normal powdered sugar instead of vanilla sugar. I don’t get that in my country. Thanks
Daniela Anderson says
Of course, the vanilla one is for extra flavour, but you can make it with simple powdered sugar.
Linda says
Beautiful Tiramisu!! My son and I made one yesterday and it turned out great! I'll be sharing ours next Tuesday (1/18) - and it's definitely tough to keep those resolutions of healthier eating when there are so many wonderful recipes to try!! Thanks for sharing this great cake! 🙂
Daniela Apostol says
Thank you very much, l am glad you like it! I'm looking forward to seeing yours. It is tough indeed, hard to resist the sweet temptation ?
Jackie Corby says
please tell me what 300 g is?
Daniela Apostol says
It is 300 grams or about 10 ounces. I hope this helps, but please let me know if you need further info ?
Sonia says
Hi are sponge fingers eggless? I have not come across eggless sponge fingers in the shops please advise alternative , this recipe is not totally eggless
Daniela Apostol says
That is the correct conversion.
youthfoodblog says
Love this uniquely looking tiramisu cake!
Daniela Apostol says
Thank you very much! 🙂
Fahmida Begum says
How big is the tin that you used?
Rafee'ah says
Very nice and simple recipe altho i would suggest less mascarphone cheese and cream as there is alotttt of cream which i had leftover and was way too creamy otherwise it's perfect!
Daniela Apostol says
Thank you for the feedback, much appreciated!