Simple tiramisu dessert with ladyfingers, mascarpone, and coffee layers.

Irresistibly Simple Tiramisu Dessert Recipe You’ll Love

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simple tiramisu dessert recipe on your mind but zero time to fuss? I get it. Some nights you want something impressive without pulling every bowl out of the cabinet. The Irresistibly Simple Tiramisu Dessert Recipe You’ll Love is my answer to tired weeknights, last minute guests, or just a craving that will not wait. It is creamy and coffee kissed, yet it comes together fast and tastes like a café treat. I will walk you through each step so you can dive in with confidence and a spoon. Let’s make dessert feel easy again and ridiculously good.
simple tiramisu dessert recipe

What is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a classic Italian no bake dessert that layers coffee soaked ladyfingers with a cloud of mascarpone cream. The name loosely means pick me up thanks to espresso and cocoa, and honestly, that is exactly how it feels with the first bite. You get soft, cake like layers from the ladyfingers, a silky filling that balances sweet and tangy, and that little dusting of cocoa that makes it restaurant pretty.

Traditionally, tiramisu can include whipped egg yolks and whites for richness and lightness. My home version keeps the spirit, but streamlines the process so you can have it ready in minutes. The Irresistibly Simple Tiramisu Dessert Recipe You’ll Love is all about smart shortcuts, clean flavors, and reliable results. You still get real espresso flavor, proper Italian mascarpone, and an airy cream that sets beautifully in the fridge.

One more reason I adore it. Tiramisu is the kind of dessert that tastes like you worked for hours, but you only did a little stirring and dunking. It is a make ahead champion too, which makes you look ultra organized when friends pop by.

“I tried your quick tiramisu for a Sunday dinner and it set perfectly overnight. My family asked for seconds and my sister requested the recipe. It is a keeper.”

When you want dreamy comfort without turning on the oven, this is your dessert. The Irresistibly Simple Tiramisu Dessert Recipe You’ll Love has become my go to for every season, and it never disappoints.
simple tiramisu dessert recipe

How to Make My Tiramisu Recipe in 10 Minutes

Ingredients

  • Ladyfingers or savoiardi, about 24 to 30 pieces
  • Mascarpone cheese, 16 ounces, chilled
  • Heavy whole cream with at least 36 percent fat, 1 and 1/2 cups
  • Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup, or to taste
  • Pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
  • Espresso or strong coffee, 1 and 1/2 cups, cooled
  • Cocoa powder for dusting
  • Optional: 1 to 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur for the espresso

Directions

  • Whip the whole cream to soft peaks. Add sugar and vanilla, then whip just to medium peaks. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, gently loosen the mascarpone with a spatula until smooth. Do not overmix.
  • Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone in two additions until silky and unified.
  • Combine cooled espresso with liqueur if using. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for 1 to 2 seconds per side.
  • Layer half the ladyfingers in a dish. Spread half the cream on top. Repeat with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
  • Dust generously with cocoa powder. Chill for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours or overnight.

Quick Tips

Use cold mascarpone so it stays thick and creamy. Dip ladyfingers quickly so they do not get soggy. Chill long enough for flavors to marry and layers to set. A small metal sieve makes that cocoa dusting look pro with zero effort. If you are new to no bake treats, you might also like my favorite roundup of no bake desserts for more easy inspiration.

That is it. No fuss, no special tools, and no baking. When I say the Irresistibly Simple Tiramisu Dessert Recipe You’ll Love takes 10 minutes to assemble, I mean it. Let the fridge do the heavy lifting while you go live your life.
Irresistibly Simple Tiramisu Dessert Recipe You’ll Love

Can You Make 10-minute Tiramisu With Other Flavors?

Variations That Still Taste Like Tiramisu

Absolutely. The classic coffee and cocoa duo is magic, but there is room to play without losing the soul of tiramisu. Here are ways I switch it up when I want something fresh but familiar:

Mocha: Stir a tablespoon of melted dark chocolate into the mascarpone, and use espresso as usual. Finish with a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.

Hazelnut: Add a spoonful of hazelnut spread to the cream, and swap in a splash of hazelnut liqueur in the coffee. Dust with cocoa and crushed toasted hazelnuts.

Almond Orange: Add almond extract to the cream and rub orange zest into the sugar before whipping. Dip ladyfingers in coffee mixed with a little orange juice.

Berry Kissed: Brush dipped ladyfingers with a thin layer of raspberry jam and keep the top classic with cocoa. The tartness is lovely against the creamy filling.

Decaf and Kid Friendly: Use decaf espresso or strong decaf coffee, and skip the liqueur. You still get the signature flavor, just a gentler lift.

If you want to fine tune your coffee choice, I wrote a quick guide on picking the right beans and intensity for desserts. Check it out here for a simple espresso guide that keeps the flavor balanced and smooth. And yes, every variation still uses the same base from the Irresistibly Simple Tiramisu Dessert Recipe You’ll Love because the foundation is that good.

How to store it?

Fridge or Freeze

Short answer: the fridge is your best friend. Tiramisu tastes even better after a rest because the flavors mingle and the texture turns custard like and dreamy. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cocoa will darken a bit as it absorbs moisture, which is normal. If you want a super clean look for serving, dust a fresh layer of cocoa right before slicing.

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Freeze the whole dish or slices on a tray, then wrap tightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture stays surprisingly nice, especially because we use whole cream and mascarpone which hold up well. I do not recommend thawing on the counter since the cream layer prefers a slow chill to return to its best state.

One extra tip: if you know you will freeze some, skip the final cocoa dusting and add it after thawing. This keeps the top pretty for serving and avoids any damp spots.

Why use whole cream?

Great question. The type of cream you use makes or breaks this dessert. Whole cream with at least 36 percent fat whips into a stable, lush cloud. That higher fat content helps the cream hold its shape as it folds into mascarpone and then sets in the fridge. Lower fat creams can turn watery, deflate faster, or split when mixed.

I also find that whole cream gives you that buttery mouthfeel you expect from tiramisu. It is the difference between good and “please give me another slice” good. When you pair it with chilled mascarpone and a gentle folding technique, you get a filling that slices neatly, feels light, and still tastes indulgent.

For flavor, whole cream carries the vanilla and espresso notes beautifully. It does not feel heavy because we do not whip to stiff, just to medium peaks. The Irresistibly Simple Tiramisu Dessert Recipe You’ll Love trusts simple ingredients, and whole cream is one of those tiny choices that deliver big results.

Common Questions

Do I need to use espresso or can I use regular coffee?
Use espresso if you can for the deepest flavor, but very strong coffee works. Brew it a little stronger than usual and let it cool before dipping.

Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes. The dessert is delicious without liqueur. Simply use plain espresso or strong coffee and proceed as usual.

What if I cannot find mascarpone?
Look in the specialty cheese section. If it is unavailable, blend room temp cream cheese with a touch of heavy cream until smooth. It is not identical, but it works in a pinch.

How long should it chill before serving?
At least 1 hour for a quick set. Four hours or overnight is best for clean slices and deeper flavor.

How do I avoid soggy ladyfingers?
Dip quickly, one to two seconds per side. They should be moist outside and still a bit firm inside. Do not soak.

Sweet Wrap Up

That is the whole playbook for making a gorgeous tiramisu with almost no effort. The Irresistibly Simple Tiramisu Dessert Recipe You’ll Love is fast to assemble, flexible with flavors, and reliable for make ahead moments. If you want another take or love a step by step approach, this Easy Tiramisu recipe lays out a classic method, and this Easy 10 Minute Tiramisu Recipe shows just how quick it can be. Now grab your bowl, brew that espresso, and treat yourself to a chill dessert that truly earns the wow.
simple tiramisu dessert recipe

10-Minute Tiramisu

A quick and easy tiramisu recipe that comes together in minutes, featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone.
Temps de préparation 10 minutes
Temps total 1 heure
Portions: 8 servings
Type de plat: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 260

Ingrédients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 24-30 pieces Ladyfingers or savoiardi
  • 16 ounces Mascarpone cheese, chilled
  • 1.5 cups Heavy whole cream with at least 36 percent fat
  • 0.5 cups Granulated sugar, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups Espresso or strong coffee, cooled
  • Cocoa powder for dusting
  • 1-2 tablespoons Coffee liqueur (optional) For added flavor in the espresso

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whip the whole cream to soft peaks. Add sugar and vanilla, then whip just to medium peaks. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, gently loosen the mascarpone with a spatula until smooth. Do not overmix.
  3. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone in two additions until silky and unified.
  4. Combine cooled espresso with liqueur if using. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for 1 to 2 seconds per side.
  5. Layer half the ladyfingers in a dish. Spread half the cream on top. Repeat with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
  6. Dust generously with cocoa powder. Chill for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

Use cold mascarpone to ensure it stays thick and creamy. Dip ladyfingers quickly to prevent sogginess. Chill long enough for flavors to meld and layers to set. If freezing, dust with cocoa after thawing.

10-Minute Tiramisu

A quick and easy tiramisu recipe that comes together in minutes, featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone.
Temps de préparation 10 minutes
Temps total 1 heure
Portions: 8 servings
Type de plat: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 260

Ingrédients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 24-30 pieces Ladyfingers or savoiardi
  • 16 ounces Mascarpone cheese, chilled
  • 1.5 cups Heavy whole cream with at least 36 percent fat Important for texture
  • 0.5 cups Granulated sugar, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups Espresso or strong coffee, cooled
  • to taste Cocoa powder for dusting
  • 1-2 tablespoons Optional coffee liqueur For added flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whip the whole cream to soft peaks.
  2. Add sugar and vanilla, then whip just to medium peaks. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, gently loosen the mascarpone with a spatula until smooth. Do not overmix.
  4. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone in two additions until silky and unified.
  5. Combine cooled espresso with liqueur if using.
  6. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for 1 to 2 seconds per side.
  7. Layer half the ladyfingers in a dish. Spread half the cream on top. Repeat with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
  8. Dust generously with cocoa powder.
  9. Chill for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

Use cold mascarpone so it stays thick and creamy. Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid sogginess. Chill long enough for flavors to marry and layers to set. A small metal sieve can help achieve a professional look for cocoa dusting.

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