Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: classic easy tiramisu! This delightful Italian treat is like a hug in a dish, with its luscious layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese. The best part? You don’t even have to turn on the oven! This no-bake dessert is perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find it hard to believe something so rich and decadent can be so easy! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be savoring every delicious bite in no time.
Ingredients for Classic Easy Tiramisu
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best classic easy tiramisu. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled: The stronger, the better! This is what gives your tiramisu that delightful coffee flavor.
- 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur: This adds a lovely depth to the coffee flavor. You can use something like Kahlúa for that extra kick!
- 3 large eggs, separated: You’ll need the yolks for the creamy filling and the whites for a light texture—so don’t skip this step!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the mascarpone mixture beautifully.
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese: The star of the show! It’s what makes this dessert so rich and creamy.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to perfection, it lightens up the mascarpone mixture.
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies: These are the perfect vehicle for soaking up that coffee goodness.
- Cocoa powder for dusting: This adds a lovely finish and a hint of bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference in this luscious dessert!
How to Prepare Classic Easy Tiramisu
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this dreamy classic easy tiramisu! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Just follow these steps, and don’t forget to let it chill for at least 4 hours—this is crucial for the flavors to meld beautifully!
Step 1: Prepare Coffee Mixture
Start by combining the cooled strong brewed coffee and coffee liqueur in a bowl. Give it a gentle stir to mix them together. This mixture is where the ladyfingers will get their delicious coffee flavor, so you want it to be well combined. Set it aside and let those aromatic scents fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Mixture
In a separate bowl, whip the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until they become pale and creamy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s like magic watching it transform! Then, gently mix in the mascarpone cheese until everything is smooth and lovely. Don’t rush this step; it’s important to get rid of any lumps!
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Next, grab another bowl and whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. You want it nice and fluffy! Just be careful not to over-whip it; we want it to be creamy, not grainy. This adds a light texture to your tiramisu that makes it feel extra special!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and fold gently to keep that airiness. This is what gives your tiramisu that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Just be patient and mix until it’s combined!
Step 5: Assemble the Tiramisu
Time to layer it up! Take your ladyfinger cookies and dip them into the coffee mixture briefly—don’t soak them too long or they’ll get too soggy. Lay half of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over them, smoothing it out evenly. Repeat this step with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture. It’s like building a delicious coffee-flavored castle!
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Finally, cover your assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours—trust me, if you can manage to leave it overnight, do it! The flavors will deepen and meld together perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, dust the top with cocoa powder for that classic finish. Slice it up and get ready for the compliments to roll in—this dessert is a showstopper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in just 30 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy.
- No-Bake Delight: Forget about turning on the oven! This dessert chills in the fridge, making it perfect for warm days.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of mascarpone cheese and whipped cream creates a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.
- Impressive Layers: The beautiful layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy filling not only taste amazing but look stunning on the table.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a casual weeknight treat, this tiramisu is always a hit.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment! You can adjust the coffee strength or add flavored liqueurs to make it your own.
Tips for Success
Getting the perfect classic easy tiramisu is all about the little details, and I’ve got some tips that will help you nail it every time!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mascarpone and eggs make a huge difference in flavor and texture. You want that creamy goodness to shine!
- Chill Overnight: If you can, let your tiramisu chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives it that signature texture we all love.
- Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers: Dip them quickly! You want them moist but not mushy. A quick dip will do the trick to keep them just the right texture.
- Experiment with Coffee Strength: If you like a bolder coffee flavor, feel free to brew your coffee a little stronger—or even add an extra splash of coffee liqueur for a fun twist!
- Dust Just Before Serving: Dusting with cocoa powder right before serving keeps it looking fresh and prevents it from getting soggy. Plus, it’s the perfect finishing touch!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a classic easy tiramisu that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every luscious bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, if you’re curious about what’s in this delightful classic easy tiramisu, here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional information. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 5g
This classic easy tiramisu is a rich treat, so it’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a little indulgence. Enjoy it, and remember, a little goes a long way with this creamy delight!
FAQ about Classic Easy Tiramisu
Can I make classic easy tiramisu without eggs?
Yes, absolutely! If you prefer to avoid raw eggs, you can use whipped cream cheese or a store-bought egg substitute to achieve a creamy texture. Just remember, the flavor will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious!
How long does classic easy tiramisu last in the fridge?
Your tiramisu will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge!
Can I use decaf coffee for this recipe?
Of course! If you’re sensitive to caffeine or just prefer decaf, go right ahead. The flavor will still shine through—just make sure it’s strong and bold!
What can I substitute for coffee liqueur?
If you don’t have coffee liqueur on hand, you can use chocolate liqueur or even a splash of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. Just adjust to your taste!
Can I freeze classic easy tiramisu?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze tiramisu! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It should last up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your classic easy tiramisu properly is key to enjoying it at its best! If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.
First, make sure to cover your tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. It’s best to keep it in the original dish you made it in, but if you need to transfer it, use an airtight container.
Your classic easy tiramisu will stay good in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just remember, the longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld and develop! So if you can resist, it might actually taste even better after a day or two.
Now, about reheating—good news! You don’t actually need to reheat tiramisu; it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled. Just take it out of the fridge, slice it up, and dust with a bit more cocoa powder if you like, right before serving. This little finishing touch brings it back to life and makes it look even more inviting!
So, whether you’re savoring a slice on its own or sharing with friends, just remember: classic easy tiramisu is best enjoyed cold and creamy. Indulge in every delightful bite!

Classic Easy Tiramisu: 6 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic easy tiramisu is a delightful Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Combine coffee and coffee liqueur in a bowl.
- Whip egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
- Mix in mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- Dip ladyfingers into coffee mixture briefly.
- Layer half of the dipped ladyfingers in a dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Dust with cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- Use strong coffee for better flavor.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Chill overnight for best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: classic easy tiramisu, Italian dessert, no-bake dessert