Description
A simple, no-bake tiramisu made with mascarpone, heavy cream, and ladyfingers. This easy dessert requires zero baking and delivers rich, café-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) strong espresso or coffee, cooled
- 1 package (about 200g) ladyfingers
- 2–3 tablespoons bitter cocoa powder, for dusting
- 2 tablespoons Marsala wine or rum (optional)
Instructions
- Brew strong espresso or coffee and let it cool completely to room temperature. If using alcohol, stir it into the coffee now.
- In a medium bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula until combined into a light, airy mousse. Do not overmix.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee for 1-2 seconds per side. They should be soaked but not falling apart.
- Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish or trifle bowl.
- Spread half of the cream mixture over the first layer of cookies.
- Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the cream.
- Spread the remaining cream mixture over the top layer, smoothing it evenly.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
- Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder using a sieve or microplane.
- Slice with a sharp knife and serve cold.
Notes
Keep mascarpone and cream cold before starting to ensure proper whipping and setting. Do not over-dip the ladyfingers or they will become soggy. This dessert improves in flavor when made the night before. It does not freeze well due to texture changes in the dairy cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake tiramisu, mascarpone dessert, easy tiramisu, espresso dessert, gluten-free dessert, make-ahead dessert, Italian dessert, 3-ingredient dessert