No-Bake Tiramisu Cake
This no-bake tiramisu cake is layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a custardy mascarpone cream, then chilled until it sets firm enough to slice like a cake. It has the same classic flavors, just presented in a more structured way.
My daughter loves tiramisu, so for her birthday I turned it into a cake. Same classic layers, just set in a pan so it slices clean and feels a little more like a celebration dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
- Layers set firm enough to slice clean
- Smooth, light mascarpone cream with egg yolk custard and whipped cream.
- No baking required, so easy to put together
- Easy to assemble ahead of time – perfect for entertaining.
- Same classic tiramisu flavor. Rich custard, coffee, and whipped cream.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Mascarpone is the base of the cream and should be full-fat for the best texture. It needs to be soft enough to mix smoothly but not overworked.
- Heavy cream is whipped and folded into the mascarpone to create a light, airy filling that still holds its shape.
- Powdered sugar sweetens the cream and blends easily without leaving any graininess.
- Vanilla adds flavor and balances the coffee.
- Coffee should be strong and completely cooled before using. Warm coffee will soften the ladyfingers too much.
- Ladyfingers form the structure of the cake. They are dipped briefly in coffee and layered to create distinct layers.
- Cocoa powder is dusted on top just before serving for the classic finish.
- Alcohol is optional and can be added to the coffee for extra flavor.
Step-by-step: No-Bake Tiramisu Cake
Egg yolk mixture
Place the egg yolks, salt, and half the sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Whisk for a few minutes until the mixture becomes pale, slightly thick, and fluffy. Remove from the heat, add the vanilla and alcohol, and set aside to cool completely.
Whip the cream
Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until it reaches soft to medium peaks. It should hold its shape but still look smooth.
Prepare mascarpone
In a separate bowl, stir the mascarpone just until smooth and creamy. Do not overmix.
Make the filling
Fold the cooled egg yolk mixture into the mascarpone until combined. Then fold in the whipped cream gently with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and no streaks remain.
Prepare coffee soak
Pour cooled coffee into a shallow bowl and add alcohol if using.
Assemble the cake
Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee and arrange in a single layer in a springform pan or cake pan. Spread a layer of mascarpone cream over the top. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and cream until you reach the top, finishing with cream.
Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, so the cake sets properly.
Finish and serve
Dust the top with cocoa powder just before serving. Slice with a sharp knife for clean layers.
Tips for Success
- Use cold cream and mix the mascarpone gently to keep the filling smooth.
- Dip the ladyfingers quickly so they don’t become soggy.
- Let the cake chill long enough so it firms up before slicing.
- Fill pan to about ¾ full max
- Smooth sides clean
- Chill overnight before unmolding – That’s how you get those clean bakery-style slices
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cake too soft | Not chilled long enough | Chill overnight |
| Cream too loose | Cream under-whipped | Whip to medium peaks |
| Layers soggy | Ladyfingers soaked too long | Quick dip only |
| Grainy filling | Mascarpone overmixed | Mix gently |
more Tiramisu recipes
- Best Tiramisu Recipe (Classic)
- The BEST Skinny Tiramisu EVER
- Tiramisu Cups • Mini Dessert Cups
- Tiramisu Ice Cream
- Irresistible Tiramisu Cream Puffs
- Fried Tiramisu Donuts
Frequently asked questions
Tiramisu is best served within 48 hours. But leftovers will stay in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Yes, at all times. This Tiramisu is made with cream cheese and whipped cream, which are both perishable ingredients, so this cake needs to be refrigerated at all times.
Mascarpone is a rich Italian cream cheese with a high-fat ratio of over 45% and the essence of Tiramisu. You can also use high-fat cream cheese instead. It won’t be a Tiramisu without mascarpone, but still a delicious cream cheese layer cake.
No-Bake Tiramisu Cake
This no-bake tiramisu cake is made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a smooth mascarpone cream, then chilled until firm enough to slice like a cake.
Ingredients
- 500 g (18 oz) Mascarpone cheese
- 6 large Egg yolks
- 100 g (½ cup) Sugar
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Alcohol – dark rum, brandy optional
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 500 ml (2 cups) Heavy cream cold
- 120 g (1 cup) Powdered sugar adjust to taste)
- 1½ tsp Vanilla extract
- 360 ml (1½ cups) Strong coffee or espresso cooled
- 2 – 3 tbsp Alcohol (Rum, Marsala, or Coffee Liqueur) optional
- 350 g (pieces) Ladyfingers depending on size
- 2 – 3 tbsp Cocoa powder for dusting
Method
- Egg yolk mixture – Place the egg yolks, salt, and half the sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Whisk for a few minutes until the mixture becomes pale, slightly thick, and fluffy. Remove from the heat, add the vanilla and alcohol, and set aside to cool completely.6 large Egg yolks, 100 g Sugar, ¼ tsp Salt, 2 tbsp Alcohol – dark rum, brandy , 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Whip the cream – Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until it reaches soft to medium peaks. It should hold its shape but still be smooth.500 ml Heavy cream , 120 g Powdered sugar , 1½ tsp Vanilla extract
- Prepare the mascarpone – In a separate bowl, stir the mascarpone just until smooth and creamy. Do not overmix.500 g Mascarpone cheese
- Make the filling – Fold the cooled egg yolk mixture into the mascarpone until combined. Then fold in the whipped cream gently with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and no streaks remain.
- Prepare the coffee soak – Pour the cooled coffee into a shallow bowl and add alcohol if using.360 ml Strong coffee or espresso, 2 – 3 tbsp Alcohol (Rum, Marsala, or Coffee Liqueur)
- Assemble the cake – Dip each ladyfinger briefly in the coffee and arrange in a single layer in a springform pan or cake pan. Spread a layer of mascarpone cream over the top. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and cream, finishing with cream on top.350 g Ladyfingers
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 6–8 hours, preferably overnight, until firm.
- Finish – Dust with cocoa powder just before serving. Slice with a sharp knife for clean layers.2 – 3 tbsp Cocoa powder
Notes
- Use cold cream and mix mascarpone gently for a smooth filling.
- Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid soggy layers.
- Chill overnight for best texture and clean slices.
- Bottom: 1 layer dipped ladyfingers
- Middle: half the cream
- Second: another layer ladyfingers
- Top: remaining cream
- Optional (if you want a taller cake):
- Add a third thin layer of ladyfingers + cream
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
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This cake sounds delicious!! I have never made tiramisu before, but I need to give it a go because I sure love eating it 😉
Thanks, Cathleen. It really is very easy to make this – you must try.
Gorgeous photos! I was looking for something no-bake (after cooking for 22 on Christmas day, I have seen enough of the stove!) for New Year’s Eve, this is perfect! It looks so rich and decadent!
Thank you, Jacqu. Yes, I love making no-bake desserts from New Years too. Something less time consuming.
We loved this, it tasted just like classic tiramisu!
Thank you, Annie.
Oh wow, this tiramisu cake is such a showstopper! It’s delicious, decadent, and the best part is I was able to make it a few days in advance. It kept in the refrigerator and was ready to go during my holiday party! Cannot wait to make this beauty again.
Thank you so much, Candice. So happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.
Wow, this looks perfectly decadent! Thanks for breaking down the recipe to make it as simple as possible to follow. I know it’ll be a hit at our party this weekend.
Thank you, Demeter.
I was looking for a crowd pleasing dessert for New Year’s Eve, and I’ve found it! The prep time is quick, and I love that I can make it the day before and allow it to set.
Thanks, Alison. This would be perfect for News Years
Great dessert recipe! Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome Julie
This looks incredible and the fantastic treat for this festive season – love that it is no bake too!
Thank you, Bintu.
I too am a fan of tiramisu and I love that this is a no bake recipe. Everything you make is so good Veena but this one has my name on it! I might have to check out the skinny version too.
Thank you so much, Denise. So happy you like my recipes. I hope you try this one.
This is my husband’s favourite cake. I really should try making it.
Thanks, Dannii. Let me know if you try it Thanks