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
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- 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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hi..when we r using cake sponge instead of ladyfingers, can we still dust the cocoa on the soaked sponges n then add mascarpone filling n repeat the layering?
pls suggest
Yes of course, Megha
I love no-bake desserts and this one is so pretty!! I never seen a tiramisu so gorgeous before!! It’ll be a fantastic centerpiece in any dessert table!! Can’t wait to make it!!
Thank you so much, Aline. I hope you try this one.
What a great non-bake dessert idea! I love the layers of cookies and all of the traditional flavors of Tiramisu!
Thanks, Nicole
I love cool and creamy Tiramisu and made into a cake is pure genius. I can not wait to make this cake. You make this sound like a cinch with your easy the follow directions. This will be perfect for a party we are having next week,
Thanks, Debbie. It really is very simple and easy.
I’ve never tried Tiramisu Cake, but I’m loving how creamy this looks and the thick layers. Of course, this No-Bake option takes the cake for me!
Thank you Shanika. It sure is creamy
This cake looks SO perfect! One it is tiramisu! My favorite! Two, it’s perfect for parties! Slices into amazing portions. LOVE
Absolutely, Kita. Perfect for parties.
You can’t go wrong with Tiramisu, and presenting it in cake form is impressive and makes a statement. Perfect festive cake or celebratory cake.
Thanks, Loreto. True, it made an impressive celebration cake.
I made this recipe for Christmas and got nothing but thumbs up from my family! One of my favorites now! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you so much, Tami. So happy to hear your family enjoyed this recipe. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.
This was so decadent! Going to try your no churn Tiramisu ice cream next!
Thanks, Jen. So happy you enjoyd this recipe. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.