Tiramisu recipe without alcohol is a creamy, light-tasting, no-bake dessert that tastes great at the end of any meal. With just 6 ingredients, 15 minutes of prep time and several hours to set in the refrigerator, you can EASILY make this delicious (non-alcoholic) classic Italian dessert.
The first time I ate tiramisu in Italy, I fell in love with it. My cousin made it to serve after her incredible Italian meal and I knew it was something special even before it was discovered in America years later. Remember the scene with Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner in the movie “You’ve Got Mail”?
This is only ONE of the many great kickbacks of being 100% Italian. I get all of the great authentic Italian recipes, speak the language and get to experience the true Italian culture while visiting my extended family in beautiful, historic ITALY!
It’s the perfect summer dessert when you wouldn’t dare to turn on your oven. Also, it’s easy to make make ahead for parties and transport. You’d probably like my Tiramisu Cheesecake too. It’s also no-bake.
Disclaimer: This recipe contains Amazon affiliate links which means if you make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission but, the price you pay is the same.
Below is an image of what you need to make it. It’s just six ingredients.
Mascarpone Cheese
As for the mascarpone cheese, you can find that in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store, if it has one. That may be harder to find as well but, I do offer a substitute below just in case. You may find it at Lidl or Aldi grocery stores too.
Italian deli/bakeries seem to carry these items but, you can always check online if you don’t live near one.
Lady Fingers
Ladyfingers sound fancy don’t they? They are pictured below. You can see the cookies are sugared on one side only. These type of ladyfingers are hard in texture. Don’t confuse them with the soft kind which I find are shaped differently.
Ladyfingers can be hard to find sometimes in the grocery store. Look for them in the international foods aisle or the cookie aisle.
Raw Eggs
This tiramisu recipe uses raw eggs, egg yolks to be exact. Use pasteurized eggs for this reason.
Can you eat tiramisu straight away?
I know you want to dig in a.s.a.p. right? Unfortunately, the answer is no as far as it tasting optimal. The ladyfingers will still be hard. Therefore, it will not be appealing. It needs several hours to set.
How long does tiramisu take to set?
It takes about 6 hours (or more) for the ladyfingers to soak up the coffee flavor and moisture from the cheese mixture. Otherwise, the ladyfingers will still be somewhat hard.
Tiramisu Recipe Without Alcohol
NOTE: This recipe contains raw eggs. I suggest using pasteurized eggs.
Ingredients:
- 14 oz ladyfingers (hard, sponge-like cookies)
- 16-17 oz mascarpone cheese
- 3 egg yolks (use pasteurized eggs)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup of espresso, cooled
- 2 tbls unsweetened cocoa powder
Summary of Instructions:
*The full, printable recipe is in the recipe card. See substitutions below.
- First, make the espresso to give it time to cool. Do not add sugar.
- Meanwhile, add egg yolks to mascarpone cheese and beat for 5 minutes. Set a timer.
- Then, lie the ladyfingers in a 13″x9″x3″ pan as pictured below. You may need to cut some of them to make them fit.
- Drizzle half of the cooled espresso on them.
- Next, add the sugar to the cheese mixture and mix well.
- Then, spread half of the cheese mixture on top of the coffee-soaked lady fingers.
- Next, repeat another layer of soaked ladyfingers and cheese mixture.
- Then, sift cocoa powder on top.
- Last, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Substitutions
- Use instant espresso granules to make the espresso or use any kind of very strong coffee but, espresso is best.
- In a pinch, if you can’t find mascarpone cheese, cream cheese can be used in the same quantity.
Store Tiramisu in the refrigerator for up to five days. It can be frozen (up to three months for maximum freshness) and used later. If freezing, be sure to cover it tightly in a freezer safe container.
If you make this delicious classic tiramisu recipe without alcohol, please rate it (by assigning stars) in the recipe card. Thank you!
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More Authentic Italian recipes
I took this recipe to Weekend Potluck.
Authentic Italian Tiramisu
Ingredients
- 17.6 oz mascarpone cheese you can use about 16 oz depending on the package sizes of different brands
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 14 oz ladyfingers hard ladyfinger cookies (not the soft kind)
- 3/4 cup espresso coffee, cooled you may use very strong coffee instead
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- First, make the espresso and set aside to cool. You may use very strong coffee instead if that's what you have on hand. Do not add sugar to it.
- Next, separate the eggs and put the yolks into a large mixing bowl.
- Next, add the mascarpone cheese to the mixing bowl. Set a timer and mix for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, lie about 16 or 17 of the lady fingers sugar side up in a 13"x9"x3" baking dish (you will NOT bake this recipe) in a single layer.
- Next, using a spoon or basting brush, add half of the cooled espresso coffee evenly to the lady fingers so they are well covered.
- Then, add the powdered sugar to the cheese mixture and mix until well combined. Using a spatula, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl and stir well.
- Then, pour half of the cheese mixture on top of the coffee-soaked lady fingers and spread it evenly over them.
- Next, repeat steps four, five, and seven to make the second layer.
- Then, put the cocoa powder in a small sifter and sift it on top of the top layer evenly as shown.
- Last, cover the baking dish and place in your refrigerator for 6 hours (or more but, overnight is best) to set. Serve as cold as possible.
Notes
Substitutions
- Use instant espresso granules to make the espresso or use any kind of very strong coffee but, espresso is best.
- In a pinch, if you can't find mascarpone cheese, cream cheese can be used in the same quantity.
