Classic Tiramisu Recipe – Easy No-Bake Italian Dessert

Hello friends, Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com 👨‍🍳. Today, I’m excited to bring you one of Italy’s most beloved desserts: the Classic Tiramisu Recipe.

I still remember the first time I made tiramisu in my grandmother’s kitchen in Florence. She would always remind me: “James, never soak the ladyfingers too long, or you’ll end up with a soggy mess!” That tip has stayed with me and it’s one I’ll share with you today.

Why is this dessert such a hit in the U.S.? Because it’s indulgent yet light, sophisticated yet simple. Best of all, this easy Italian dessert recipe requires no baking — making it the perfect make-ahead treat for dinner parties, holidays, or even a cozy weeknight indulgence.

👉 If you’re curious about tiramisu’s origins and fun variations, don’t miss our main guide: The Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu.
And if you’d like to explore modern twists, check out:

• Easy Tiramisu Recipe – quick and beginner-friendly
• Vegan Tiramisu – dairy-free, plant-based delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This authentic tiramisu is bound to become your go-to dessert. Here’s why:

• ✅ Authentic & traditional – based on the Italian method
• ✅ Easy to prepare – simple steps with no fancy equipment
• ✅ No baking required – a true “set it and forget it” dessert
• ✅ Balanced flavors – bold coffee, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa
• ✅ Family-friendly – alcohol-free and customizable with decaf coffee

👉 Quick question for you: do you prefer your tiramisu classic and traditional, or are you adventurous enough to try flavors like Matcha Tiramisu or Pumpkin Tiramisu?

Ingredients Needed

To make this traditional tiramisu recipe, you’ll need just a handful of quality ingredients:

• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits) – The base of tiramisu. Their dry texture absorbs coffee beautifully. Available at Trader Joe’s, Costco, or online.
• Mascarpone cheese – The heart of the cream. I recommend Galbani, one of the best mascarpone brands for tiramisu.
• Egg yolks + egg whites – Yolks add richness, while whipped whites bring that airy texture. For an egg-free option, see our Tiramisu without Eggs.
• Granulated sugar – To sweeten and stabilize the cream mixture.
• Strong coffee or espresso – Brewed and cooled. Decaf works great for kids or late-night desserts. (We keep it alcohol-free for a family-friendly recipe.)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Dust generously on top for that signature tiramisu look.
• Optional: dark chocolate shavings – Adds depth and a gourmet touch.

👉 For seasonal spins, you can swap flavors. For example, try our Strawberry Tiramisu in summer or Lemon Tiramisu for something fresh and zesty.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this classic tiramisu recipe is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Brew the coffee – Prepare a strong espresso or dark coffee and let it cool completely. (Chef James’s secret: add a drop of vanilla extract for extra depth.)
2. Separate the eggs – Place egg yolks in one bowl and egg whites in another.
3. Whisk the yolks and sugar – Beat together until pale and creamy. Add mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth.
4. Whip the egg whites – Beat until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold them into the mascarpone mixture. 👨‍🍳 Chef James’s Tip: Fold gently with a spatula to keep the cream airy and light, which is key to an authentic tiramisu.
5. Prepare the ladyfingers – Quickly dip each Savoiardi biscuit into the cooled coffee (1–2 seconds max). Don’t oversoak them!
6. Layer the dessert – Place one layer of dipped ladyfingers in a glass dish, cover with half of the mascarpone cream, and repeat with a second layer.
7. Finish & chill – Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best for the richest flavor).

5. Recipe Tips & Variations

This traditional tiramisu recipe can be adapted in so many ways. Here are some ideas you’ll love:

• Egg-Free Tiramisu → Replace egg whites with whipped cream for a smooth and stable texture. Full instructions are in our Tiramisu without Eggs.
• Tiramisu without alcohol → Stick to strong coffee only, or add coffee syrup for extra flavor.
• Fruit twist → Try our Strawberry Tiramisu or Lemon Tiramisu for a refreshing summer dessert.
• Festive version → In fall, swap the cocoa for spiced pumpkin powder and explore our Pumpkin Tiramisu.

👨‍🍳 Chef James’s Suggestion: Top your tiramisu with pistachio crumbles for a gourmet touch, or check out our Pistachio Tiramisu.

6. Storage & Reheating

A good tiramisu actually tastes better the next day. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator → Keep covered in the fridge for 2–3 days.
• Freezer → Slice into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating → No need to reheat this dessert — it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled. For freshness, dust with a new layer of cocoa powder before serving.

👉 For more storage tricks and advanced tips, visit our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu.

7. FAQs – Classic Tiramisu Recipe

8. What to Serve With This Recipe

This classic tiramisu recipe pairs beautifully with other Italian favorites:

• ☕ Espresso or cappuccino – The perfect classic pairing.
• 🍫 Chocolate desserts – Try our Tiramisu Brownies for a decadent double treat.
• 🍮 Light Italian sweets – A panna cotta or Tiramisu Cups balance the richness.

👉 For festive menus, serve alongside Tiramisu Cheesecake for a true showstopper.

9. More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this classic tiramisu recipe, here are more tiramisu variations you’ll want to try:

• Strawberry Tiramisu – Fresh, fruity, and perfect for spring.
• Biscoff Tiramisu – A modern twist with caramelized biscuits.
• Matcha Tiramisu – A Japanese-inspired version with green tea.
• Vegan Tiramisu – A fully plant-based option that’s just as creamy

10. Recipe Card – Classic Tiramisu Recipe

📋 Classic Tiramisu Recipe

Print

11. Conclusion

And there you have it — the classic tiramisu recipe that never goes out of style. It’s rich, creamy, and elegant, yet surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, a birthday party, or just a cozy family night, this Italian dessert will always impress.

👨‍🍳 From my kitchen to yours, I hope this tiramisu brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to explore our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu for history, tips, and more delicious variations.

👉 Try it, share it, and let me know in the comments how your tiramisu turned out!

For food safety guidelines, check the USDA and for Italian cooking techniques, I recommend Serious Eats.