No-Bake Tiramisu Cake Recipe – 5 Easy Steps for a Creamy Italian Dessert

Slice of no-bake tiramisu cake with cocoa dusting.
A creamy slice of no-bake tiramisu cake served with espresso.

Hi friends—Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com! Some desserts just scream “comfort without effort,” and my No-Bake Tiramisu Cake is one of them. When summer in the U.S. gets hot and the last thing you want is to turn on the oven, this chilled Italian-inspired treat comes to the rescue. It’s creamy, elegant, and layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers—yet requires zero baking.

I first made this recipe during a family reunion in July, when my kitchen felt more like a sauna. Everyone expected a show-stopping dessert, but I wasn’t about to preheat the oven. That’s how this easy no bake tiramisu cake became a staple in my home.

This recipe is part of our pillar guide Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try, where you’ll also find fruity spins like Mango Tiramisu, refreshing twists like Blueberry Tiramisu, and playful desserts such as Tiramisu Cupcakes.

With my E-E-A-T promise, I test all recipes for taste, practicality, and safety, always double-checking cold-storage recommendations with the USDA and referencing experts like Serious Eats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy. This no bake tiramisu cake recipe requires just 20 minutes of assembly time.
  • Family-friendly. Safe to prepare ahead, adjust the coffee strength, or make it decaf for kids.
  • Best no bake tiramisus cake for parties. No oven stress, yet looks like a pastry shop dessert.
  • Customizable. From a light no bake tiramisu cakes with Greek yogurt to a no bake tiramisu cake without eggs, it’s adaptable.
  • Perfect balance. Creamy mascarpone, coffee-dipped ladyfingers, and cocoa dusting give classic tiramisu vibes in a chilled cake form.
  • Dessert or breakfast. Yes, I’ve sneaked in a slice with morning coffee before!

👉 What about you—will your version be a classic no bake tiramisu cakes or something bold like a no bake chocolate tiramisu cake?

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients flatlay for no-bake tiramisu cake.
Fresh ingredients for making a creamy no-bake tiramisu cake.

Here’s your shopping list for this no bake tiramisu cake dessert:

Base & Layers

  • Ladyfingers (1 pack) – Essential for structure. Choose crisp ones so they soak espresso just right. (no bake tiramisu cake with ladyfingers)
  • Espresso or strong coffee (1 cup, cooled) – For dipping. Use decaf if serving kids. (coffee no bake tiramisu cake)
  • Cocoa powder (2–3 tbsp) – Dusting for the authentic tiramisu look.

Cream Filling

  • Mascarpone cheese (8 oz) – Classic Italian richness.
  • Heavy cream (1 cup, whipped) – Adds airiness.
  • Sugar (2–3 tbsp) or maple syrup – Adjust sweetness.
  • Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Balances bitterness from coffee.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Greek yogurt – For a light no bake tiramisu cake.
  • Eggless option – Skip zabaglione; mascarpone + whipped cream works perfectly (no bake tiramisu cake without eggs).
  • Chocolate twist – Add cocoa between layers for a no bake chocolate tiramisu cake.

👉 If you love decadent versions, check out our Chocolate Tiramisu for even more cocoa-forward inspiration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ladyfingers dipped in espresso for no-bake tiramisu cake.
Preparing the coffee-soaked ladyfinger layer for no-bake tiramisu cake.

Follow these easy steps to build your No-Bake Tiramisu Cake:

Step 1 – Prepare the coffee.
Brew espresso or strong coffee, then let it cool.

Step 2 – Dip the ladyfingers.
Quickly dunk each ladyfinger in coffee and layer them in a square dish. (classic no bake tiramisu cake)

Step 3 – Make the cream.
Whip heavy cream, then fold it into mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4 – Assemble.
Spread half the cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers. Dust with cocoa. Add a second layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, then the remaining cream. (mini no bake tiramisu cakes work great in small jars too).

Step 5 – Chill.
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for flavors to meld.

Chef James’s tip: Use a springform pan lined with parchment if you want clean edges and easy slicing.

👉 For a fruity spin, swap one cream layer with fresh berries inspired by our Raspberry Tiramisu.

Tips & Variations

Creamy mascarpone layer spread in no-bake tiramisu cake.
Spreading mascarpone cream layer over ladyfingers.

The beauty of a No-Bake Tiramisu Cake is how flexible it can be. Here are some spins to try at home:

  • No bake chocolate tiramisu cake. Add cocoa between every layer or drizzle with melted chocolate.
  • Coffee no bake tiramisu cake. Double the espresso strength for bold flavor, or use decaf for kids.
  • No bake tiramisu cake for holidays. Add Amaretto or Baileys to the cream for festive flair.
  • Light no bake tiramisu cake. Swap mascarpone for Greek yogurt to cut richness without losing creaminess.
  • Mini no bake tiramisu cakes. Assemble individual jars—perfect for parties.

👉 Chef James’s tip: I love dusting cocoa between each layer. It gives a café-style look and deepens the chocolate flavor.

If you’d like more creative riffs, don’t miss our complete guide: Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try.

For fruit lovers, a twist like Mixed Berry Tiramisu pairs beautifully with this chilled cake.

Storage & Freezing

Another reason this easy no bake tiramisu cake is a favorite? It stores beautifully.

  • Fridge: Keep covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil; it lasts up to 2 weeks. Let it soften 15 minutes before serving.
  • Portion tip: Slice into squares before freezing for grab-and-serve convenience.

If you’re a fan of colorful variations, try serving alongside Ube Tiramisu for a playful dessert duo.

Chef James presenting a no-bake tiramisu cake in the kitchen.
Chef James showcasing his no-bake tiramisu cake recipe.

FAQs About No-Bake Tiramisu Cake

1. What makes this the best no bake tiramisu cake?

It delivers authentic tiramisu flavor—espresso, mascarpone, cocoa—without the oven.

2. Can I make a no bake tiramisu cake without eggs?

Yes! The cream base works perfectly with just mascarpone and whipped cream.

3. Is there a way to make a light no bake tiramisu cake?

Swap mascarpone with Greek yogurt for fewer calories and extra protein.

4. How do I prepare mini no bake tiramisu cakes?

Assemble in small jars or ramekins, layering just like the larger version.

5. Can I make a coffee no bake tiramisu cake kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Use decaf or soak ladyfingers in hot cocoa instead.

6. How can I serve this dessert at a party?

Prepare a no bake tiramisu cake for holidays in a springform pan and top with chocolate curls.

👉 For even more inspiration, explore our hub: Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try.

Pair it with a cozy Tiramisu Latte for a complete Italian café experience.

What to Serve With No-Bake Tiramisu Cake

This creamy dessert shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with:

  • Espresso or cappuccino. A natural match, or go bold with a Tiramisu Martini.
  • Fresh fruit. Berries, mango, or citrus slices balance richness.
  • Lighter options. For variety, serve alongside Tiramisu Chia Pudding.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If this No-Bake Tiramisu Cake made your day, I’ve got more recipes you’ll love from Tiramisucake.com:

Recipe Card – No-Bake Tiramisu Cake

📋 No-Bake Tiramisu Cake Recipe

Print
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Slice of no-bake tiramisu cake with cocoa dusting.

No Bake Tiramisu Cake

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This No-Bake Tiramisu Cake delivers all the creamy, espresso-soaked magic of classic tiramisu—without the oven. With layers of mascarpone, whipped cream, and cocoa-dusted ladyfingers, it’s a perfect chilled dessert for summer gatherings or cozy nights.

  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 pack ladyfingers (Savoiardi)

1 cup espresso or strong coffee (cooled)

23 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)

8 oz mascarpone cheese

1 cup heavy cream (whipped)

23 tbsp sugar or maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: 1 tbsp coffee liqueur or Amaretto

Optional: Greek yogurt (swap for mascarpone for a lighter version)

Instructions

1. Brew espresso or strong coffee, then let it cool.

2. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso and place in a dish.

3. Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

4. In another bowl, mix mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

5. Fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.

6. Spread half of the cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers.

7. Dust with cocoa powder.

8. Add a second layer of espresso-dipped ladyfingers.

9. Spread remaining cream mixture evenly.

10. Dust with cocoa powder again.

11. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Notes

Use decaf coffee for a kid-friendly version.

Line your pan with parchment paper if you’d like clean edges.

Top with shaved chocolate or berries for extra flair.

Swap mascarpone for Greek yogurt to lighten the dessert.

Great for parties—prep the night before and chill overnight.

  • Author: Tiramisu Cake
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 55mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Part 11. Conclusion

That’s it, friends—your step-by-step guide to a creamy, crowd-pleasing No-Bake Tiramisu Cake. Whether you prepare it as a light no bake tiramisu cake for weeknights, a mini no bake tiramisu cake for parties, or a no bake chocolate tiramisu cake for cocoa lovers, it never disappoints.

For more creative ideas, check out our full collection: Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try.

As always, I build and test recipes with E-E-A-T in mind, aligning with USDA food safety standards and drawing inspiration from culinary experts at Serious Eats.

👉 Now it’s your turn: try this no-bake wonder and let me know—will yours be a classic coffee version, a lighter yogurt twist, or something festive for the holidays?

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