Easy Tiramisu Recipe – Quick, Creamy & No-Bake Italian Dessert

Hello friends, Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com 👨‍🍳. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my Easy Tiramisu Recipe — a dessert that proves Italian classics don’t have to be complicated.

I still remember the first time I made this version. I had surprise guests arriving in less than an hour, and of course, I wanted to impress them with something sweet and elegant. My grandmother’s traditional tiramisu takes time, but I quickly improvised a simplified version with mascarpone, cream, and store-bought ladyfingers. To my surprise, it was a huge hit — and since then, it’s become one of my go-to desserts for busy days.

Why do Americans love this dessert so much? Because it’s the perfect balance: indulgent yet light, sophisticated yet simple, and best of all — it’s a no-bake recipe. That makes it the ideal choice for dinner parties, holidays, or even just a weeknight indulgence.

👉 If you want to dive deeper into tiramisu’s history and techniques, don’t miss our main guide: The Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu.
And for more fun variations, check out:

• Classic Tiramisu Recipe – the traditional version.
• Vegan Tiramisu – dairy-free and plant-based.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy tiramisu recipe is designed with busy families and dessert lovers in mind. Here’s why it will become one of your favorites:

✅ Quick & simple – takes just 15 minutes to assemble.
✅ No baking required – a true “set and forget” dessert.
✅ Creamy layers – mascarpone and whipped cream create the perfect texture.
✅ Family-friendly – alcohol-free version that works great for kids.
✅ Versatile – can be adapted for holidays, fruity twists, or eggless variations.

👉 Tell me, do you like your tiramisu classic and creamy, or would you try a twist like lemon or strawberry tiramisu?

Ingredients Needed

To make this easy tiramisu recipe, you’ll need just a handful of accessible ingredients — all of which you can easily find in US grocery stores:

• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits) – The base of tiramisu. They soak up coffee beautifully without getting mushy. Available at Trader Joe’s, Costco, or online.
• Mascarpone cheese – The star ingredient that gives tiramisu its rich, creamy texture. I recommend BelGioioso or Galbani brands.
• Heavy whipping cream (30% fat) – Whipped until stiff for a light yet stable filling. Great Value heavy cream (Walmart) works perfectly.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cream and balances the espresso.
• Strong coffee or espresso – Brewed and cooled. Decaf works for kids or late-night desserts.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Classic finishing touch for dusting.
• Optional: vanilla extract or amaretto liqueur – Adds extra depth of flavor.

👉 If you’d like to explore an egg-free version, don’t miss our Tiramisu without Eggs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this easy tiramisu recipe is much simpler than you think. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a creamy, elegant dessert ready in no time:

1. Brew the coffee – Prepare a strong espresso or dark coffee and let it cool completely. (Chef James’s Tip: add a splash of vanilla extract or coffee liqueur for extra depth).
2. Whip the cream – In a large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with sugar until soft peaks form. Fold in mascarpone until the mixture is thick, smooth, and airy. This is the secret to those creamy tiramisu layers.
3. Prepare the ladyfingers – Quickly dip each Savoiardi biscuit into the cooled coffee. Don’t soak them — just a fast dip so they stay firm.
4. Layer the dessert – In an 8×8 pan, arrange one layer of dipped ladyfingers, cover with half the mascarpone cream, then repeat with a second layer.
5. Dust with cocoa – Generously sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder on top for the traditional finish.
6. Chill – Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours (overnight is even better). This allows the flavors to meld into the perfect make ahead tiramisu.

Recipe Tips & Variations

This easy tiramisu recipe is versatile and can be adapted for any occasion. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

• No alcohol → Keep it family-friendly by sticking to coffee only. Or try a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Eggless version → Swap eggs for whipped cream for a stable filling. (See our Tiramisu without Eggs for details).
• Fruity twist → Add layers of fresh berries or lemon zest for a summer-inspired dessert. Try our Strawberry Tiramisu for inspiration.
• Festive option → Infuse the cream with amaretto or rum for holidays and special gatherings.
• Chef James’s Suggestion → Sprinkle chocolate shavings between the layers for an extra decadent touch.

👉 For even more variations and creative spins, check out The Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu.

Storage & Make-Ahead

One of the best things about this easy tiramisu recipe is that it’s actually better the next day. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator → Cover tightly with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge for 2–3 days. The cream stays firm and the flavors deepen.
• Freezer → Yes, can you freeze tiramisu? Absolutely! Slice into portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Make ahead → This is the ultimate make ahead tiramisu. Assemble it the night before your party, and it will be perfectly set and flavorful by the next day.

👉 For more expert storage tips, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu.

FAQs: Easy Tiramisu Recipe

Here are the most common questions I receive about this easy tiramisu recipe:

👉 For more tips and troubleshooting, check out our Ultimate Guide to Tiramisu.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This easy tiramisu recipe pairs beautifully with other Italian favorites:

• ☕ Espresso or cappuccino – the ultimate classic pairing.
• 🍮 Light Italian desserts – serve with panna cotta or our creamy Lemon Tiramisu for a refreshing twist.
• 🍫 Chocolate lovers’ choice – double the decadence with Tiramisu Brownies.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this easy tiramisu recipe, don’t miss these other favorites from Tiramisucake.com:

• Classic Tiramisu Recipe – traditional and authentic.
• Biscoff Tiramisu – caramelized cookie twist.
• Pumpkin Tiramisu – festive and spiced for fall.
• Vegan Tiramisu – creamy, dairy-free version.

Recipe Card

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Conclusion

And there you have it — a creamy, indulgent, yet surprisingly simple dessert: the easy tiramisu recipe that anyone can make at home. With just a handful of ingredients, no baking required, and make-ahead convenience, this Italian favorite will impress every time.

👨‍🍳 From my kitchen to yours, I hope this tiramisu brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Whether you’re preparing it for a birthday, a holiday, or simply a cozy family night, this recipe is proof that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated.

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

For food safety guidelines, check USDA.
For authentic Italian cooking techniques, I recommend Serious Eats.