Ice Cream Tiramisu Cake Recipe – Easy, No Bake & Frozen Delight

Hi friends—it’s Chef James from Tiramisucake.com! On hot summer days, I crave desserts that feel decadent but cool and refreshing. That’s why I created this Ice Cream Tiramisu Cake. Imagine the classic Italian layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone, but transformed into a frozen masterpiece with creamy vanilla gelato.

This tiramisu ice cream cake dessert is not only indulgent but also no-bake, making it perfect for summer birthdays, BBQs, or dinner parties when the oven is off-limits. If you’ve ever wondered how to take tiramisu to the next level, this is the recipe to try.

For more inspiration, don’t miss our pillar hub: Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try. Chocolate lovers can dive into Chocolate Tiramisu, while coffee fans should sip along with a cozy Tiramisu Latte.

As part of my E-E-A-T approach, I’ve tested this recipe for taste and practicality. I also follow USDA Food Safety guidance to ensure safe handling of dairy and frozen ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy ice cream tiramisu cake → Minimal prep, no oven required.
• No bake ice cream tiramisu cake → Perfect for summer gatherings.
• Crowd-pleaser → Layers of coffee, cocoa, and ice cream make it unforgettable.
• Best ice cream tiramisu cake for birthdays, holidays, and cookouts.
• Customizable → Try coffee, chocolate, or fruity spins.

👉 Question for you: will you make your version coffee-rich, chocolatey, or keep it classic?

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this frozen delight. I’ll also share alternatives to fit your taste.

Base

• Ladyfingers (1 package) – For that authentic Italian bite. If unavailable, swap with graham crackers or sponge cake.
• Espresso or strong coffee (1 cup) – Essential for flavor. Use decaf for a family-friendly option.

Cream & Ice Cream Layer

• Vanilla ice cream (1 quart) – Let it soften slightly for easier spreading.
• Mascarpone cheese (8 oz) – Adds a creamy tang, or swap for Greek yogurt.
• Heavy cream (1 cup, whipped) – For richness and structure.
• Sugar or maple syrup (2–3 tbsp) – Adjust to taste.

Flavor Boosters & Toppings

• Cocoa powder (2 tbsp) – Classic tiramisu dusting.
• Chocolate syrup or shavings – For a more indulgent finish.
• Optional: rum or coffee liqueur (1–2 tbsp) – For adult versions.

👉 Chef James’s tip: For a homemade ice cream tiramisu cake, churn your own vanilla ice cream and layer it with mascarpone cream for unbeatable freshness.

For a fruity twist, you can top with berries like in our Blueberry Tiramisu.

How to Make Ice Cream Tiramisu Cake (Step by Step)

Follow these simple steps to create a layered showstopper:

1. Prepare the base → Brew espresso and let it cool. Quickly dip ladyfingers one by one—don’t soak them.
2. First layer → Arrange soaked ladyfingers in a loaf pan or springform pan.
3. Add ice cream → Spread softened vanilla ice cream evenly over the base.
4. Mascarpone cream → Whip mascarpone, heavy cream, sugar, and a touch of vanilla until fluffy. Spread over the ice cream.
5. Repeat layers → Add another row of dipped ladyfingers, then more ice cream and cream. This creates your layered ice cream tiramisu cake effect.
6. Freeze → Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
7. Dust & serve → Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and drizzle chocolate syrup.

👉 Chef James’s extra tip: Line your pan with parchment paper for easier removal. This way, your no bake ice cream tiramisu cake will slice cleanly into picture-perfect layers.

For a fruity spin, pair it with Raspberry Tiramisu for contrast.

Tips & Variations

The beauty of this frozen dessert is how versatile it can be. Here are some of my favorite spins:

• Coffee ice cream tiramisu cake → Replace vanilla with coffee ice cream for an extra espresso kick.
• Chocolate ice cream tiramisu cake → Use chocolate ice cream layers and drizzle fudge between each one.
• Italian ice cream tiramisu cake → Stick with mascarpone, espresso, and a splash of Marsala wine for the most authentic flavor.
• Fruit boost → Add raspberries, blueberries, or mango cubes between layers for a refreshing twist.

👉 Chef James’s tip: For birthdays, I like to freeze the cake in a springform pan and decorate the top with chocolate curls. It turns this easy ice cream tiramisu cake into a true centerpiece.

Storage & Freezing

This dessert was designed to be freezer-friendly, making it perfect for advance prep:

• Freezer storage: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Your frozen ice cream tiramisu cake will last up to 5 days.
• Serving: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing so it cuts cleanly.
• Meal prep tip: Slice into individual portions, wrap, and store separately for easy grab-and-serve treats.

👉 Pair a slice with a scoop of Ube Tiramisu for a playful flavor duo.

FAQs About Ice Cream Tiramisu Cake

What to Serve With Ice Cream Tiramisu Cake

This frozen dessert is indulgent on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:

• Coffee pairings → Espresso, cappuccino, or a frothy Tiramisu Latte.
• Fresh fruit → Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or mango chunks for a refreshing contrast, inspired by Mango Tiramisu and Blueberry Tiramisu.
• Italian cookies → Serve with biscotti or amaretti for extra crunch.

👉 Chef James Tip: Add a drizzle of espresso syrup when serving to intensify the coffee flavor.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this ice cream tiramisu cake recipe, here are more creative twists to try:

• Chocolate Tiramisu – for true cocoa lovers.
• Raspberry Tiramisu – fruity, tart, and refreshing.
• Mixed Berry Tiramisu – perfect for summer.
• Ube Tiramisu – a colorful, trendy take.

And don’t forget to explore our full collection: Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try.

Recipe Card – Ice Cream Tiramisu Cake

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Conclusion

And that’s how you make the ultimate Ice Cream Tiramisu Cake—a no-bake, freezer-friendly dessert that blends creamy gelato with classic Italian flavors. Whether you keep it simple with vanilla or experiment with coffee and chocolate layers, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

For more indulgent twists, explore our hub: Tiramisu Variations – 25 Modern Recipes You Need to Try.

As always, I follow USDA Food Safety recommendations and apply E-E-A-T principles—testing each recipe for safety, flavor, and practicality so you can enjoy it with confidence.

👉 Now it’s your turn: will you serve this frozen cake for a summer BBQ, a birthday celebration, or just a weeknight treat?