If you’re craving a creamy, comforting tiramisu with vanilla wafers, welcome back to my kitchen, friends. Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com. This recipe was actually born during one of those chaotic summer BBQs when I realized I was completely out of ladyfingers. I had mascarpone, fresh coffee, cocoa… but no base. Then I spotted a box of vanilla wafers in the pantry, dipped one into the warm espresso, and instantly knew I had discovered a shortcut worth sharing.
This no-bake dessert is inspired by our most-loved creations, including the easy tiramisu recipe and the silky textures you’ll find in the classic tiramisu recipe. If you’d like to dive deeper into tiramisu variations, don’t miss our full dessert hub: the tiramisu recipes collection.
For readers who prefer quick, no-oven desserts, the no-bake tiramisu cake is another great place to start.
Here at Tiramisucake.com, all our recipes follow strict E-E-A-T standards—tested repeatedly in my home kitchen, aligned with food-safety guidelines from the USDA Food Safety Service, and inspired by trusted culinary leaders like Serious Eats, Food Network and King Arthur Baking.
Let’s build a light, creamy, coffee-soaked dessert that comes together in minutes but tastes like a pastry shop classic.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This tiramisu with vanilla wafers is one of the easiest desserts I’ve ever shared—and one of the most loved. Here’s why it deserves a place in your rotation:
- Zero baking required, perfect for hot days or busy nights.
- Layers stay soft and fluffy, thanks to naturally tender vanilla wafers.
- Fast to assemble—you can build the whole dessert in under 10 minutes.
- Kid-friendly flavor with a gentle sweetness.
- Creamy mascarpone filling inspired by our Italian-style creations.
- Works beautifully in individual portions, family-style trays, or party cups.
- Customizable using ideas from our baking hub, the complete tiramisu guide.
- Even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy tiramisu—classic, chocolatey, or with a fruity twist?
INGREDIENTS YOU NEED
Mascarpone Cream Layer
✔ 16 ounces mascarpone cheese (454 g)
This gives the tiramisu its signature silky texture.
Tip: Let it sit at room temperature 10 minutes so it blends smoothly.
✔ ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 g)
Sweetens the mascarpone without overpowering the coffee flavor.
✔ ¼ cup milk (57 g — 2% or whole milk)
Helps loosen the mascarpone into a cloud-like texture.
Substitution: heavy cream also works.
☕ Coffee Dipping Mix
✔ ½ cup strongly brewed coffee (114 g)
Freshly brewed espresso or French press.
Allow it to cool slightly before dipping the wafers.
🍪 Cookie Layer
✔ 36 vanilla wafers (135 g — Nabisco Nilla Wafers recommended)
They soften beautifully, giving a gentle cake-like feel without baking.
🍫 Finishing Touch
✔ ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (21 g)
Dust over every layer for that classic Italian tiramisu look.
⭐ Optional Flavor Add-Ons (Chef James Style)
These are inspired by some of our most popular creations like the
authentic Italian tiramisu cake
and
white chocolate tiramisu:
A swirl of whipped cream for a lighter, mousse-like texture
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon
1 tablespoon chocolate shavings
A drizzle of cocoa syrup
HOW TO MAKE TIRAMISU WITH VANILLA WAFERS (STEP-BY-STEP)
Making this tiramisu with vanilla wafers is incredibly simple even easier than the Italian classic. Follow these steps and you’ll have a silky, café-style dessert in minutes.
1. Whip the Mascarpone Mixture
In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone, sugar, and milk until smooth and creamy.
The consistency should be soft, spreadable, and cloud-like.
Chef James Tip:
If the mascarpone becomes grainy, stop mixing immediately. Add 1 tablespoon of milk and gently fold it will become smooth again.
2. Brew the Coffee
Prepare strong coffee or espresso and let it cool slightly.
Warm coffee helps soften the wafers faster, but it shouldn’t be hot.
For more guidance on coffee strength and soaking, check our Italian method in the
authentic tiramisu cake recipe.
3. Dip the Vanilla Wafers
Quickly dip each wafer into the coffee about ½ second on each side.
You want them soft, not soggy.
4. Layer the Cream
Spread a generous spoonful of mascarpone mixture at the bottom of your serving dish or cups.
5. Add the Coffee-Soaked Wafers
Arrange a full layer of dipped wafers over the cream.
Keep the layers tidy for a clean, bakery-style look.
6. Repeat the Layers
Continue layering :
cream → wafers → cream → cocoa
until you reach the top.
If you enjoy structured layers, try the technique used in the
easy tiramisu recipe.
7. Dust with Cocoa Powder
Use a fine sieve for a light, even coating.
8. Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours overnight is even better.
This dessert deepens in flavor just like the recipes inside our
tiramisu desserts hub.
TIPS, VARIATIONS & CHEF JAMES SUGGESTIONS
This recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are my favorite twists:
✔️ 1. Low-Carb / Keto Version
Replace sugar with a keto sweetener and use sugar-free vanilla wafers.
More guidance available in the keto tiramisu article.
✔️ 2. Dairy-Free Version
- Swap mascarpone for coconut cream
- Use almond milk instead of dairy
- Dust lightly with cocoa and shaved dark chocolate
This variation is surprisingly light and refreshing.
✔️ 3. Holiday Tiramisu Cups
Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year:
- Add cinnamon + nutmeg
- Use chocolate curls
- Garnish with cranberries or peppermint crunch
✔️ 4. Summer Picnic Version
Inspired by the flavors in our bright and airy
white chocolate tiramisu
→ Add lemon zest or fresh berries between the layers.
⭐ Chef James’s Personal Suggestion
Add a small layer of crushed vanilla wafers on top for a crunchy finish.
It’s a secret trick I use in my catering dishes guests always love the contrast.
STORAGE & REHEATING (WITH USDA GUIDANCE)
Storing tiramisu properly is essential for both flavor and food safety.
Here’s how to keep it fresh and creamy.
Refrigeration
- Store covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days
- Keep it well sealed to prevent drying
- This dessert tastes better on Day 2 (the flavors develop beautifully)
Food-safety guidance is aligned with the USDA Food Safety Service.
Freezing
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- Do not thaw at room temperature (condensation can ruin the texture)
Reheating? Not needed.
Tiramisu is served cold no reheating required.
If you want a softer texture, let it rest 10 minutes at room temp before serving.
AEO Quick Answers
- Can you freeze tiramisu? Yes, up to 2 months.
- How long does tiramisu last in the fridge? 2–3 days.
- Is tiramisu safe for kids? Yes, if made with decaf coffee.
- How much sugar is in tiramisu? Similar to a Costco almond pastry? Tiramisu typically contains far less sugar per serving.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. Can you really make tiramisu with vanilla wafers instead of ladyfingers?
Absolutely! Vanilla wafers soften quickly when dipped in coffee and create a tender, cake-like layer. This makes them ideal if you prefer tiramisu without ladyfingers or want a budget-friendly option that feels homemade and cozy.
2. Can I prepare this tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes in fact, it tastes even better the next day. Letting it rest 12–24 hours allows the vanilla wafers to fully absorb the coffee and mascarpone mixture. For more make-ahead tips, explore our classic tiramisu recipe.
3. What’s the best coffee to use for this coffee dessert recipe?
Fresh espresso or French press coffee works best. Strong, bold coffee helps balance the sweetness of the wafers and cream. If you’re serving it to kids, you can easily switch to decaf.
4. Why is my mascarpone mixture grainy?
This usually happens when mascarpone is over-mixed or too cold. Remove it from the fridge 10 minutes before mixing, and gently fold instead of beating aggressively. If you want a softer, mousse-like consistency, check the texture tips inside the easy tiramisu recipe.
5. How does this compare in sugar to the Costco almond pastry?
Great question! A typical slice of this tiramisu contains significantly less sugar than a Costco almond pastry.
Costco’s almond pastry averages 22–24 g of sugar per serving, while this tiramisu generally stays between 14–17 g depending on how much cocoa and cream you add.
6. Can I freeze tiramisu with vanilla wafers?
Yes freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. This works especially well for portioned desserts like easy tiramisu cups, and the texture stays wonderfully creamy.
7. Is this recipe safe to serve to kids?
Yes this version contains no raw eggs, and you can use decaf coffee if desired. For official storage and food-safety timing, always refer to the USDA Food Safety Service.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS TIRAMISU WITH VANILLA WAFERS
One of my favorite things about this tiramisu with vanilla wafers is how effortlessly it pairs with other crowd-pleasing desserts. If you’re hosting a family dinner, summer BBQ, or holiday gathering, these combinations make your dessert table feel complete and full of variety.
✔️ 1. A Fluffy Slice of Tiramisu Cake
If you want something more dramatic alongside your no-bake dessert, serve it with the layered, bakery-style tiramisu cake.
The contrast between the creamy cups and the tall cake slices is absolutely stunning.
✔️ 2. A Light Option: Low-Carb Tiramisu
Perfect for guests who prefer something lighter, this version maintains all the flavor with fewer carbs.
Try the low-carb tiramisu for a refreshing, guilt-free alternative.
✔️ 3. A Classic Crowd-Pleaser
Pair your dessert with a traditional Italian favorite by serving our silky and timeless classic tiramisu recipe.
The combination of classic and modern versions always gets people talking at the table.
These pairings turn a simple dinner into an Italian-inspired dessert experience without the stress, without the oven, and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Print
tiramisu with vanilla wafers
This tiramisu with vanilla wafers is a creamy, no-bake dessert made with simple pantry ingredients. It’s light, fluffy, coffee-soaked, and ready in under 10 minutes.
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Mascarpone Cream Layer
16 ounces mascarpone cheese (454 g)
⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 g)
¼ cup milk (57 g) – or heavy cream
Coffee Dipping Mix
½ cup strong brewed coffee (114 g) – espresso or French press
Cookie Layer
36 vanilla wafers (135 g)
Finishing Touch
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (21 g)
Optional Add-ons
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp chocolate shavings
Pinch of cinnamon
1 tbsp cocoa syrup
Instructions
1. Whip the mascarpone, sugar, and milk together until smooth and creamy.
2. Brew strong coffee and let it cool slightly.
3. Quickly dip each vanilla wafer into the coffee about half a second per side.
4. Spread a layer of the mascarpone mixture at the bottom of your dish or cups.
5. Add a layer of dipped vanilla wafers on top of the cream.
6. Repeat the layering: cream → wafers → cream → cocoa.
7. Dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Notes
You can substitute mascarpone with whipped cream cheese or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
For kids, use decaf coffee.
Tastes even better the next day.
Perfect served in cups, jars, or a baking tray.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
If this creamy tiramisu with vanilla wafers won your heart, here are more reader-favorite desserts to explore from the Tiramisucake.com kitchen. Each one brings its own twist on coffee, cream, and dreamy Italian flavor.
✔️ Tiramisu Cake
Tall, fluffy layers soaked in coffee syrup and frosted with mascarpone cream perfect for birthdays or special dinners.
Try it here: tiramisu cake
✔️ No-Bake Tiramisu Cake
A chilled, effortless cake you can assemble in minutes.
Discover it here: no-bake tiramisu cake
✔️ Easy Tiramisu Recipe
The simplest version of the Italian classic fast, fluffy, and family-friendly.
Check it out: easy tiramisu recipe
✔️ White Chocolate Tiramisu
Sweet, light, and perfect for holidays or summer entertaining.
Try it here: white chocolate tiramisu
These recipes pair beautifully with your vanilla-wafer tiramisu and help build authority in our complete tiramisu hub:
👉 tiramisu recipes
CONCLUSION (STYLE CHEF JAMES )
Thank you for joining me in the kitchen for this creamy, cozy tiramisu with vanilla wafers. It’s one of those desserts that proves you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create something luxurious. Whether you’re making it for a summer BBQ, a holiday dinner, or a quiet evening treat, this no-bake tiramisu always hits the spot.
For more variations, don’t forget to explore our complete tiramisu hub:
👉 tiramisu recipes
And for technique inspiration, I always recommend checking trusted sources like:
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts leave a comment below and tell me how your family enjoyed it.
Until next time, keep cooking with joy and curiosity.
Chef James
