This Easy Traditional Tiramisu recipe layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with rich mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa for an impressive no-bake Italian dessert. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together – and how hard it is to stop at one bite!

The first time I made tiramisu, I thought it was going to be fancy and complicated. But in reality? Not only is tiramisu surprisingly simple, it also requires no baking, no water baths, and no fussy decorating. Just layering and chilling. The combination of soft espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone, fluffy whipped cream, and that light dusting of cocoa powder is unbeatable. It feels indulgent and elegant, but the truth is, you can have it prepped and in the fridge in under 30 minutes.

Over time, I’ve experimented with different versions: using raw eggs, cooked egg yolks, folding in whipped egg whites, and making shortcuts with just heavy cream. This recipe is the true winner: raw egg yolks, no egg whites, whipped cream for lightness, and plenty of bold espresso flavor with a hint of Kahlua.

And here’s the best part: tiramisu tastes even better when made in advance. So if you’re hosting, you can make dessert the day before and let it chill, leaving you one less thing to worry about. Let’s make tiramisu feel accessible and foolproof — because trust me, once you try it this way, you’ll never think of it as intimidating again!

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Coffee: The coffee should be at room temperature, so make it ahead of time and let it cool.
• Espresso Powder
• Kahlua: Liquor adds extra depth to the espresso, but can be omitted for an alcohol-free version, or swap the Kahlua with rum or brandy.
• Egg Yolks: We’re using raw egg yolks for the tiramisu, so use pasteurized eggs if you are concerned about salmonella.
• Sugar
• Salt
• Mascarpone Cheese: This is key for traditional tiramisu; don’t try substituting cream cheese, which is tangier and heavier.
• Heavy Cream: We’re going to whip the cream, so half-and-half or milk cannot be substituted.
• Vanilla Extract
• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): Store-bought ladyfingers make this recipe quick and easy! If you can’t find them, biscoff cookies or Stella d’Oro Margherite cookies are acceptable substitutions.
• Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder

How to Make Tiramisu

The hardest part of making this easy traditional tiramisu is finding the savoiardi — dried ladyfingers.  If you have access to a grocery store with a large international section or a specialty market, you should find them easily. But if you can’t, substitute in Stella d’Oro Margherite cookies (the vanilla cookies that look like an S) or biscoff cookies. Just let them soak up the coffee a little longer (and remember, the key to perfect tiramisu: roll through the liquid, don’t dunk!).

1. Make the Coffee Soak: Brew the coffee and stir in the espresso powder and Kahlua. Cool completely.

2. Whip Egg Yolks and Sugar: Beat the raw egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale. Add a little additional Kahlua and whisk until combined.

3. Add Mascarpone: Add the mascarpone to the egg yolks and beat until no lumps remain.

4. Whip the Cream: Beat the heavy cream to medium-stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.

5. Dip and Layer Ladyfingers: Quickly roll the ladyfingers through the coffee mixture until the cookies have absorbed some of the coffee but are not soggy. Arrange half the ladyfingers in a baking dish.

6. Spread the Filling: Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, dust with cocoa powder, and then repeat with another layer of the soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone.

7. Chill: Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Just before serving, dust with additional cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

Raw Egg Yolks for the Perfect Filling

Tiramisu’s signature filling is light yet rich, and raw egg yolks play a key role in achieving that perfect texture. The yolks act as a natural emulsifier, binding fat from the mascarpone and cream with the liquid from the coffee-soaked ladyfingers.

Kitchen Chemistry

Egg yolks contain lecithin, an emulsifier that helps keep the mascarpone mixture smooth and stable. This prevents separation and keeps the filling from becoming watery or grainy. When whipped with sugar, the yolks also add structure and volume, contributing to the classic silky texture of tiramisu.

Because we’re using raw egg yolks in this recipe, it’s important to use pasteurized eggs for food safety. Pasteurized eggs have been gently heated to destroy any bacteria without cooking the egg. You can often find these in the grocery store alongside regular eggs, or you can pasteurize them at home if you’re comfortable doing so.

If your mascarpone mixture looks grainy or broken, it’s often due to cold mascarpone or overmixing. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature and fold gently to maintain a smooth emulsion.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Tiramisu

1. Use Room Temperature Mascarpone: Cold mascarpone can seize and become grainy. Bring it up to room temperature before mixing.
2. Don’t Oversoak the Ladyfingers: A quick roll is all you need! If the ladyfingers are dunked all the way under the mixture or soaked too long, they’ll get mushy and fall apart. If you’re still having issues with the quick roll, try brushing the coffee mixture onto the ladyfingers with a pastry brush.
3. Kahlua is Optional: You can leave out the alcohol and use just espresso and coffee – the flavor will still be rich and delicious.
4. Clean Knife Between Slices: For clean, sharp layers when serving, wipe the knife in between each cut.
5. Storage: Tiramisu should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in the refrigerator).
6. Recommended Tools: Stand Mixer | 9×13-inch Baking Dish | Offset Spatula | High-Quality Dutch Process Cocoa Powder | Ladyfinger Cookies

No bake, super easy, and you can make it a day in advance.  Does it get any better than easy traditional tiramisu?!  Tiramisu literally means “cheer me up” in Italian – I can’t think of a better way to brighten your day!

More No-Bake Desserts:

• Peanut Butter Cup Dip
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pretzel Pie
• Sprinkle Rice Krispie Treats
• Coconut Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Curd
• Oreo Truffles

This Easy Traditional Tiramisu recipe was first shared in June 2016 and updated with new photos and helpful tips in March 2025.