Name: Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 4 h 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature); ⅓ cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp vanilla extract); 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled); 1½ (7 oz each) packages Lady Fingers (DeLallo Savoiardi); Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting); Optional: dark chocolate shavings for topping

If you’re craving a classic Italian dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and fuss-free, you’re going to love this Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe. No eggs, no oven, just layers of fluffy mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers ready in 20 minutes—perfect for when you want elegance without the effort.

The image shows a square piece of tiramisu on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three layers of light brown soaked ladyfingers, arranged horizontally in two rows. Between and above the ladyfingers, there are thick creamy layers of pale beige mascarpone filling. The top layer is dusted evenly with fine cocoa powder, giving a powdery dark brown finish. Another slice of the same tiramisu and a white rectangular dish with more tiramisu are visible softly blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of tiramisu recipes over the years, but this no-bake version quickly became my go-to. It’s ultra-light, perfectly sweet, and doesn’t require fiddling with eggs or baking times—just straightforward magic in a dish.

Quick & Easy: Ready to assemble in just 20 minutes—no cooking required.
Rich & Creamy: Fluffy mascarpone cream layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers creates that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it for at least 4 hours or overnight, making it ideal for parties or casual dinner plans.
Egg-Free & No Oven: Safe and simple—great if you want to skip raw eggs or avoid heating up the kitchen.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients—you don’t need a million fancy things to nail this tiramisu. Just a few key components that combine for that signature Italian dessert taste. Here are the essentials and why I love each.

Flat lay of fresh whole ladyfingers arranged neatly beside a small white bowl filled with glossy mascarpone cheese, a fluffy swirl of whipped heavy cream in another white bowl, powdered sugar in a separate small white bowl with a fine dusting around it, a tiny white bowl holding vanilla bean paste with visible vanilla seeds, strong brewed espresso poured smoothly into a shallow white ceramic dish, a small white bowl containing rich unsweetened cocoa powder ready for dusting, and a delicate pile of dark chocolate shavings in a final white bowl, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it gives the filling that luscious, airy texture.
Mascarpone cheese: The star of tiramisu! Its creamy richness makes every bite velvety smooth.
Powdered sugar: Provides gentle sweetness and blends effortlessly into the cream.
Vanilla bean paste or extract: Adds a warm, fragrant depth that enhances the mascarpone flavor.
Espresso or strong brewed coffee: For soaking ladyfingers and injecting that unmistakable coffee kick.
Ladyfingers: I use DeLallo Savoiardi—they hold up well to quick coffee dips without getting soggy.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: A generous dusting tops off the tiramisu with a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cream.
Optional dark chocolate shavings: For a fancy, elegant finish if you want to impress guests.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and personalize. Whether adapting for taste preferences or special occasions, you can create a version that feels truly yours.

Variation: I like to add a splash of coffee liqueur, like Kahlúa, to the espresso before dipping the ladyfingers — it adds an adult twist that really enhances the rich coffee flavor.
Dietary option: For a lower-sugar dessert, try swapping powdered sugar for a natural sweetener like monk fruit powder, adjusting to taste.
Seasonal twist: Layer in some fresh raspberries between the mascarpone layers during spring and summer for a bright fruity contrast.
Chocolate lover’s edit: Sprinkle finely chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips between layers for added texture and extra indulgence.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe

A white bowl holds a dark brown liquid, almost black, with a single light yellowish, sponge-like biscuit floating in the center. Nearby, a white plate holds several more of the same biscuits stacked side by side. The scene sits on a soft pink surface with a green textured cloth on the right side, and a white dish partially visible at the lower corner. The whole setting has soft shadows and a smooth, clean look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip the Cream to Fluffy Perfection

Start by pouring 1 cup of heavy whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You want a fluffy texture that holds shape but isn’t grainy. This whipped cream is what makes the filling so light and dreamy, so don’t rush it or overbeat it!

Step 2: Blend Mascarpone, Sugar & Vanilla

In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces of room temperature mascarpone cheese with ⅓ cup powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste until silky smooth. The mascarpone should be soft enough to blend easily without lumps. This mixture is the creamy base that balances the espresso’s boldness with just the right sweetness.

Step 3: Fold Whipped Cream into Mascarpone Mixture

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in batches, using a spatula. The key is to fold carefully—so you keep the airy texture—until the filling is fully combined and smooth. This fluffy cream will be layered over the ladyfingers, giving your tiramisu that classic melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 4: Dip Ladyfingers in Coffee Quickly

Pour 1 cup of cooled strong brewed espresso or coffee into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger (about 1½ packages of 7 oz each) for just a second or two—don’t soak! The goal is to absorb enough coffee flavor without making the cookies soggy. Then immediately start layering them in an 8x8 inch dish evenly to form your base.

Step 5: Layer the Cream and Repeat

Spread half of your mascarpone cream mixture over the coffee-soaked ladyfingers, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Next, repeat: dip another round of ladyfingers quickly in coffee, lay them over the mascarpone cream, and top with the remaining cream. This builds those classic, luscious layers.

Step 6: Chill, Dust, and Serve

Dust the tiramisu generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for that iconic finish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is best—to let the flavors meld and the dessert firm up perfectly. Just before serving, if you want to make it extra special, scatter dark chocolate shavings on top. Then, dig in and enjoy this elegant, no-egg, no-bake Italian classic!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail your Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe every time and impress your guests with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Quick Dunk, Not Soak: From my experience, quickly dipping the ladyfingers into the coffee instead of soaking prevents that dreaded soggy mess while still infusing just the right amount of espresso flavor.
Room Temperature Mascarpone: I learned the hard way that mascarpone blends much smoother and fluffier when it's not cold straight from the fridge. Let it sit at room temp before mixing.
Gentle Folding Technique: Folding the whipped cream gently into the mascarpone mixture keeps the texture light and airy, which is the heart of a dreamy tiramisu.
Patience for Chilling: Though it’s tempting to dig in early, chilling for at least 4 hours (or overnight) really lets the flavors marry beautifully and the texture firm up perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish with a beige bottom layer filled with a smooth light brown layer is shown. Above the dish, a metal sieve with a turquoise handle is positioned horizontally, dusting fine brown powder evenly over the top of the dish. The background and surface are a soft peach color with a smooth texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it classic with a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder for that signature bittersweet contrast. For a special touch, sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings or curls on top just before serving—this adds elegant texture and a little extra chocolatey decadence. If you're feeling adventurous, a few coffee beans or a tiny sprig of fresh mint can add a pop of color and aroma.

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own but pairs beautifully with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries, which balance the richness with a bright, juicy note. For a cozy finish, serve alongside a small cup of dark espresso or a splash of coffee liqueur on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your tiramisu covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, so you can savor every last bite without worry.

Freezing

While tiramisu is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn't necessary or recommended. Keep it cold to maintain that luscious creamy texture and refreshing coffee flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use something other than mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is classic for tiramisu because of its creamy, rich texture, but if you can’t find it, cream cheese is a common substitute. Just soften it well and maybe add a bit of heavy cream to lighten the texture.

Why no eggs in this recipe?

This Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe skips eggs to keep it simple, safe, and perfect for all skill levels—no curing or cooking required. It still gives you that rich, velvety texture without the fuss.

How long can I chill tiramisu before serving?

You need at least 4 hours of chilling to let the flavors meld and the dessert to firm up properly. Overnight chilling is even better for full flavor development.

Can I add alcohol to this tiramisu?

Absolutely! Adding a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Amaretto to your espresso before dipping the ladyfingers adds a lovely depth of flavor and that authentic Italian touch.

Final Thoughts

Making this Creamy No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe always feels like a little Italian celebration in my kitchen—it’s quick, fuss-free, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, it brings that perfect balance of luscious creaminess and bold coffee flavor without ever needing an oven or eggs. Trust me, once you try this version, it’ll become a beloved go-to dessert for your table. Buon appetito!