If you’ve ever had trouble choosing between a creamy cheesecake and a dreamy tiramisu… this one’s for you, my friend. This Tiramisu Cheesecake is where silky mascarpone, rich espresso, and a kiss of cocoa come together in a dessert that’s elegant enough to impress, but cozy enough to feel like a warm hug.
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Picture this: a buttery, coffee-soaked crust cradling a luscious cheesecake filling, topped with a whipped mascarpone layer and a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s like your favorite Italian dessert met the rich, velvety goodness of New York cheesecake—and they fell madly in love. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Now let’s get into why you’ll absolutely adore this delicious mashup…
Why You’ll Love Tiramisu Cheesecake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for celebrations, romantic date nights, or a cozy weekend bake. Imagine slicing into this beauty after dinner and hearing that “wow” from across the table. It’s the kind of dessert that makes any moment feel special.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. You don’t need fancy bakery tools or rare ingredients. Just everyday items that come together to create something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If baking usually intimidates you, don’t worry—this one’s foolproof. You’ll be feeling like a pastry chef in no time.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors. Want a boozy touch? A splash of rum or coffee liqueur does the trick. Prefer non-alcoholic? Just use a rich espresso or brewed coffee.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit. It’s the best of both worlds—classic tiramisu flavor and that cheesecake decadence everyone loves. Your guests will ask for seconds… and the recipe!
Ingredients in Tiramisu Cheesecake
Here’s the magic of this dessert—it’s made with simple ingredients, but the flavor is next-level. Let’s break it down:
Ladyfingers or Graham Crackers: The foundation of the crust. They soak up that coffee flavor beautifully, giving you that iconic tiramisu vibe.
Mascarpone Cheese: The creamy heart of the filling. Rich, slightly tangy, and silky smooth—it’s what gives this cheesecake its classic Italian flair.
Cream Cheese: Adds structure and a rich, velvety texture. Balances the sweetness and gives the cheesecake its familiar body.
Espresso or Strong Coffee: Bold, aromatic, and essential for that tiramisu twist. It deepens the flavor and brings everything together.
Heavy Cream: Whipped into the topping for an airy, light contrast to the dense cheesecake layer. Fluffy clouds of cream? Yes, please.
Cocoa Powder: A final dusting for that iconic tiramisu finish. Adds a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Eggs: The supporting cast that brings balance, structure, and just the right touch of sweetness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This gives the cheesecake a gentle, even bake without cracking.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine mascarpone, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy, then add eggs one at a time. Mix until just incorporated—don’t overbeat!
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line the base of a springform pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides. This keeps the crust from sticking and makes for easy removal later.
Assemble the Dish: Press the crust mixture (ladyfingers or graham crackers combined with melted butter and coffee) into the bottom of the pan. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and smooth the top.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 50–60 minutes until the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
Finishing Touches: Once cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, whip the cream with a little sugar and spread it on top. Dust generously with cocoa powder.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and savor each bite. This dessert truly shines chilled and enjoyed slowly with a coffee—or a glass of wine, if you’re feeling fancy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 5 hours (including chill time)
How to Serve Tiramisu Cheesecake
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a burst of tart freshness.
Espresso or Coffee: There’s nothing better than pairing this with a shot of espresso. It amplifies the tiramisu experience beautifully.
Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or chocolate sauce on top takes it over the top.
As a Standalone: This cheesecake is rich enough to shine all on its own. Garnish with a few chocolate shavings or mint leaves for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Fancy Presentation: Serve each slice with a swirl of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder for that “wow” factor.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: This cheesecake is perfect to make a day in advance—it actually tastes better after a night in the fridge!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of rum to the crust mix for an extra flavor dimension.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or use a gluten-free cookie base to suit different dietary needs.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it covered to prevent absorbing fridge odors.
Double the Batch: Hosting a crowd? Double the recipe and make it in two pans. You’ll thank yourself when the first one disappears in minutes!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?
A1: Yes, you can—but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Mascarpone gives that classic tiramisu creaminess, so it’s worth using if you can!
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely. In fact, it’s best made a day ahead to let the flavors deepen and the cheesecake set completely.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The whipped topping might soften over time but still tastes delicious.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze slices individually or the whole cheesecake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: No need to reheat—this one’s best served chilled! If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: You sure can—just use two pans or a larger dish and extend the bake time slightly.
Q7: Can I make it without coffee?
A7: Of course. Use hot chocolate or a coffee substitute for a kid-friendly version.
Q8: Can I use a different crust?
A8: Yes! Try a chocolate cookie crust or even an almond crust for a fun twist.
Q9: Is it okay to skip the cocoa powder?
A9: You can, but it really adds that final tiramisu touch. Even a little goes a long way.
Q10: How long should I chill it before serving?
A10: At least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the perfect set and flavor development.
Conclusion
So there you have it—Tiramisu Cheesecake, the dessert that’s about to become your new favorite indulgence. It’s creamy, dreamy, and bursting with that iconic espresso-kissed flavor that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself (because you totally deserve it), this recipe brings joy to any table.
Print
Tiramisu Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No-bake Tiramisu Cheesecake layers rich cream cheese, mascarpone, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, all topped with a decadent whipped cream and cocoa dusting for a delicious twist on the classic dessert.
Ingredients
- 32 (250 g) ladyfinger cookies, as crumbs
- 1/3 cup (76 g) butter, melted
- 12 oz (340 g) cream cheese, softened
- 12 oz (340 g) mascarpone
- 1 1/2 cups (100 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp (30 g) granulated gelatin
- 3 tbsp water, warm
- 3 tbsp coffee, warm
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream, very cold
- 1/4 cup (25 g) cocoa powder
- ca. 12 ladyfinger cookies
- 1 cup (240 ml) strong coffee
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) cold heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (65 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp instant coffee
Instructions
- For the crust: Blend ladyfinger crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press into the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the fridge while preparing the cheesecake batter.
- For the cheesecake batter: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin in warm water and coffee. Let it cool slightly, then fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Whip cold heavy cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the cheesecake batter until smooth.
- For the ladyfinger layer: Dip ladyfinger cookies in the strong coffee and layer them over the crust in the pan.
- Spread half of the cheesecake batter over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cheesecake batter.
- For the whipped cream: Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and instant coffee until stiff peaks form. Spread it evenly over the cheesecake.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the cheesecake sets.
- Before serving, dust with cocoa powder for decoration.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream.
- Let the cheesecake set for a longer time if possible, as it helps develop the flavors.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, a regular cake pan will work, but make sure to line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg