This Easy Tiramisu Recipe has layers of creamy pudding and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Get ready to indulge in a classic Italian dessert without turning on your stove. And the best part? You can prepare it ahead of time!
Today, I'm super excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you – a foolproof, easy tiramisu that will make you look like a dessert rockstar!
This no-bake tiramisu recipe is perfect for any occasion. It's a simple and easy-to-make dessert that doesn't require raw eggs or cooking!
If you love the rich coffee flavor of this recipe, you'll want to make these mocha brownies, tiramisu brownies or tiramisu cookie cups, too!
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What is Tiramisu?
Authentic tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert with ladyfingers soaked in coffee and liqueur. It is layered with mascarpone cheese and then topped with cocoa powder.
Our recipe offers a quick and easy alternative. It uses instant pudding, cream cheese, and Cool Whip instead of the traditional cooking method to achieve a similar taste and texture as classic tiramisu.
The dessert is prepared just like traditional tiramisu. It consists of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and is topped with cocoa powder. It is both easy to make and delicious.
Why This Tiramisu Pudding Recipe Works
Tiramisu is delicious but time-consuming. Our easy recipe simplifies the method without losing flavor. Enjoy the same taste with everyday ingredients, plus no eggs or alcohol are required!
Enjoy the same flavors and textures you love using everyday ingredients. This recipe is easy to make and does not require eggs or alcohol!
- No cooking is required. This no-cook version uses cream cheese and a box of instant pudding to make this super easy version!
- Perfect make-ahead dessert. For the best results, let this simple recipe chill in the fridge to allow the flavors to blend. Make it the day before your event for an easy dessert!
- Kid-friendly. This Jello pudding tiramisu recipe is egg-free and alcohol-free, making it suitable for young children and pregnant women.
Key Ingredients
This dessert comes together quickly with a handful of simple ingredients that you'll find at the grocery store. You may even have some of these in your home already!
- Cream Cheese - Set it out ahead of time so it is soft. You can also use creamy mascarpone cheese for an authentic tiramisu.
- French Vanilla Pudding Mix - Make sure it is instant so it sets up correctly.
- Milk - 2% or whole milk will make the pudding set up better.
- Cool Whip - This gives the mixture a fluffy texture. You can also use heavy whipping cream to make this homemade whipped cream if you prefer that instead.
- Biscotti Ladyfinger Biscuits - This crispy cookie soaks up the coffee well. Savoiardi biscuits may not be available in every store, so you may need to order them online. Another cookie we like using is Stella Doro Margherite cookies, which can be found in most grocery stores.
- Coffee - Strong brewed coffee or espresso is best, but instant coffee granules can be used. If you are serving this to adults, add your favorite kind of alcohol, like rum or Kahlua.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - This adds flavor and color to the top of the finished tiramisu dessert.
Tiramisu can be made with or without alcohol. Our recipe does not include any alcohol because it is a dessert that both kids and adults can enjoy. However, there are instructions on adding alcohol if serving this dessert to adults only.
How to Make Easy Tiramisu
This easy dessert comes together in minutes and requires no baking. Make sure you plan enough time for the tiramisu recipe without alcohol to chill and set up before serving. This Italian dessert tastes better if you give the layers and flavors time to blend.
- Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until light and creamy.
- Whisk together the instant Jello pudding and milk in another bowl and let it set up slightly. Add it to the cream cheese, then beat it again. Gently fold in an entire container of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.
- Dip biscotti ladyfingers quickly in cold coffee and place one layer of ladyfinger cookies on the bottom of a 10-inch pan. You can use an 8-inch baking dish, but the tiramisu will end up taller.
- Spread half the cream mixture over the soaked cookies, then repeat the layers. Refrigerate the no-bake dessert for at least 4 hours so the ladyfingers soften and the flavors come together.
- Sprinkle cocoa powder over the dessert, then dig in with a fork.
Storage Recommendations
To keep your tiramisu fresh, cover the serving dish well with a lid or plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for approximately 2-3 days.
To freeze, make the recipe, but do not dust it with cocoa powder. Place squares of plain tiramisu in a tightly sealed container and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and dust with cocoa powder right before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Set the cream cheese out. You won't be able to whip cold cream cheese very well. Let it soften at room temperature first for a luscious, creamy texture.
- Don't overmix. After adding the Cool Whip, be careful not to fold too much. Otherwise, the whipped topping will collapse and make the cream layer too soft.
- Dip the cookies quickly. These crisp lady fingers will soak up liquid immediately, so give them a very fast dunk. Do not soak them too long, as they can become too mushy and lose their texture.
- Make an adult version. Use 1 ½ cups of strong coffee plus ½ cup of brandy or Kahlua to dip the cookies in.
- Serve it cold. This dessert tastes best served chilled. Take it out of the refrigerator just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Variations
- Adult-friendly - Add a splash of alcohol to the coffee mixture to infuse into the ladyfingers. Coffee liqueur is a great choice.
- Use espresso - For a more robust coffee flavor, use espresso instead of drip coffee.
- Use cake - If you can't find ladyfingers (and don't have time to make them from scratch), try using similar-sized sponge cake or pound cake. They will become softer than the cookies, but it works in a pinch!
- Homemade whipped cream - Instead of using Cool Whip, make your own whipped cream with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip it with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
FAQs
It's best to make this dessert ahead of time because it needs time to set up and for the flavors to deepen and blend. Store it in the fridge for a few days.
Ideally, use strong brewed coffee, espresso, or instant coffee. Some recipes might suggest coffee liqueur or a mix of coffee and rum for added flavor.
This easy recipe can be made with or without alcohol. Classic tiramisu calls for some alcohol or liqueur added to the coffee before dipping the ladyfingers.
Dark rum, amaretto, grand marnier, brandy, or a coffee liqueur are excellent choices for this easy tiramisu.
More Coffee-Flavored Dessert Recipes
- Caramel Coffee Fudge
- Coffee Ice Cream
- Coffee Brownies
- Espresso Brownies
- Coffee Popcorn
- Cappuccino Fudge
- Mudslide Pie
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Recipe
Easy Tiramisu Recipe
This Easy Tiramisu Recipe has layers of creamy pudding and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Get ready to indulge in a classic Italian dessert without turning on your stove. And the best part? You can prepare it ahead of time!
Ingredients
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese
- 1 - 3.4 ounce box instant French Vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups milk (2% or whole)
- 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 package crispy biscotti lady fingers
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee*, cooled
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Whisk together the pudding and milk. Let it set slightly before adding to the cream cheese. Beat it again. Fold in the Cool Whip gently.
- Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the coffee one at a time and place them in the bottom of a 10-inch square baking pan.
- Once you have the bottom covered in cookies, spread half the pudding mixture on top.
- Repeat with another layer of coffee-soaked cookies and top with the rest of the pudding.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Sprinkle with cocoa powder right before serving.
Notes
- Set the cream cheese out. You won't be able to whip cold cream cheese very well. Let it soften at room temperature first for a luscious, creamy texture.
- Don't overmix. After adding the Cool Whip, be careful not to fold too much. Otherwise, the whipped topping will collapse and make the cream layer too soft.
- Dip the cookies quickly. These crisp lady fingers will soak up liquid immediately, so give them a very fast dunk. Do not soak them too long, as they can become too mushy and lose their texture.
- Make an adult version. Use 1 ½ cups of strong coffee plus ½ cup of brandy or Kahlua to dip the cookies in.
- Serve it cold. This dessert tastes best served chilled. Take it out of the refrigerator just before serving for the best taste and texture.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 126Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 89mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 0gSugar: 7gProtein: 2g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*This post was first shared in June 2021. It was updated and then republished in November 2023.
We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Program, an affiliate program designed to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com.
Summer
Just made this! Can't wait to dive in to it later. Definitely need to double for a 9x13. I ran about 10 ladyfingers short and probably 2 cups of cream mix. I'll use a 9x9 next time, because there will be a next time. I also added rum extract to the coffee. I'll get the flavor without the alcohol. I get tiramisu cravings, but rather have a quick recipe, such as this, to make some. 😁👍
Karen
This is my go to tiramisu recipe. I would totally double this recipe for the 9x13 pan. If you have extra ingredients left over, you could layer those up in a freezable container and push some Glad wrap on top and add a lid and put in the freezer for later. So good!
Carmine
Yup good idea and tasty.
Lori Vanlaningham
Thank you so much for this VERY acceptable non traditional version of my most favored dessert. By the way "semi home made" was not a phrase I grew up with, it was just called cooking. Thanks again.
Jane
What can I use to make these gluten-free without any eggs in the cookie part?
Jocelyn
You can honestly use any cookie you like in this dessert. I don't know of a gluten free cookie that doesn't have eggs as well because no one in our family has those restrictions. If you have one that you like, feel free to use that. Just be careful dipping in the coffee because some cookies can soak up too much and make the dessert soggy.
Mary
I made this for an Italian dinner party I was having. It was delicious and came out perfectly. I did use marscopone instead of cream cheese. I also couldn’t find lady fingers so used Stella Doro Margherite cookies which are found in almost every grocery. Thank you, it’s a keeper!!!
Lynda Estabrook
We converted your recipe and made enough for 34 large servings to go into meals for people that are homebound. It was an outstanding success and enjoyed by all. Thank you so much for helping us serve others.
Krista
Ok, so sooo much went wrong. I’m in Canada and some measurements were tricky. I also messed up and bought no name pudding at SS as the Jello brand was empty on the shelf. Not realizing until pudding not setting that it wasn’t instant! I improvised, cooked and tried to fast cool pudding only to find lumps then used hand mixer only to liquify further. Coffee mixture with Kaluha was too much as lady fingers went soggy. My fault as 8X11 pan yields 10 square inches smaller than 10X10 pan-less lady fingers used. No name dream whip stuff was 1 litre, so trying to figure out how much to add. Cocoa powder wasn’t sprinkled nicely even though I used a mini sifter. Well, luckily, my parents who are elderly and Mom (80th birthday) was tickled about a cake even being made for her, said they loved the flavour and said it’s just a pudding style! It did not stiffen/set even though refrigerated for hours. Hey, there’s far more worse things in life such as my kitchen mess which I’ll tackle tomorrow;)
Jocelyn
Oh, no! Recipes can be tricky when converting measurements from other countries and trying to find ingredients that work the same. It sounds like your mom loved it, and I love that you kept a positive outlook through all of it.
Krista
Thanks. Maybe I’ll give it another go someday:)
Sue
Two people asked you if they made this in a 9x13 pan if they would have to double the ingredients, in one answer you said no and then later in another same question asked you said yes to double. So I’m a bit confused, if you make it in a 9x13 should you double it or not? Thank you.
Jocelyn
I am so sorry about the confusion on that. The most recent comment saying no is correct. The pan I used was a 10"x10", so the ratio is closer to a 9x13 size. I did go back and fix the other comment to say no as well. I hope you enjoy the recipe.
Anelese
I made this for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit! I did use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese and fresh whipped cream instead of cool whip. But the pudding was such a smart idea, over making homemade custard (which I'm not brave enough to attempt). So yummy! This will be an absolute staple for holidays! SO easy!
dyan
can't find a 10 x 10pan. Can I use an 8 x8 pan or maybe a 9 x 9?
Jocelyn
Yes, the smaller pans will work too. Just watch as you are layering everything so it doesn't overflow. I hope you enjoy the tiramisu!
Ferryal Lackey
This sounds awesome! Would I double the recipe for a 9 x 13 pan please?
Thank you.
Jocelyn
I do not think you would want to double it for the 9x13 pan. I made this one in a 10x10 pan, so the ratio should be very similar. You may need a few extra lady fingers for the layers, but other than that I would keep the recipe the same. I hope you enjoy it.
Michael Wszola
I found these biscotti lady fingers at my local Woodmans grocery store
Karen
How long does this last in the refrigerator?
Jocelyn
It is best for about 1-2 days. After that it is still good, but starts to get a little bit soggy. I hope you enjoy it!
Anelese
I was brave enough to eat this 5 days after thanksgiving and it was still gold!
Vanessa
Thank you for sharing this recipe! It is amazingly delicious! It caught my eye because it doesn't have eggs in it. I love tiramisu but I have high cholesterol and while whip cream has cholesterol in it egg yolks have significantly more. So, having some of this won't terribly affect my ldl.
Robin
I just finished putting this together....it's in the fridge for its 4-hour stay. I'm a bit concerned about the cookies being mushy. I see in your notes that part of why its supposed to set for 4 hours is for the cookies to get soft. My cookies....crispy biscotti ladyfingers....were quite wet even though I dipped them quickly. I sure hope my dessert isn't ruined...but I don't know what I could've done differently.
Jocelyn
As long as you dipped the biscotti quickly, it should turn out ok. We have made it so many times, and never had a problem with it setting up. Have you tried it yet? I hope you enjoyed it!!
Sarah
Won't the cool air in refrigerator dry it out a little.
I'm going to try graham crackers in a stack unless i decide to go to store. I use whip cream in all my desserts
Jocelyn
No, the cool air does not dry it out at all. Let me know how it is with the graham crackers. (Just don't dip those in the coffee because they will disintegrate.)
Donna Cieslak
Can I use 8 oz of heavy whipped cream instead of Cool Whip If so how can I do it Do I use it instead of milk or just substitute it like for like for the cool whip
Jocelyn
Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream in place of the Cool Whip. Here is how I make that. https://insidebrucrewlife.com/homemade-whipped-cream/ You will still need the milk to mix with the pudding mix, then add the whipped cream to that. 1 cup heavy cream will usually make around 1 1/2-2 cups of whipped cream.