7 Best Tiramisu Recipes Without Ladyfingers

What is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that is known for its rich and indulgent taste. This popular coffee-flavored dessert is a great pick-me-up comprised of layers of mascarpone cream and coffee-soaked ladyfinger biscuits. We have found the top tiramisu recipes without ladyfingers and hope you enjoy trying some of these variations of tiramisu very soon.

1. Tiramisu and Chocolate Torte

Tiramisu Torte
Tiramisu Torte

This indulgent torte is like a little slice of heaven. To make this recipe, you will need round cake pans, mixing bowls, whisks, a rubber spatula, sifter, offset spatula, and a pastry brush. This torte consists of a homemade sponge cake and mascarpone cream. All it takes is sugar, all-purpose flour, eggs, coffee, cocoa powder, and mascarpone. Even though there aren’t many ingredients, there is a particular method to make this tiramisu torte successfully. 

Starting with the sponge cake, separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and use a whisk to add some sugar to both of them. When you whisk sugar into the egg whites, they will become fluffy. Keep whisking the whites until they form stiff peaks and gently fold them into the egg yolk mixture. Sift all-purpose flour and cocoa powder and use a rubber spatula to combine that with the rest of your ingredients. Pour the batter into two cake pans, then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. 

While you’re waiting on the cake, make the mascarpone cream by separating the egg yolks and whites. Whisk in sugar into both of these, and add mascarpone to the egg yolk mixture. Fold the egg white mixture into the mascarpone, then prepare the torte. Set one cake on a large plate and use a pastry brush to moisten it with coffee. Spread a layer of mascarpone cream on top, and repeat the process. Evenly spread the rest of the mascarpone cream around the sides of your torte and refrigerate it for at least four hours. Sprinkle cocoa powder and chocolate shavings on top for a pop of color and flavor.


Get the full recipe and directions from here.

2. Tiramisu with Coffee-Soaked Cake

Tiramisu without Lady Fingers
Tiramisu without Lady Fingers

Look no further for an instant crowd-pleaser. This tiramisu dessert features a simple vanilla cake with layers of custard and syrup. If you don’t particularly like coffee, the author suggests substituting it for a different flavor, such as vanilla or almond, when making the syrup. Begin by boiling coffee and sugar in a saucepan. Bring it down to medium heat, let it simmer for five minutes, and set it aside to cool. 

Next, mix your vanilla cake batter and bake it in a 9-inch square cake pan for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the cake is baking, you will use the double boiler method to create the custard. Keep the heat on low as you whisk the egg yolks and sugar. Continually whisk for 10 minutes or until the mixture reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Have a stand mixer ready and use the whisk attachment to thicken the custard. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes, then add the mascarpone. In a separate bowl, create a whipped cream by whisking heavy cream until it can form stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the custard mixture, being careful not to over stir everything. 

To assemble this tiramisu, cut the cake in half and put the bottom layer into a clean square cake pan. Add a generous amount of syrup on top. Use half of the custard to form another layer, then spread more syrup on the bottom of the second cake layer. Carefully place the cake on top of your custard layer, then pour the rest of the syrup on top. Finish off the dessert with the rest of the custard and spread it evenly. Leave your dessert in the fridge for at least four hours, then dust cocoa powder on top right before serving.


Get the full recipe and directions from here.

3.  Tiramisu Mousse

Tiramisu Mousse
Tiramisu Mousse

Everyone can enjoy this fluffy mousse dessert. The best part is, you don’t have to turn on the oven. The ingredients are instant coffee, whipping cream (or a tub of Cool Whip), powdered sugar, mascarpone, vanilla extract, grated chocolate, and cocoa powder. We like how they infuse the sweet mascarpone mixture with coffee flavor. You can add as little or as much coffee as you want, depending on your preference. Remember to fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture with a rubber spatula to maintain the airy texture. 

To make the presentation elegant, you will need a large piping tip to give you control over how much mousse goes into your serving glasses. Start with a layer of mousse and follow it up with some cocoa powder and repeat. On the top layer, add shaved chocolate instead of cocoa powder. Cover your mousse and refrigerate until you are ready to dig into this yummy treat.


Get the full recipe and directions from here.

4. Tiramisu Cupcake

Tiramisu Cupcake Recipes
Tiramisu Cupcake

In our experience, you simply can’t go wrong with bringing cupcakes to any event. For this recipe, you will be making homemade vanilla cupcakes and brush them with a coffee and rum extract mixture for added flavor. Pierce each cupcake with a fork so that the liquid can soak in quickly once the cupcakes are ready.  

Lastly, make the creamy mascarpone frosting. The author recommends getting the mascarpone to room temperature before folding in the whipped cream. This step makes the process easier and will help make the frosting fluffy. Pipe the frosting on top of your cupcakes and add a sprinkling of cocoa powder and some chocolate shavings to finish it off. Trust us; this dessert can easily steal the show at your next party.


Get the full recipe and directions from Entertaining with Beth.

5. Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake

Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake
Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake

There is no better way to beat the summer heat. This recipe takes a while to prepare, but it will be worth the effort. It calls for a no-churn coffee ice cream, which you can make with just heavy cream, condensed milk, and mocha-flavored iced coffee. Let the no-churn ice cream freeze for at least three hours. This component will become the middle layer of your ice cream cake. The cake base is a vanilla pound cake, which you can make from scratch or buy from the store. Cut it lengthwise to create two even layers. A tip that the author shares is to cool the cake in the fridge before attempting to cut it in half. 

Next, you will make a chocolate ganache. That part is easy to do; simply heat heavy cream until it’s almost to a boiling point, then pour it over chocolate chips and stir to combine. It should be hot enough to melt the chocolate, but you can microwave the ganache in five-second increments until the chocolate is completely smooth. Let the ganache cool for five minutes before assembling the ice cream cake. 

The most time-consuming part comes down to building this dessert because you have to do it in layers and allow them to firm up in the freezer. Feel free to garnish it with whipped cream or chocolate curls to add a finishing touch that will make your dessert look outstanding.


Get the full recipe and directions from Dinner at the Zoo.

6. Tiramisu Cake Roll

Tiramisu Cake Roll
Tiramisu Cake Roll

You will make a vanilla sponge cake, a creamy coffee-flavored filling, and a whipped cream topping for this dessert. Bake the cake in a 10 X 15 pan lined with foil. When it’s done baking, you’ll have to work quickly to be able to roll it up. Get a clean kitchen towel and spread powdered sugar on top. Flip the cake onto the towel and remove it from the pan. Roll the cake up into the towel from the short end and let it cool completely. 

Once it’s ready, unwrap the cake, use a pastry brush to put cooled coffee on top of the cake, and then spread your filling layer. Reroll the cake, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it chill in a fridge for at least 30 minutes. While you’re waiting, make the frosting and use an offset spatula to spread it on top. Sprinkle on some cocoa powder, and your cake roll is ready to eat.


Get the full recipe and directions from Crazy for Crust.

7. Tiramisu Truffles

Tiramisu Truffles
Tiramisu Truffles

Hands down, this is the easiest tiramisu on the list. Start by baking a vanilla cake. Crumble the cake into a bowl, and stir in some mascarpone, Kahlua, and coffee granules. Roll your dough mixture into one-inch balls and place them on a cookie sheet. Freeze these for about a half-hour. Next, coat them in melted almond bark, and spread them apart on a sheet of wax paper. Sprinkle some cocoa powder on top and let them set up at room temperature. 

We are in love with this recipe; these bite-sized treats are addicting. If you are lucky enough to have any leftover truffles, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.


Get the full recipe and directions from Tornadough Alli.

Tiramisu is a sophisticated dessert that provides a lovely way to end a meal. If you aren’t in the mood to make traditional tiramisu, try one of these recipes instead. Any of these variations of tiramisu are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.


If you like this post, we think you’ll really like our Costco Tiramisu post.

Tiramisu without Ladyfingers Pin
Tiramisu without Ladyfingers Pin

Leave a Comment