Let’s talk about tiramisu that dreamy Italian dessert that somehow manages to be light, rich, sweet, and just a little bitter all at the same time. It's the kind of dessert that feels fancy but is shockingly simple to make at home. And the best part? No oven required.

Whether you're planning a cozy date night, a family dinner, or just want to treat yourself (because why not?), this easy tiramisu recipe will make you feel like a dessert pro in no time.

What is Tiramisu, Exactly?

Tiramisu means "pick me up" in Italian a fitting name, considering it’s made with strong coffee and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, a creamy mascarpone filling, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s chilled instead of baked, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients (You Probably Have Most of These!)

• 6 egg yolks

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 cup heavy cream (cold)

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)

• 2 cups espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled

• 3 tbsp coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa, optional)

• 1 pack ladyfingers (savoiardi)

• Cocoa powder, for dusting

• Optional: dark chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cinnamon

How to Make It (No Oven Needed!)

1. Make the Cream

• Whisk egg yolks and sugar over a simmering pot (use a double boiler) until thick and pale. Let it cool.

• Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

• In another bowl, mix mascarpone until smooth. Combine it with the cooled yolk mixture, then fold in the whipped cream gently.

2. Coffee Time

• Stir the espresso and liqueur together in a shallow bowl.

• Quickly dip the ladyfingers one at a time (just a second per side — don’t let them get soggy).

3. Layer It Up

• Start with a layer of dipped ladyfingers in a dish.

• Spread on half the mascarpone cream.

• Add another layer of ladyfingers and top with the rest of the cream.

4. Chill and Serve

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

• Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings if you're feeling fancy.

Tiramisu Tips & Tricks

• No alcohol? Just leave out the liqueur it’s still delicious.

• No espresso machine? Brew extra-strong coffee.

• Want to switch it up? Try a flavored liqueur like hazelnut or amaretto.

• Serving a crowd? Double the recipe in a 9x13 pan!

Final Thought: Worth Every Layer

Homemade tiramisu is way easier than it looks, and it never fails to impress. It's creamy, cool, and has that perfect balance of sweet and bitter. Once you make it, you’ll wonder why you ever waited this long.