Sweets

Quick and Easy Tiramisu

July 18, 2018 (Last updated April 22, 2020) · Nicole Triebe

This quick and easy tiramisu is so simple to put together! Layers of delicate lady fingers, rich mascarpone cheese and the sweet mix of cold brew and Kahlua creates a decadent dessert, and it only takes half the time to prepare compared to the traditional method! This is delicious and and a fun, quick way to enjoy one of my favorite desserts!

I had wanted to go to culinary school since I was in high school.  My mom was such an amazing cook growing up, and allowed me to develop a passion for good home cooked food.  We always spent our nights around the dinner table as a family and it was such a special time to share together.

I ended up going to culinary school after a few years at the University of Iowa, and I am so happy I did.  After graduating, I got a job working as a pastry chef at a small Italian restaurant in my home town.  I would go in every Saturday before the restaurant opened and make large batches of tiramisu, about 12 trays at a time.  They were easy to freeze for use later, so the restaurant would take them out as needed.  The whole process took about 3 hours, with so many detailed steps involved.

It quickly became my favorite dessert to eat, but since leaving the restaurant industry, I rarely make it because of how tedious it is!

I’m here today to simplify that process so you can enjoy these decadent tiramisu trifles whenever you want!

Quick and Easy Tiramisu | Windy City Dinner Fairy

It’s important to use quality ingredients if you want a really delicious tiramisu.

That’s why I’m using Cultivo® Organic Cold Brew Coffee.  Cultivo only roasts in small batches and the coffee is steeped for up to 20 hours.  All their cold brews are made with only USDA Certified Organic products. I combine their cold brew with some simple syrup, cocoa powder and Kahlua to use for a dipping liquid for the lady fingers. I love the flavor that Cultivo brings to this tiramisu!

Your’e probably thinking, what’s the trick to this quick and easy tiramisu?!? We’re skipping the egg sabayon.  *GASP* I promise you won’t even miss it!

You might be wondering what a sabayon is.  A sabayon is a light sauce traditionally made with egg yolks, sugar and wine (or Kahlua in this case). Also known by the Italian name zabaglione, it is believed to have originated in Italy around the 1500s.  It helps to set up the mascarpone mixture.  Since we’re simplifying this process, I’m skipping it and telling you, you don’t really need it anyway! It tastes JUST as good, and omitting it makes this quick and easy tiramisu such a breeze to make!

Want to see the whole process?? Check out my video here!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my blueberry mint parfait!

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Quick and Easy Tiramisu

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Nicole Triebe
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup kahlua, plus 2 tbl

1/2 cup simple syrup (3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water)

1/4 cup cocoa powder, plus more for dusting

dark or semi sweet chocolate, shaved into curls

2 cups Cultivo Cold brew

1 package of lady fingers (I used Alessi)


Instructions

  1. Make simple syrup by combining water and sugar in a sauce pan.Heat on the stove until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Remove from stove and stir in cold brew, cocoa powder and 1/4 cup kahlua.  Let cool completely.
  3. Beat whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  4. Add in mascarpone cheese and 2 tbl Kahlua and continue to whip to stiff peaks.
  5. Dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture and place in an individual glasses to make the first layer. Don’t let them soak as the will fall apart, just a quick dunk in the coffee is enough.  Make sure coffee mixture is cool.

  6. Spread half of the whipped cream mixture on top of first layer of lady fingers. Repeat process with second layer of lady fingers and cream mixture.
  7. Dust the top of dessert with cocoa powder using a sieve. Top with chocolate curls.
  8. Refrigerate for about 2-4 hours (it gets even better in the fridge and is a perfect make-ahead dessert).

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6 Comments

  • Reply Shanika July 18, 2018 at 10:23 pm

    I’ve been meaning to try Tiramisu! This looks so good! Yum!






  • Reply Pam July 18, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    So beautiful and definitely easier than the traditional method. Your photos are stunning as well.






    • Reply Nicole Triebe July 19, 2018 at 10:25 pm

      thank you!

  • Reply Kelsey July 19, 2018 at 1:05 am

    I have always wanted to master a tiramisu! Yours will be the one with it be quick and easy!






  • Reply Caroline July 19, 2018 at 2:07 am

    Love the idea of both speeded up and the cute servings in glasses. Looks delicious!






  • Reply Cindy Gordon July 19, 2018 at 2:18 am

    THIS. OH SO GOOOOD! And OH so easy!






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