Tiramisu Cheesecake Coffee Mascarpone

This decadent Tiramisu Cheesecake brings together the best of two classics in one no-bake showstopper. With bold coffee-soaked ladyfingers nestled inside a creamy, mascarpone-swirled cheesecake and a cocoa powder finish, each bite is pure comfort. This recipe achieves a beautiful layered dessert that is easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for celebrations.

I first blended tiramisu and cheesecake for my sister’s birthday. Now it is the one recipe everyone requests for any special family celebration.

Ingredients

• Chocolate wafer cookies: make a crunchy chocolatey base and look for high-quality dark options for more flavor
• Melted butter: holds the crust together and choose unsalted for better control over flavor
• Cream cheese and mascarpone cheese: create the creamy tangy filling so let them come to room temperature for easy mixing
• Powdered sugar: sweetens the filling without any graininess
• Pure vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean: brings extra warmth and aroma
• Heavy cream: is essential for a lush texture and whipping creates an airy base
• Powdered gelatin: sets the cheesecake while keeping the filling tender
• Cold water: is used to dissolve and bloom the gelatin
• Strong brewed coffee: infuses the ladyfingers with deep roast notes
• Coffee-flavored liqueur or rum: adds elegant richness but is totally optional
• Savoiardi ladyfingers: provide tender texture inside and soak up all the coffee flavor
• Cocoa powder: gives the iconic tiramisu finish and use Dutch-process for a deep color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Crust:

Process the chocolate wafer cookies in a food processor until finely ground then blend in melted butter until the mixture clumps press firmly into a lined springform pan and chill for ten minutes to set the base

Prepare the Creamy Base:

Beat room-temperature cream cheese mascarpone powdered sugar and vanilla using a stand mixer or hand mixer until smooth and fluffy this step makes the filling airy and light

Whip the Cream:

In a separate bowl whip cold heavy cream straight from the fridge until soft peaks hold form this step boosts stability and lifts the whole filling

Combine the Filling:

Gently fold whipped cream into the cheese mixture use light strokes for the silkiest result then bloom powdered gelatin in water for five minutes and warm gently just until dissolved mix cooled gelatin into filling with gentle strokes avoid over-mixing to keep the structure smooth

Assemble the Layers:

Mix cooled strong coffee with optional liqueur dip ladyfingers briefly so they soak up coffee but do not get soggy spread a third of the cheesecake mixture over the crust top with a layer of soaked ladyfingers and repeat with another layer of cheesecake

Decorate and Set:

Transfer remaining cheesecake filling to a piping bag and pipe rosettes or mounds on top of the final layer cover and chill for at least three hours or overnight this ensures the dessert sets and slices easily

Serve:

Gently remove the sides of the pan dust with cocoa powder right before serving slice with a knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean for neat beautiful slices

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My favorite part is dusting cocoa powder on top with my kids who love seeing it fall like chocolatey snow at the end of every birthday meal this is our family’s celebration cake

Storage Tips

Leftover tiramisu cheesecake keeps best refrigerated in an airtight container and will stay moist and fresh for up to five days. I always wrap the pan with plastic when making it ahead for parties which prevents the top from picking up any fridge flavors and keeps it perfectly creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free dessert choose gluten-free chocolate cookies and certified gluten-free ladyfingers for the crust and layers. If mascarpone is hard to find, blending cream cheese with a little whipped cream creates a close substitute though the flavor will be slightly tangier.

Serving Suggestions

A wedge of tiramisu cheesecake looks stunning on a simple white plate dusted at the table for dramatic effect. Serve with a cup of espresso or even a sweet dessert wine for a café-style experience. Add chocolate curls or a drizzle of coffee syrup for even more flair on special nights.

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Cultural Context

Tiramisu means pick me up in Italian and was created as a joyful dessert in Treviso. This cheesecake version keeps the spirit alive while letting you skip the oven and serve up classic Italian flavors from home. In my family we love telling the tiramisu story at birthdays and have made it part of our yearly traditions.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What kind of coffee should I use?

Use strong brewed coffee or espresso for a robust flavor. Decaf is also suitable if preferred.

→ Can I substitute the ladyfingers?

Ladyfingers are traditional, but you can try sponge cake slices or vanilla cookies for a similar effect.

→ How do I ensure a stable, creamy texture?

Soften mascarpone and cream cheese before mixing, and use gelatin to help the filling set smoothly.

→ Is there an alcohol-free option?

Omit the liqueur and use plain coffee for a family-friendly dessert that's just as delicious.

→ How should I serve and store leftovers?

Chill thoroughly before serving and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

→ Can I freeze the dessert?

Yes, wrap well in plastic and foil after setting. Freeze up to three months; thaw in the fridge before enjoying.