Save The first time I made a tiramisu latte, I was trying to solve a problem: how to capture that indulgent tiramisu feeling without spending an hour layering in a dish. I stood in my kitchen on a quiet morning, staring at some leftover ladyfingers and a fresh shot of espresso, when it clicked—why not pour everything into a glass? That single cup changed how I think about dessert drinks, turning what could have been a fussy project into something genuinely simple.
I remember serving this to my neighbor one afternoon when she stopped by unexpectedly, and watching her expression shift from polite interest to genuine surprise as she took that first spoonful was worth every moment. She came back specifically asking how to make it, and now it's become her go-to for impressing people without effort.
Ingredients
- Hot espresso (2 shots, 60 ml): The foundation of everything—use espresso you'd actually drink, not something burnt or bitter, because it's the star here.
- Coffee liqueur (30 ml, optional): Adds depth and a subtle kick, but skip it if you want something alcohol-free.
- Ladyfinger biscuits (4, crumbled): Savoiardi are the traditional choice and they soak up espresso beautifully without dissolving into mush.
- Whole milk (120 ml): Keeps the cream layer pourable and silky rather than too thick.
- Heavy cream (100 ml): This is what makes the texture luxurious, so don't skimp or substitute.
- Mascarpone cheese (80 g): Room temperature is non-negotiable—cold mascarpone clumps and refuses to whisk smoothly.
- Sugar (2 tbsp): Just enough to balance the bitter espresso without making it dessert-level sweet.
- Vanilla extract (½ tsp): A whisper of vanilla ties the coffee and cream together in a way that feels almost magical.
- Cocoa powder and dark chocolate shavings: The finishing touch that makes people stop mid-sip and ask what's in this.
Instructions
- Soak the biscuits in espresso warmth:
- Pour your hot espresso directly over the crumbled ladyfingers in a shallow bowl, add the coffee liqueur if you're using it, and let them sit for exactly 2 minutes. You want them softened and fragrant but not falling apart into coffee soup.
- Build the cream layer:
- Whisk together the mascarpone, heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla until it reaches a smooth, slightly thickened consistency. You're not making whipped cream here, just something that pours like a thick sauce.
- Layer with intention:
- Divide those soaked biscuit crumbles between two glasses or mugs, letting them settle at the bottom. This is your foundation.
- Pour the mascarpone cloud:
- Gently pour the cream mixture over the biscuits, watching it nestle around the crumbles. The contrast of layers is part of the charm.
- Dust and garnish:
- Sift cocoa powder generously over each glass—don't be shy, it adds both flavor and that beautiful finish. Add dark chocolate shavings if you have them.
- Serve with ceremony:
- Bring it to the table immediately with a spoon for stirring and scooping, encouraging people to mix it as they drink and experience every texture at once.
Save There was an evening when I made this for my partner after a long day, and they literally closed their eyes on the first sip, just took a moment. It became the drink I make when I want to say without words that I'm thinking about their day, their mood, and what they need. That's when I knew this wasn't just a recipe.
The Mascarpone Secret
Mascarpone gets a bad reputation for being fussy, but it's honestly just misunderstood. It's not like cream cheese—it doesn't whip into stiff peaks, and it doesn't want aggressive whisking. Treat it gently, let it soften at room temperature, and it becomes this cloud of possibility. I learned this the hard way after whipping it into broken graininess twice, and now I approach it with respect and slowness. The moment you feel it smooth and cooperative is the moment you know you're on track.
Customizing Your Version
The beauty of this drink is that it bends to your preferences without losing its identity. Skip the coffee liqueur if alcohol doesn't appeal to you, and the tiramisu flavor comes through even stronger. Try oat or almond milk instead of whole milk if you want something lighter, and use a vegan mascarpone if you're avoiding dairy—it won't be identical, but it will still be delicious. I've made it with a splash of rum, with almond extract instead of vanilla, with crushed amaretti instead of ladyfingers. None of these versions failed.
When to Make This and Why
This is the drink for mornings when you want dessert without the guilt, for afternoons when someone drops by and you want to seem effortlessly impressive, for those moments when you need a pause that tastes like Italy. It's also forgiving enough to batch for two people or easily scale up for a small gathering. I've served it at book clubs, at quiet breakfast tables, and as an afternoon surprise, and every time it feels like the right choice.
- Make it immediately after brewing espresso while the heat is still doing the soaking work.
- Keep the mascarpone at room temperature before you start, or plan an extra 15 minutes of patience.
- Serve it in glasses where the layers are visible—half the appeal is watching people discover what's in it with each spoonful.
Save This drink sits at the perfect intersection of ease and elegance, taking something cherished and making it accessible without losing its charm. Once you've made it once, you'll find yourself making it again and again, each time feeling a little more like second nature.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prepare the biscuit layer?
Pour hot espresso over crumbled ladyfingers and let them soak for about 2 minutes to ensure they absorb the coffee fully before layering.
- → Can I make this without coffee liqueur?
Yes, simply omit the coffee liqueur for an alcohol-free yet flavorful version that maintains the rich coffee taste.
- → What alternatives exist for dairy ingredients?
You can use almond or oat milk along with a vegan mascarpone substitute to create a lighter, dairy-free variation.
- → How should this drink be served?
Serve immediately in latte glasses or mugs, topped with cocoa powder and optional dark chocolate shavings, accompanied by a spoon for stirring.
- → Are there any allergen concerns?
This preparation includes dairy and gluten from mascarpone and ladyfingers. Check ladyfingers for nut traces if allergies are a concern.