Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (2024)

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One bite of this gluten free tiramisu and you will be hooked! The creamy rum-soaked sponge cake and egg custard flavors all combine in the most mouthwatering way. This cake is so easy to make with my homemade sponge cake or gluten free ladyfingers.

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (1)

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I am so excited about this gluten free tiramisu recipe! It has been many years since I enjoyed tiramisu. Gluten free ladyfingers have been difficult to find, so I used my fluffy gluten free sponge cake recipe. This sponge cake has the same flavor and texture of ladyfingers.

I have a feeling you will fall in love with this cake too! It is a decadent cake that is made to impress. Nobody will know it is gluten free.

For this special gluten free Italian dessert, I used my homemade Gluten Free Sponge Cake recipe and added in the delicious filling from a New York Times Tiramisu recipe I found. It is by far the best filling. I modified it a bit by using dark rum instead of regular rum.

Why This Recipe Is Great:

  1. This homemade gluten free tiramisu recipe is special because it has all of the authentic Italian flavors.
  2. This cake tastes like you bought it in a fancy bakery. It tastes like the real thing!!
  3. It is easy to make in just a few simple steps!

If you love cake as much as I do, you will want to check out all of my delicious homemade gluten free cake recipes on the blog.

Ingredient Notes:

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (2)
  • Gluten Free Sponge Cake – For this recipe, you must make my gluten free sponge cake or use gluten free ladyfingers. Schar makes gluten free lady fingers, but I have yet to see them in stores here in my area.
  • Sugar
  • Eggs – Size large eggs.
  • Heavy Cream – Do not use half and half.
  • Mascarpone Cheese – If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can use full-fat cream cheese.
  • Cocoa Powder – Most brands are gluten free, but always read the label to be sure! I like to use Ghirardelli, Hershey’s, or Anthony’s brands of cocoa powder.
  • Coffee – Use coffee or a double espresso watered down to equal 1 cup of liquid.
  • Rum – I used dark rum because I like the caramelized flavor more than regular rum. If you want your tiramisu to be alcohol-free, use rum extract.
  • Vanilla Extract – I recommend using pure vanilla extract.

🔑 Sandi says: A note about egg safety. This recipe contains uncooked eggs because it is made in the traditional Italian way. The eggs are whipped for 10 minutes, and the quality of the eggs in the U.S. is very high. You can temper the eggs by whisking them over a hot water bath before adding them to the standing mixer.

Tips For Sucess:

  • If you are making my gluten free sponge cake recipe, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients so your cake is fluffy.
  • Be sure the cake is fully chilled before serving it.

For more tips and tricks, read my Gluten Free Cake Troubleshooting Guide too.

As a precaution, if you are pregnant or have young children (who probably wouldn’t need the caffeine either!), you may want to try another dessert. I have tons of delicious gluten free dessert recipes on the blog!

Tiramisu is a delightful no-bake cake that is so easy to put together. If you love no-bake-style cakes, try my easy Gluten Free Icebox Cake recipe too!

Variations and Substitutions:

  • If you do not have heavy cream, use the same quantity of evaporated milk with 1 tablespoon of tapioca or cornstarch.
  • To substitute the mascarpone, mix full-fat cream cheese with butter and heavy cream.
  • Add mini chocolate chips to the mascarpone layer.
  • Drizzle with some melted chocolate.

Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (3)

Step 1: Make my gluten free sponge cake recipe and allow the cake to cool. If you have gluten free ladyfingers and plan to use those instead, skip steps 1 and 2.

Step 2: Slice the cake into strips. Now, let’s make the whipped custard filling!

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Step 3: Add the egg yolks and sugar in a standing mixer. Whip for about 10 minutes. The mixture will become thick and pale yellow.

Step 4: Pull up the beater. The mixture will make a ribbon when you pull up the beater. Move the mixture to a bowl and clean the mixer/beater attachment.

HINT: Don’t forget, you can temper the egg yolks if using raw eggs makes you nervous. Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl over a hot water bath to do this. You will need to whisk constantly. After 5 minutes, add them to the standing mixer with the sugar and whip.

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Step 5: In the mixer, add the heavy cream and whip it until it forms peaks. If you don’t have heavy cream, substitute evaporated milk with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot, corn, or tapioca starch. Add in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla. Mix well.

Step 6: Pour the egg yolk mixture into the cheese mixture and gently fold the two together.

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Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (7)

Step 7: Spray oil in your 8×8 dish with a gluten free non-stick spray. Line the dish with a layer of sponge cake pieces.

Step 8: Mix your coffee and rum in a small bowl. Drizzle some over the sponge cake pieces.

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (8)

Step 9: Take your cream-filling mixture and add it on top of the layer of sponge slices. Optional: dust this layer with cocoa powder.

Step 10: Add another layer of sponge cake and drizzle with the coffee rum mixture.

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Step 11: Add the rest of the whipped custard and spread to coat the sponge cake evenly.

Step 12: Put the cocoa powder into a small sifter and sift the cocoa over the custard. Removing the lumps that always seem to be in cocoa powder is important.

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Dust the top with cocoa powder, and enjoy! Remember to store this cake in the refrigerator.

Storage:

Tiramisu tends to spoil quickly because of the egg custard. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Don’t eat it if it doesn’t smell right after 2-3 days.

Recipe FAQ:

Is there real alcohol in Tiramisu?

Yes, a real tiramisu contains rum. If you do not want to use alcohol, use rum extract.

Are there gluten free ladyfingers?

I have only seen one brand of gluten free ladyfingers online by Schar, but I haven’t found them in person yet. This is why I use my gluten free sponge cake recipe as a substitute.

Is mascarpone cheese gluten free?

Yes! Mascarpone cheese is gluten free. It is made with no gluten ingredients.

What can be used instead of mascarpone cheese?

If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you could substitute whipped cream and some cream cheese or ricotta cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will be good.

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (11)

More Gluten Free Cake Recipes:

  • Gluten Free Creamy Apple Cake
  • Easy Gluten Free Tres Leches Cake
  • Gluten Free Chocolate Trifle
  • Gluten Free Bakewell Tart

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (12)

Gluten Free Tiramisu

Sandi Gaertner

A creamy no-bake Italian cake that has incredible flavors. It is so easy to make!

5 from 7 votes

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (13)

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (14)

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (15)

Print Pin it

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Chill Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Gluten Free Cake Recipes, Gluten Free Dessert Recipes

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 slices

Calories 196 kcal

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 1 gluten free sponge cake * see note
  • 1 cup mascarpone * see note for substitute
  • ¾ cup heavy cream do not use half and half
  • 1 cup coffee * see note
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum * see note for alcohol-free
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions

  • Make my gluten free sponge cake recipe and allow the cake to cool. If you have gluten free ladyfingers and plan to use those instead, skip steps 1 and 2.

  • Slice the cake into ¼ to ½ inch thick strips. Now let's make the whipped custard filling!

  • In a standing mixer, add the egg yolks and sugar. Whip for about 10 minutes. The mixture will become thick and pale yellow.

  • Pull up the beater. The mixture will make a ribbon when you pull up the beater. Move the mixture to a bowl and clean the mixer/beater attachment.

  • HINT: Don't forget, you can temper the egg yolks if using raw egg makes you nervous. To do this, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl over a hot water bath. You will need to whisk constantly. After 5 minutes, adding them to the standing mixer with the sugar and whip.

  • In the mixer, add the heavy cream and whip it until it forms peaks. If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute evaporated milk with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot, corn, or tapioca starch. Add in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla. Mix well.

  • Pour the egg yolk mixture into the cheese mixture and gently fold the two together.

  • Spray oil in your 8×8 dish. Line the dish with a layer of sponge cake pieces.

  • Mix your coffee and rum in a small bowl. Drizzle some over the sponge cake pieces.

  • Take your cream filling mixture and add it on top of the layer of sponge slices. Optional: dust this layer with cocoa powder.

  • Add another layer of sponge cake and drizzle with the coffee rum mixture.

  • Add the rest of the whipped custard and spread to evenly coat the sponge cake.

  • Put the cocoa powder into a small sifter and sift the cocoa over the custard. This is important to remove the lumps that always seem to be in cocoa powder.

  • Chill the cake a miniumum of one hour before servin. 2-3 hours is even better as the flavors blend in together.

Notes

  1. You can make my easy gluten free sponge cake recipe, or look for Schar gluten free ladyfingers in stores. I haven’t been able to find them so I use my cake.
  2. To substitute the mascarpone, mix full-fat cream cheese with butter and heavy cream.
  3. You can use one cup of coffee, or espresso watered down to the equal of one cup.
  4. I prefer dark rum over white rum in this recipe. If you do not want alcohol, use rum extract, which can be purchased at most grocery stores.
  5. Due to the nature of using the raw egg yolks, this cake will not keep long. I would recommend eating it within two days. This cake is not good for making ahead unless you just bake the gluten free sponge cake ahead.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 47mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 568IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

This post was updated from an older August 2021 post with more recipe details.

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (16)
Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu? ›

Graham crackers: If you're looking for a healthier option, graham crackers are a great choice. Their slightly sweet and crunchy texture pairs well with the creamy Tiramisu filling.

Can you buy gluten free tiramisu? ›

Crafted with utmost care, this gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free creation is a true indulgence for the discerning palate. Each spoonful of our Tiramisu Cake Tub offers a symphony of rich flavours - from the delicate layers of coffee-infused sponge cake to the velvety vegan mascarpone cream.

What not to do when making tiramisu? ›

Roberto Lestani, who for the occasion revealed to us the 3 mistakes not to make to prepare a stunning tiramisu!
  1. 1: excessively whipping the mascarpone! ...
  2. 2: once together, don't immediately mix the yolks and sugar! ...
  3. 3: Neglect stratification!
Jun 16, 2020

What is the difference between tiramisu and tiramisu cake? ›

While traditional tiramisu relies on ladyfingers, tiramisu cake often uses layers of sponge cake soaked in espresso and sometimes a touch of liqueur. The quintessential mascarpone cream remains a constant, but the structure allows for creative variations.

What can I use instead of mascarpone cream in tiramisu? ›

However you could try beating together 225g (8 ounces) full fat cream cheese with 60ml (4 tablespoons/1/4 cup) double or whipping cream and 30g (1 ounce/2 tablespoons) softened unsalted butter until just blended. This will give the equivalent of around 300g (10 ounces/1 1/4 cups) mascarpone.

Should ladyfingers be soft or crunchy? ›

You might be wondering what the right texture is for a ladyfinger. Well, the truth is, when they just come out of the oven they are actually quite soft and sponge-like in the center and a little crisp on the outside. However, Given that being so delicate, they firm up in a really short time if left out in the air.

How long should tiramisu chill before serving? ›

Chill your tiramisu for at least 6 hours.

As it sits, the ladyfingers soften and absorb the moisture and flavor from the cream. When ready to serve, grate more chocolate over the top (because why not), and then enjoy!

Is it better to leave tiramisu overnight? ›

You leave a tiramisu in the fridge to allow it to firm up. If you eat it straight away, it tends to be a mushy mess. Putting it in the fridge gives it the creamy airy texture.

What is the best liquor for tiramisu? ›

Alcohol: I prefer Kahlua, but use any of the following: Marsala wine, rum (dark is best!), brandy, or Amaretto. Make it Alcohol-Free: Omit the Kahlua entirely from the coffee mixture and replacing it with coffee in the mascarpone mixture.

What is decadent tiramisu? ›

A unique twist of the classic tiramisu dessert with coffee sponge, layered with mascarpone cheese and espresso cream, topped with premium cocoa powder.

What kind of cocoa is best for tiramisu? ›

Lastly: Use Dutch process cocoa for your Tiramisu topping. Dutch process cocoa is processed using an alkalizing agent which makes the cocoa milder in flavor, as opposed to a natural cocoa powder processed using broma. Just look for the word Dutch on the package of cocoa.

What is the English name for tiramisu? ›

The word Tiramisù literally means “pick me up”. It comes from the Treviso dialect, “Tireme su”, Italianised into Tiramisù in the latter half of the 20th century. Historical records state that Tiramisù originated in Treviso in 1800.

Why are ladyfingers used in tiramisu? ›

They are a principal ingredient in many dessert recipes, such as trifles and charlottes, and are also used as fruit or chocolate gateau linings, and for the sponge element of tiramisu. They are typically soaked in a sugar syrup or liqueur, or in coffee or espresso for tiramisu.

Are ladyfingers and shortbread the same thing? ›

Shortbread is a tight crumb, crisp, and buttery cookie, yet ladyfingers are light, airy, and meringue-based. So the two are very different cookies in several ways. However, both ladyfingers and shortbread are often used in trifles and other layered desserts.

Can I use Margherite cookies instead of ladyfingers? ›

I used it instead of ladyfingers for my tiramisu. I love it so much! Both flavor work great in my tiramisu!

What is ladyfingers made of? ›

Ladyfingers are made from just a handful of ingredients — eggs, granulated and powdered sugar, vanilla, cream of tartar, flour, cornstarch, and salt. The egg-based sponge cakes don't have any chemical leaveners, but rather get their lift from whipped egg whites.

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