Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert for Coffee Lovers

Let me tell you, the scent of rich espresso mingling with velvety Irish cream wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The very first time I whipped up this Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight, I was instantly hooked. It was one of those rare moments where you pause, take a deep breath, and just smile because you know you’re onto something truly special. Honestly, I wish I’d found this recipe years ago—back when I was knee-high to a grasshopper, dreaming of that perfect coffee-flavored treat that felt both comforting and a little indulgent.

This dessert has become a staple at family gatherings and cozy weekend dinners alike. My friends couldn’t stop sneaking spoonfuls off the serving dish (and I can’t really blame them). Let’s face it, if you’re a coffee lover who craves creamy, boozy desserts with just the right balance of sweetness and kick, this recipe was made for you. Perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat, or just treating yourself after a long day, the Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight delivers pure, nostalgic comfort with every bite.

You know what makes this recipe dangerously easy? It combines the classic tiramisu charm with an Irish coffee twist that’s both sophisticated and approachable. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your Pinterest dessert board or need a sweet treat to share at your next potluck, you’re going to want to bookmark this one. In the name of research, of course, I’ve tested it multiple times, and it never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight

Having spent years experimenting with tiramisu recipes, I can honestly say this one stands out for several reasons. It’s not just another coffee dessert—it’s a coffee lover’s dream wrapped in layers of creamy goodness. Here’s why this Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight will quickly become one of your favorites:

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dessert cravings.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy grocery trips required—you probably have everything on hand already.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s a brunch, holiday gathering, or casual dinner party, this dessert shines.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about the creamy texture and subtle Irish coffee kick.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combo of smooth mascarpone, bold espresso, and a splash of Irish cream is pure magic.

This recipe isn’t just good; it’s the kind that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and savor the moment. The secret? A perfectly balanced blend of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a dreamy mascarpone mixture infused with Irish cream liqueur. It’s comfort food reimagined—rich yet light, flavorful yet simple. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to when you want to impress without stress or just enjoy a little indulgence.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most are pantry staples, and a few special touches bring it all together beautifully.

• For the Coffee Soak:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) freshly brewed strong espresso or dark coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• For the Cream Mixture:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature (I prefer Galbani for smoothness)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur
• Other Ingredients:
  • 20-24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi) – look for firm ones that absorb but don’t fall apart
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Optional: dark chocolate shavings or espresso beans for garnish

Ingredient tips: If you want to keep this dairy-free, swap mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream for whipping. For a non-alcoholic version, replace Irish cream liqueur with a mix of vanilla extract and a splash of coffee liqueur flavoring.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (one large for cream mixture, one medium for coffee soak)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (helps whip cream to perfect peaks)
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) square baking dish or similar-sized glass container
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer for dusting cocoa powder evenly
• Rubber spatula for folding ingredients gently
• Whisk (optional, for combining coffee soak ingredients)

If you don’t have a stand mixer, a sturdy hand whisk works fine but expect to spend a little more elbow grease whipping the cream. A glass dish lets you show off those beautiful tiramisu layers, which is great if you’re serving guests or snapping pics for Pinterest. For dusting cocoa, a small tea strainer works just as well as a sifter.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Coffee Soak: In a medium bowl, combine cooled espresso, Irish cream liqueur, and granulated sugar. Whisk gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside to let flavors meld for about 5 minutes.
2. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat; you want it light and airy.
3. Mix the Mascarpone Cream: In another bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and Irish cream liqueur. Stir gently until smooth and creamy. Then fold in the whipped cream in three batches, using a rubber spatula to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
4. Assemble the Layers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee soak (about 1-2 seconds per side; don’t let them get soggy). Line the bottom of your baking dish with a single layer of soaked ladyfingers.
5. Add Cream Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers evenly with a spatula. Smooth it gently.
6. Repeat: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the cream, then cover with the remaining mascarpone cream.
7. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
8. Finish and Serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Add optional dark chocolate shavings or a few espresso beans for a fancy touch.

Pro tip: If your ladyfingers are soaking too quickly and getting mushy, try dipping them faster or using a slightly cooler coffee soak. Also, folding the mascarpone mixture gently preserves that cloud-like texture everyone loves.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Making this Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight feel like a pro’s handiwork is easier than you think. Here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way:

• Whip cream just right: Cold cream whips better. Chill your bowl and beaters for 10 minutes in the freezer before whipping if possible.
• Mascarpone handling: Bring mascarpone to room temperature to avoid lumps and make mixing smoother. Overmixing can cause it to break down, so fold gently.
• Ladyfingers dipping: Don’t soak too long! They absorb liquid fast and can turn mushy. A quick dip is enough to infuse flavor without losing structure.
• Layer evenly: Use a spatula to spread layers smoothly. Uneven layers can cause the tiramisu to collapse or look messy.
• Chill time matters: The longer it rests, the better the flavors mingle. Overnight is best if you can wait.
• Multitasking: While the tiramisu chills, it’s a great time to clean up or prepare coffee for serving.

One time, I rushed the chilling step and the texture was off—too loose and not set. Lesson learned: patience pays off with this recipe.

Variations & Adaptations

This Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Non-Alcoholic Version: Skip the Irish cream liqueur and substitute with vanilla extract and a splash of coffee essence. It’s just as tasty for the kids or designated drivers.
• Decaf Delight: Use decaffeinated espresso or coffee for a late-night treat without the caffeine jitters.
• Seasonal Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mascarpone cream for a cozy fall vibe. Alternatively, mix in some orange zest for a bright, fresh note in winter.
• Chocolate Lovers: Layer in some finely chopped dark chocolate or drizzle chocolate syrup between layers for extra indulgence.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers or substitute with gluten-free sponge cake slices.
• Personal Fave: Once, I swapped half the Irish cream with hazelnut liqueur and added chopped toasted hazelnuts between layers—it was dangerously good!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this tiramisu chilled, straight from the fridge. The creamy layers should be firm but soft, and the coffee flavor pronounced but not overpowering. It pairs beautifully with a fresh cup of espresso or a simple black coffee to complement the boozy richness.

If you’re serving guests, garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder and some chocolate shavings or a few espresso beans for that elegant café feel. It also makes a stunning centerpiece dessert for holiday dinners or brunch.

Store leftover tiramisu covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the second day even better than the first. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option—just thaw slowly in the fridge before serving to maintain texture.

For reheating, honestly, this dessert is best enjoyed cold. But if you want a warm twist, try serving small portions with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight is a treat, so enjoy it mindfully! A typical serving (about 1/8 of the dish) contains approximately:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Fat	22 g (mostly from mascarpone and cream)
Carbohydrates	25 g (from ladyfingers and sugar)
Protein	5 g
Sugar	18 g (includes natural and added sugar)

Key ingredients like mascarpone provide calcium and vitamin A, while coffee offers antioxidants and a gentle caffeine boost. If you’re watching carbs or dairy, consider the substitutions mentioned earlier. Also, note this recipe contains gluten (ladyfingers) and dairy, so adjust accordingly for allergies.

From a wellness perspective, this dessert feels indulgent but is made with real ingredients, no artificial flavors or preservatives. It’s a delightful way to treat yourself without feeling weighed down.

Conclusion

If you love coffee and crave a creamy, boozy dessert that’s both simple and show-stopping, this Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight is definitely worth trying. It’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for special occasions. You can customize it to your liking—whether that means dialing up the Irish cream, adding a chocolate twist, or making it kid-friendly.

Personally, I adore this recipe because it balances comfort with elegance. It reminds me of cozy afternoons spent with family and the joy of sharing a homemade treat that everyone loves. So grab your espresso, pour a little Irish cream, and get ready to impress with this dangerously delicious tiramisu. Don’t forget to drop a comment below if you try it or have your own twist to share—let’s keep the coffee love going!

FAQs about Creamy Irish Coffee Tiramisu Delight

Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling it overnight is ideal because it allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the texture to set. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap.

What if I don’t have Irish cream liqueur?

You can substitute with extra vanilla extract and a splash of coffee liqueur flavoring or skip the alcohol entirely for a non-alcoholic version.

How long does this tiramisu keep in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored covered. After that, the ladyfingers may become too soggy.

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, strong brewed coffee works well. Just make sure it’s robust and cooled before dipping the ladyfingers.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Use gluten-free ladyfingers or substitute with slices of gluten-free sponge cake. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Print