This Filipino-style tiramisu is a no-bake dessert that's easy to prepare and is sure to impress. The layers are rich, creamy, and full of Filipino-style recipe flavors, which makes it a delicious dessert for gatherings!
My Nutter Butters and Mug Cake recipes are sure crowd-pleasers, too.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Filipino-style tiramisu recipe is beginner-friendly. You don’t need to bake anything to make this dessert. Just mix, layer, chill, and enjoy!
It’s creamy from the combination of mascarpone and cream, with a fun twist on traditional tiramisu. You can use a dairy-free option for this recipe to make it lighter. Espresso, strong coffee, or instant coffee powder also adds flavor and antioxidants.
The Story Behind Filipino Style Tiramisu
Filipino homes love no-bake layered cake desserts for birthdays, fiestas, and potlucks. The classic uses coffee-flavored syrup or alcohol-free go instead of Marsala wine.
Where Filipino Style Tiramisu Comes From
The tiramisu recipe came from Italy. It is usually made using raw egg yolks, mascarpone, coffee, and ladyfingers, but Filipino bakers made changes using local ingredients.
They added condensed milk and used broas in the recipe, and made it in a pan. The biscuits are also dipped quickly in hot water and strong coffee using a shallow bowl.
When is this Dish Typically Enjoyed?
This no-bake dessert is great for potlucks, birthdays, and gatherings. It’s also cool and creamy, which makes it perfect to serve during the hot season!
Read on to learn more about this simple yet delicious recipe!
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- large egg yolks
- granulated sugar
- mascarpone cheese
- heavy cream
- freshly brewed espresso
- dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
- vanilla extract
- ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Place the bowl over a double boiler. Whisk constantly for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg mixture until smooth.
Whip the Cream:
4. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
5. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Make sure it's fully combined.
Prepare the Espresso Dip:
6. In a shallow dish, mix the cooled espresso with the dark rum or coffee liqueur (if using).
Assemble the Tiramisu:
7. Quickly dip each of the ladyfinger biscuits into the espresso mixture and place them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9x9-inch dish.
8. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers.
9. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
10. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
11. Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.
12. Serve and enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
No mascarpone? Use cream cheese.
Swap espresso with strong instant coffee. - Variation
Want it kid-friendly? Skip the coffee liqueur or rum and stick with coffee-flavoured syrup. - Mistake to Avoid
Don’t soak the ladyfingers too long—they’ll get soggy fast. - Storage Tips
- This dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy layers.
- Store it chilled and covered for up to 3 days.
- Add cocoa and dark chocolate shavings right before serving for freshness.
FAQs
Filipino Style Tiramisu
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Mixture:
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups 280g mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 ½ cups 360ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Espresso Dip:
- 1 cup 240ml freshly brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons dark rum or coffee liqueur optional
For Assembly and Garnish:
- 24 ladyfingers Savoiardi biscuits
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Place the bowl over a double boiler and whisk constantly for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg mixture until smooth.
Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined.
Prepare the Espresso Dip:
- In a shallow dish, mix the cooled espresso with the dark rum or coffee liqueur (if using).
Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture and place them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9x9-inch dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers.
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Chill and Garnish:
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.
Watch The Recipe Video!
You Might Also Like:
Craving crunchy treats instead? Try the following:
Recipes for Every Moment
Hosting last-minute guests and need a wow-worthy dessert? This Filipino-style Tiramisu is rich, no-bake, and sure to impress.
Mia says
Lainey, I always thought this was hard to make! But it looks so easy! Thank you, I can't make it!
Dimple says
I can't wait to taste this!
Blair says
Oh delicious! I've been looking for an easy version of the recipe. Thanks so much!
Ching says
It looks delicious and easy to make. I'd like to try this soon! 🙂
Shein says
So creamy and indulgent! 🤎✨ This Filipino-style tiramisu looks absolutely irresistible—love the local twist! 😊🍰
Maisaci says
I remember hearing this recipe way back in my elementary or high school years. I didn’t realize I could actually make it. Thank you, SB. 🙄
Elie W says
Made these recently and it was a hit! Thanks, Lainey!
Clara says
Woooooow, this looks so yummy. My kind of treat!
Kian Cablinda says
Not really a sweet tooth, but this recipe threatens to make me one 🙂
Shein says
A little taste of home with a sweet twist✨ This Filipino-style tiramisu is my take on a classic—creamy, comforting, and made for sharing 🤍🍰