Gluten-Free Tiramisu Recipe: The Ultimate Italian Dessert Without the Gluten

Love tiramisu but can’t have gluten? This gluten-free tiramisu recipe lets you enjoy the same creamy, coffee-infused indulgence without compromising on texture or flavor. Imagine layers of espresso-soaked gluten-free ladyfingers, velvety mascarpone cream, and a dusting of rich cocoa powder. It’s light, elegant, and tastes just like the classic Italian dessert maybe even better.

Whether you’re gluten-intolerant, have celiac disease, or simply prefer gluten-free baking, this recipe delivers the luxurious taste and texture of traditional tiramisu in a 100% gluten-free way.

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Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Tiramisu Recipe

This dessert is:

• 100% gluten-free — no wheat, no compromise.
• No-bake — perfect for warm days or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Creamy and light — the mascarpone filling melts in your mouth.
• Make-ahead friendly — best served after chilling overnight.
• Customizable — can be made eggless, dairy-free, or alcohol-free with a few swaps.

Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or dinner parties, this gluten-free Italian dessert is guaranteed to impress.

What Makes This Tiramisu Gluten-Free?

Traditional tiramisu uses savoiardi (ladyfingers) made with wheat flour. In this gluten-free tiramisu, we replace them with gluten-free ladyfingers or homemade almond flour sponge cake.

Everything else mascarpone, eggs, sugar, coffee, cocoa is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to:

• Check that your cocoa powder and coffee liquor are certified gluten-free.
• Avoid cross-contamination when preparing ingredients.

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Tiramisu Recipe

For the Gluten-Free Ladyfingers (or Sponge Base)

You can either buy store-bought gluten-free ladyfingers (brands like Schär or Savoiardi GF) or make your own using this simple sponge recipe:

• ¾ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (1:1 baking blend)
• ¼ cup almond flour
• 3 large eggs, separated
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Coffee Soak

• 1 ½ cups strong espresso or coffee
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (Kahlua, rum, or Marsala — optional)

For the Mascarpone Cream

• 8 oz mascarpone cheese (softened)
• 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
• 3 egg yolks (optional)
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Finishing

• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• 8x8-inch dish or trifle bowl
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk

How to Make Gluten-Free Tiramisu (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Make (or Buy) Gluten-Free Ladyfingers

If using store-bought gluten-free ladyfingers, skip this step.

To make your own:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
4. Gently fold in flours, baking powder, and salt, alternating with whipped whites.
5. Pipe into finger shapes or pour into a baking pan and bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool completely.

Step 2 — Prepare the Coffee Soak

Mix espresso, sugar, and coffee liqueur in a bowl. Let cool completely. Avoid using hot coffee it can make the cookies too soggy.

Step 3 — Make the Mascarpone Cream

1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
2. Add mascarpone and mix until smooth.
3. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture with vanilla extract and salt.

For an eggless gluten-free tiramisu, skip yolks and combine mascarpone directly with whipped cream and sugar.

Step 4 — Assemble the Gluten-Free Tiramisu

1. Quickly dip each gluten-free ladyfinger into the coffee soak (1–2 seconds).
2. Arrange a layer in your dish.
3. Spread half of the mascarpone cream on top.
4. Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and remaining cream.
5. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5 — Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor. The longer it chills, the more cohesive and creamy the layers become.

Step 6 — Serve

Before serving, dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle with chocolate shavings.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Tiramisu

• Use cold cream for whipping it stabilizes the filling.
• Dip ladyfingers quickly; gluten-free biscuits can soften faster than wheat-based ones.
• Chill overnight for the most authentic tiramisu texture.
• Use high-quality mascarpone for that rich, authentic Italian flavor.

Gluten-Free Tiramisu Variations

1. Dairy-Free or Vegan Tiramisu

Replace mascarpone with vegan cream cheese or coconut cream. Use plant-based whipping cream and ensure your ladyfingers are dairy-free.

2. Eggless Gluten-Free Tiramisu

Skip the yolks entirely the whipped cream and mascarpone mixture is smooth, stable, and delicious.

3. Chocolate Gluten-Free Tiramisu

Add melted dark chocolate or a layer of chocolate ganache between the cream layers for an extra indulgent dessert.

4. Matcha Gluten-Free Tiramisu

Replace coffee with strong matcha tea, and dust the top with matcha powder instead of cocoa.

5. Alcohol-Free Tiramisu

Replace liqueur with a few drops of coffee extract or vanilla syrup for a family-friendly option.

How to Store Gluten-Free Tiramisu

• Refrigerate: Keep covered for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Serve chilled: It tastes best straight from the fridge, not room temperature.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-soaking the biscuits gluten-free cookies soften quickly.
• Mixing warm coffee with mascarpone it can curdle the cream.
• Using low-fat mascarpone or cream the texture won’t set properly.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fat: 27g
• Protein: 6g
• Gluten: 0g (verified gluten-free ingredients)

FAQs 

Is traditional tiramisu gluten-free?

No, classic tiramisu uses ladyfingers made from wheat flour. You must substitute them with gluten-free biscuits or sponge cake.

Where can I buy gluten-free ladyfingers?

Brands like Schär, Glutino, and Kinnikinnick offer ready-made gluten-free ladyfingers.

Can I make tiramisu without eggs?

Yes! Skip the yolks and whip together mascarpone, sugar, and heavy cream instead.

Can I make gluten-free tiramisu ahead of time?

Definitely. It tastes better after chilling overnight, as the flavors fully develop.

How long can gluten-free tiramisu last?

Up to 3 days refrigerated, or 2 months frozen.

Can I make a vegan version?

Yes, use vegan mascarpone, plant-based cream, and dairy-free cookies.

Pro Tips from Pastry Experts

• Always chill the cream mixture before layering.
• For a stronger flavor, brush the coffee soak lightly instead of dipping the cookies.
• Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a smooth, dark finish.
• Add a few cacao nibs on top for texture contrast.

Conclusion 

This gluten-free tiramisu recipe proves that dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing taste. With the right ingredients and a few simple techniques, you can enjoy a dessert that’s every bit as creamy, coffee-rich, and luxurious as the original Italian masterpiece.

Serve it for special occasions or as a treat for yourself because everyone deserves a little tiramisu magic.

If you’re packaging gluten-free desserts for your café or bakery, explore sustainable, eco-friendly dessert packaging that preserves freshness while supporting a greener planet.