Tiramisu Without Ladyfingers – Creamy Delight Without Tradition

Some mornings or dessert cravings hit, and you realize you’re missing one thing — ladyfingers. But that doesn’t mean tiramisu is off the table.

In fact, this version, without the classic savoiardi biscuits, opens up a world of creativity and comfort.

You’re still promised those dreamy layers: creamy mascarpone, espresso-drenched goodness, and cocoa dust — just with a new base that’s just as satisfying.

As a home chef, I often find that skipping an ingredient nudges us toward magic. In this case, we swap the ladyfingers with sponge cake, homemade vanilla pound cake, or even oat-based cake slices.

The result? A softer, sometimes even more luxurious texture that melts and mingles with the mascarpone filling like silk.

Let’s walk through this no-ladyfinger tiramisu from start to decadent finish.

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Recipe Overview

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Ingredients

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Tools You’ll Need (with usage & alternatives)

• Mixing bowls (for cream preparation — or large jars)
• Hand mixer or whisk (to blend — or stand mixer)
• Spatula (for spreading cream — or back of spoon)
• 8×8 or 9×9 inch dish (for layering — or loaf pan)
• Fine sieve (to dust cocoa — or tea strainer)
• Serrated knife (to slice cake — or bread knife)

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How to Make Tiramisu Without Ladyfingers

Before we build, make sure your coffee is cooled, your cream chilled, and your cake sliced evenly. Now let’s create something delightful!

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Layer

In a large bowl, combine 1½ cups mascarpone, 1 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 cup whipped cream. Beat gently with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and fluffy.

Add 3 tbsp honey and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix again until just combined. Set aside in the fridge.

Step 2: Brew and Cool the Coffee

Brew ¾ cup strong coffee. Let it cool to room temperature. This will be used to soak the sponge layers. Do not use hot coffee or it may cause sogginess.

Step 3: Layer the Cake Base

Lay out the cake slices tightly in the base of your dish. Spoon coffee generously over the cake until it’s moist but not falling apart. Use about half of your coffee here.

Step 4: Add Cream

Spoon half of your cream mixture over the cake layer. Spread it evenly using a spatula, smoothing it to the edges.

Step 5: Repeat Layers

Add another layer of cake slices. Soak with remaining coffee. Top with the rest of the cream and smooth it again.

Step 6: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. The cake will absorb flavor and the cream will set.

Step 7: Finish with Cocoa

Before serving, dust the top with 2 tbsp cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve.

How to Make Tiramisu Bars

Want to convert this into sliceable bars? Follow these tips:

• Use a firmer cake base like pound cake or oat bars
• Add 1 tsp gelatin (bloomed) to the cream layer to make it more structured
• Line your dish with parchment so bars can lift easily
• Chill overnight
• Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for neat edges
• Serve cold for best hold and clean cuts

Variations to Try

Let’s explore some delicious directions to change the flavor or texture of this ladyfinger-free tiramisu.

Chocolate Chip Cake Version

Use a soft chocolate chip loaf cake as your base. The bits of chocolate give it extra richness.

Fruit-Infused Tiramisu

Add thin slices of banana or fresh berries between layers for a light twist. Especially good with pound cake base.

Caramel Coffee

Add 1–2 tbsp date caramel or natural caramel sauce into the cream mixture and coffee soak.

Almond Crunch

Fold in crushed almonds or almond cookies into the cream layer for texture.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free vanilla sponge or oat cake as your base.

Storing Tips

• Store in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 4 days
• Do not freeze — the cream can separate and the texture may break down
• For neat slices, chill overnight and slice while very cold
• Serve chilled, not room temperature

Extra Tips

• Use firm but soft cake slices so they hold shape but soak well
• Don’t oversoak the cake — it should be moist, not soggy
• If the cream feels too loose, chill it 10 minutes before layering
• Use a clear dish for visual appeal of the layers

Common Mistakes & Solutions

FAQs

(1) Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free vanilla cake or oat-based cakes as the base.

(2) What if I don’t have mascarpone?

Use a mix of whipped cream cheese and yogurt for similar creaminess.

(3) Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free yogurt, whipped coconut cream, and dairy-free cake.

(4) Does this need to be baked?

No, it’s fully no-bake and only requires chilling to set.

(5) How do I make this lower sugar?

Use unsweetened coffee and a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

Let’s Make and Share Your Tiramisu Without Ladyfingers!

This creative, cake-based tiramisu offers the same comforting flavors with flexible ingredients.

Try it soon, explore your own twists, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments!