Tiramisu Aux(With) Speculoos: A Spiced Twist on the Classic
There’s something nostalgic about the way speculoos cookies crumble—like late autumn wind brushing over old bricks.
Their caramelized edges and cinnamon-spiced heart feel made for desserts that invite warmth.
That’s why pairing them with mascarpone, whipped cream, espresso, and a touch of brown sugar creates a tiramisu that’s grounded, earthy, and indulgent without ever being loud.
Start by dipping speculoos biscuits quickly in espresso. Whip heavy cream until it stiffens like cooled silk, then fold it gently into mascarpone sweetened with brown sugar and touched by vanilla.
Each layer stacks comfort, soaked cookies, creamy filling, a dusting of cocoa. For even more depth, a spoonful of speculoos spread stirred into the mascarpone gives it that cookie-in-the-cream echo.
Chill until set, slice with patience, serve with cinnamon sprinkled over top—or convert it into dessert bars, firm enough to carry and share.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Chill Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | 0 mins | 4–6 hours | 4.5–6.5 hrs | Dessert | European Fusion | 8–10 |
Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Amount (8–10 servings) | Alternatives | Serving Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speculoos biscuits | 30 pieces | Biscoff, ginger cookies | Main cookie layer |
| Mascarpone cheese | 400 g | Cream cheese + heavy cream | Cream filling base |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Coconut cream (chilled) | Whipped into cream mix |
| Brown sugar | 3 tbsp | Maple syrup, coconut sugar | Sweetens cream |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Maple or almond extract | Flavour booster |
| Espresso or strong coffee (cooled) | 1 cup | Decaf or chicory blend | Soaking biscuits |
| Speculoos spread (optional) | 2 tbsp | Cookie butter, cinnamon spread | Swirled in cream |
| Cocoa powder (unsweetened) | 2 tbsp | Cinnamon + cocoa mix | Dusting top layer |
Cooking Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls — For whipping and blending | Use deep salad bowls if needed
- Electric mixer or whisk — To whip cream | Whisk manually, but it takes time
- Spatula — For gentle folding | Use wooden spoon if soft-edged
- Glass baking dish or loaf pan — To layer dessert | Any flat container works
- Sieve — For dusting cocoa evenly | Tea strainer works great
- Espresso cup/bowl — For dipping cookies quickly | Wide mug works too
How to Make Speculoos Tiramisu
This dessert doesn’t rush. Each step builds warmth and form—cookies softened just enough, cream whipped to lift, flavors drawn in and layered with care.
Step-1: Whip the Cream
Use a chilled bowl to beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This gives the dessert its light texture.
Step-2: Mix the Cream Base
In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir in a spoonful of speculoos spread if using.
Fold in the whipped cream with a spatula until smooth and fluffy.
Step-3: Prepare the Coffee Soak
Pour cooled espresso into a shallow bowl. Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla for added spice.
Step-4: Dip and Layer
Briefly dip speculoos biscuits in the coffee. Line the bottom of your dish with a single layer.
Spread half the mascarpone cream on top.
Step-5: Repeat
Add another layer of soaked cookies. Finish with remaining cream. Smooth out with a spatula.
Step-6: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
Step-7: Serve
Just before serving, dust with cocoa powder using a sieve.
How to Convert Into Bars
This dessert is perfect for handheld treats when converted into structured bars:
Adjustments Needed
- Use parchment-lined 8×8 inch pan
- Add gelatin or agar powder (1 tsp) to the mascarpone cream to set it firmly
- Reduce cream slightly (¾ cup) to avoid over-softening
- Chill 6+ hours before slicing with a warm knife
Bar Assembly Steps
- Press crushed speculoos + melted butter crust (1½ cups + 4 tbsp) into base. Chill.
- Layer soaked speculoos.
- Add half cream mix.
- Repeat layers.
- Dust cocoa. Chill until set. Cut, serve.
Variations to Try
Lets try some variations.
✤ Speculoos Mocha Tiramisu
Add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to espresso soak and a handful of mini chocolate chips between layers.
✤ Salted Caramel Crunch
Drizzle homemade salted caramel between layers and top with crushed toffee before serving.
✤ Apple Spice Version
Add a layer of thinly sliced, cinnamon-sautéed apples between cream layers. Best served chilled and firm.
✤ Vegan Speculoos Tiramisu
Use whipped coconut cream and vegan cream cheese. Ensure speculoos cookies are dairy-free.
Serving & Decoration Tips
- Use individual glass jars for classy presentation
- Sprinkle crushed speculoos on top for texture
- Add cinnamon stick or white chocolate shavings for flair
- Serve with coffee or chai for best pairing
Storing Tips
- Keep in fridge (covered) for up to 3 days
- Do not freeze—texture suffers
- Slice bars straight from the fridge for clean cuts
Common Mistakes & Prevention
| Mistake | Cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Soggy Cookies | Over-soaking | Quick dip only (1 second) |
| Runny Cream | Under-whipped cream or warm mascarpone | Chill ingredients and whip properly |
| Bars falling apart | No setting agent | Add gelatin or agar for firmness |
tiramisu speculoos
A no-bake tiramisu made with speculoos cookies, espresso, whipped mascarpone cream, and cocoa. Sliceable and adaptable into bars.
Ingredients
- Speculoos biscuits – 30 pieces (or Biscoff/ginger cookies)
- Mascarpone cheese – 400 g (or cream cheese + cream)
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (or coconut cream)
- Brown sugar – 3 tbsp (or maple syrup)
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp (or maple extract)
- Espresso – 1 cup (or decaf)
- Speculoos spread – 2 tbsp (optional)
- Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp (or cinnamon + cocoa)
Instructions
Notes
- Don’t over-soak biscuits
- Use gelatin for bar version
- Chill well before slicing
Let’s Slice and Serve
Tiramisu speculoos is the kind of dessert that leans close—full of spice, calm, and creamy intention.
Whether you serve it in spoons or slice it into tidy little bars, this twist on tiramisu deserves a quiet pause.
Try it, taste the spice, then share your version with someone curious.
