Gluten Free Very Best Tiramisu Recipe

Published on Mar 24, 2015

  by   Kristina Stosek

52 reviews

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: minutes Serves: 10
Add a Rating
​This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details

Gluten-Free Tiramisu is a beloved Italian Dessert that seamlessly blends rich coffee flavors, smooth mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa, all layered with gluten-free ladyfingers and chilled to perfection. This dessert is indulgent, creamy, and incredibly delicious.

slice of gluten-free tiramisu cakeWhy You’ll Love This Italian Dessert

This gluten-free tiramisu is made entirely from scratch, including the gluten-free ladyfingers. While homemade ladyfingers add an authentic touch, they require time and effort. Alternatively, ready-made gluten-free ladyfingers are an excellent option for a quicker preparation.

Key Points of Gluten-Free Tiramisu

Layered Perfection: The essence of tiramisu lies in its layers of lightly sweetened mascarpone cream and ladyfingers.
Signature Flavors: Ladyfingers are brushed with a mixture of espresso coffee and coffee liqueur, providing the dessert with its iconic taste.
Chocolatey Finish: A generous dusting of cocoa powder adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Creamy Base: The rich cream is made using egg yolks cooked briefly in a double boiler with sugar, then mixed with mascarpone cheese and whipped cream.

What is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone cheese, a staple in Italian cuisine, is a soft gluten-free cheese made from cream. It has a milder flavor and creamier texture compared to cream cheese, thickened by acidic substances like lemon juice or citric acid.

Gluten-Free Tiramisu: Recipe for Novice Cooks

Tiramisu is relatively straightforward to make, especially if you’re familiar with basic cooking techniques. The process involves layering coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone mixture, which is then chilled to let the flavors meld.

While the recipe requires some time and patience, particularly for making homemade ladyfingers (if you are making the dessert from scratch) or the mascarpone cream, it doesn’t involve complex steps or baking. With a bit of practice, even novice cooks can achieve great results.

showing layers of tiramisu with lady fingers and cream layers in a dish

Tips for Making Gluten-Free Tiramisu

No Baking Required: One of the best things about tiramisu is that you don’t need to bake it. If you can whip cream, you can make this dessert.
Simplify or Customize: If making gluten-free ladyfingers seems daunting, consider using gluten-free sponge cake or pre-made ladyfingers.
Check Ingredients: Ensure your mascarpone cheese and cocoa powder are gluten-free. Most mascarpone cheeses are naturally gluten-free, but always check for cross-contamination. Pure cocoa powder is usually gluten-free, but verifying the label is a good practice.

close up of a slice of gluten free tiramisu on a dessert plate

Making Dairy-Free Tiramisu Version

For a dairy-free tiramisu, substitute dairy-free mascarpone and whipped cream alternatives. There are several brands of dairy-free mascarpone available, and you can use coconut-based or almond-based whipped creams for a creamy texture.

Storing and Serving

  • Chill Time: Allow the tiramisu to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, but ideally overnight. This time allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set properly.
  • Serving Tips: Garnish with additional cocoa powder or chocolate shavings before serving for an extra touch of elegance. Serve cold directly from the refrigerator.

Coffee Liqueur Alternatives

  1. Non-Alcoholic Options: If you prefer not to use alcohol, opt for coffee-flavored syrup or extract. Some brands offer non-alcoholic coffee-flavored extracts or essences that mimic the taste of coffee liqueur. Ensure they are gluten-free.
  2. Alcoholic Choices: Coffee liqueur can vary in gluten content. Some brands may contain gluten due to their production processes, so always check with the manufacturer or opt for a brand specifically marked as gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Ladyfingers Recipe (24 pc)

If you decide to make gluten-free ladyfingers from scratch, here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients

  1. ½ cup (56 g) almond flour
  2. 1/3 cup (53 g) white rice flour
  3. ¼ cup (30 g) tapioca starch
  4. 1 tsp gluten-free, aluminum-free baking powder
  5. ¼ tsp sea salt
  6. 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
  7. 3 large egg yolks
  8. 1/3 cup (66 g) granulated sugar
  9. 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift almond flour, rice flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, and salt.
  • Beat Egg Whites: Beat egg whites with one tablespoon of sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Mix Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, beat the remaining sugar and vanilla into egg yolks until creamy.
  • Combine: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture, then fold in the dry ingredients.
  • Pipe Batter: Transfer the batter to a pastry bag or a plastic bag with the end snipped off. Pipe the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet in the shape of ladyfingers.
  • Bake: Bake for 8 minutes, then cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

EXPLORE MORE GLUTEN-FREE TIRAMISU RECIPES

Gluten Free Strawberry Tiramisu

Gluten Free Irish Cream Tiramisu Cake

Gluten Free Tiramisu Swiss Roll

Gluten Free Baked Tiramisu Cheesecake

Grain-Free Tiramisu Cupcakes

slice of gluten free tiramisu on a plate

Gluten-Free Tiramisu Dessert: Recipe Review

This gluten-free tiramisu has received rave reviews offering all the indulgence of the classic Italian dessert without the gluten. The layers of creamy mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers blend beautifully, creating a rich and exceptionally delicious Italian dessert.

Most find it hard to tell the difference between this gluten-free version and the classic recipe, making it a hit among gluten-free and traditional dessert lovers.

When it comes to Italian desserts, this gluten-free tiramisu is a standout choice. Its rich flavor and elegant presentation make it a memorable treat for any occasion. Whether hosting a gathering or enjoying a special dessert, this made-from-scratch tiramisu recipe is one to try.

If you love Italian food, please check out our gluten-free Italian recipes for inspiration.

Let’s Connect!

Be sure to FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK or, check us out on PINTEREST. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. We always have something new and exciting for you! 

Many thanks!

Kristina xx

Leave a Comment

Ashley R.

Excellent tiramisu, light and perfectly flavored.

Kristina

I am so happy to hear than Mary Ann, thank you.

Mary Ann

Made this Tiramisu for Christmas Desert and it was absolutely amazing! Everyone loved it. Thank you for an easy fantastic, gluten free desert.

Kristina

Mia, if you layer them between parchment paper and place them in an airtight container they can be frozen for up to 2 months

Mia

Can the lady fingers be made in advance and frozen? Thank you

Kristina

Barbara, I would not freeze tiramisu, although it probably can be frozen. I just never had any leftovers to freeze. The recipe for the lady fingers should be the right amount for this tiramisu recipe.

Barbara

I’m wondering if this can be frozen. And do the lady fingers make the amount needed for the tiramisu recipe?

Kristina

thank you Serena xx

Serena Kutlich

amazing tiramisu and gluten free WOW, you are the best!!!

Kristina

Hi Kate, good catch. No there isn’t cornstarch, but it can be used to replace the tapioca or arrowroot starch. Sorry about the confusion

Kate

The ladyfinger recipe mentions cornstarch (sifted with the flours) but doesn't have this in the ingredient list, so ....? How did others make this recipe? Did you just ignore the cornstarch since it doesn't state how much to use??

Kristina

I am not sure why Anthony, were the egg whites at room temperature? Either way it will taste good, they don’t have to be perfect

Kristina

thank you Tracie for sharing, did you whip the cream well?

Tracie Thorp

I really enjoyed this recipe and so did my family. I made two- one gluten free and one regular- both were excellent. The only thing I wish was a little better is the cream was a little thicker (probably my own fault). I found that once cooled and served the filling did “travel” and I would have preferred that it held its shape. Other than that, taste and presentation were outstanding!

Anthony Berk

I whipped the egg whites till they peaked, Im not sure If I need to do longer, but when I made the lady fingers. The liquid leveled off and they came out very thin. Im sure when I make it tommorow it will tase fine, but why did that happen?

Kristina

thank you Anne for sharing

Anne Santora

Ladyfingers were a bit dry without enough coffee flavor. Definitely recommend quickly dipping the ladyfingers in the coffee rather than just brushing them with the coffee. Otherwise, this was a very good recipe.

Kristina

thank you, I am so happy you enjoyed this amazing dessert!

Corinne

Excellent recipe with consistent results. Tastes amazing and the lady fingers are so nice homemade fresh.

Betty. S

I'm making this right now. About to put the cake in the fridge to cool overnight, then I'll put the whipped topping on tomorrow. Hope it turns out as good as it looks!

Kristina

so nice to hear, thank you!

Rita

very good recipe, my family loved the tiramisu

Kristina

yes, they are not that difficult to make and they taste better, thank you for letting me know

Maria. G

I tried to buy the gluten-free ladyfingers but they sold out, so I made them following your recipe. They were perfect and so easy to make, thank you.

Kristina

I am so happy to hear that, thank you

Andrea

thank you so much for this recipe! This recipe was so easy to make and the tiramisu is so delicious!

Kristina

yes tiramisu may sound complicated, but it is probably one of the easier dessert recipes. Thank you

Jane

This recipe was a lot easier than I thought it would be, the tiramisu was amazing. Thank you

Kristina

fantastic, glad your family enjoyed it!

Nancy

I made this tiramisu desert over the holidays. My entire family said it was the best tiramisu they ever tasted, and we are Italian. I also made the lady fingers from scratch. Thank you

Kristina

thank you for sharing :-)

Charlie. B

Absolutely amazing dessert!!

Add a Rating


Leave a Reply