These tiramisu variations breathe life into the traditional Italian dessert, whether through trendy flavors or exciting reinterpretations.

Love tiramisu, but ready to try something new? These exciting tiramisu variations play with the classic tiramisu recipe. If you’re not a coffee fan or want to enjoy tiramisu’s flavors in a different, potentially faster way (I was sold at tiramisu brownies!), these tiramisu recipes have you covered.

For a fun, trendy tiramisu flavor, trade coffee for matcha, Earl Grey, hot chocolate, eggnog or limoncello to soak into the ladyfingers. Prefer fruity desserts? Try our mixed berry, white chocolate-strawberry or cranberry-orange tiramisu. For something more decadent or cozy, tiramisu cheesecake or cinnamon-spiced pumpkin tiramisu are the perfect options.

But what if you like tiramisu’s traditional flavors, but don’t want to go through the process of assembling one? We’ve included easy tiramisu desserts, such as tiramisu parfaits, tiramisu cookies, tiramisu crepes and a tiramisu cocktail. For something a little more involved, our tiramisu cupcakes or trifle will really impress as a potluck dessert no one will think to bring.

1/21

Earl Grey Tiramisu

Total Time:35 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Instead of dipping ladyfingers into coffee or espresso and topping the dessert with cocoa powder, Earl Grey tiramisu coats the rounded cookies in a sweetened tea mixture and mixes infused Earl Grey whipped cream into the traditional mascarpone cheese layer. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2/21

Matcha Tiramisu

Total Time:35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The fresh and earthy flavor of matcha replaces coffee in this variation on the classic Italian dessert. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
3/21

Hot Chocolate Tiramisu

Total Time:35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Instead of using coffee and rum, I let cinnamon shine in this tiramisu. It's best if eaten within two days—if it even lasts that long! —Cathy Geniti, Saratoga Springs, New York
4/21

Limoncello Tiramisu

Total Time:30 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We love everything about this wonderful dessert—from the light lemon flavor and creamy Mascarpone to the crunchy, crushed macaroon on top. We think you'll enjoy it too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
5/21

Tiramisu Parfaits

Total Time:40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These are a long-time favorite dessert. I think they look so pretty with a drizzle of chocolate, sprinkle of mini chips or cocoa on top. —Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa
6/21

Tiramisu Cupcakes

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:about 2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Our tiramisu cupcakes recipe tastes just like the classic dessert for several reasons: We brush coffee over poked holes in the cupcakes, we make a mascarpone frosting just like the traditional filling, and to finish, we generously dust cocoa powder over the top. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
7/21

Mango Tiramisu

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love tiramisu, and I wanted to make one with summer flavors. I substituted Grand Marnier and Malibu rum for the usual coffee liqueur, giving the traditional dessert a tropical twist. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
8/21

Mixed Berry Tiramisu

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Because I love tiramisu, I came up with this deliciously refreshing twist on the traditional coffee-flavored Italian dessert. Fresh softened berries star with crisp ladyfinger cookies and mascarpone cheese. Serve it from a glass bowl or in clear dishes to show off the luscious layers. —Najmussahar Ahmed, Ypsilanti, Michigan
9/21

Tiramisu Brownies

Total Time:50 min
Servings:12 brownies
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These fudgy, espresso brownies have a mascarpone frosting and a dusted cocoa topping that makes them reminiscent of the classic and beloved dessert, tiramisu! —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
10/21

Tiramisu Cheesecake Dessert

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Tiramisu didn't do it for me until I tried this recipe with its luscious layers of cheesecake. It's one of my favorite desserts to make this time of year. —Christie Nelson, Taylorville, Illinois
11/21

Cranberry-Orange Tiramisu

Total Time:35 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The holiday version of tiramisu trades the amaretto and coffee notes of the traditional dessert for the bright, seasonal flavors of cranberries and orange. The combination of orange liqueur and Marsala wine make this a delicious and potent meal-ender. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
12/21

Make-Ahead Tiramisu

Total Time:25 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This variation of the popular Italian dessert is so easy to assemble. It's convenient, too, since you can make it the day before your dinner party or potluck. —Linda Finn, Louisville, Mississippi
13/21

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Pumpkin isn’t only for pies. Now you can take the classic fall vegetable and enjoy it in a tiramisu-style dessert. I promise that after one bite, you’ll add this recipe to keeper files. —Pam Peters, Fernie, British Columbia
14/21

Tiramisu Martini

Total Time:10 min
Servings:1 cocktail
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This tiramisu martini is the perfect compromise when you can't decide between an after-dinner drink or a sweet treat for dessert. If you chill the martini glass in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes before serving your cocktail, your cocktail will stay colder for longer. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
15/21

Easy Tiramisu

Total Time:20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: No one can resist this quick and easy tiramisu recipe. Make it ahead for added mealtime convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
16/21

Tiramisu Crepes

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Delicate crepes, filled with creamy mascarpone cheese and laced with vanilla and a hint of coffee liqueur, always make for a mouthwatering treat. They're special in every way. —Karen S. Shelton, Collierville, Tennessee
17/21

White Chocolate-Strawberry Tiramisu

Total Time:30 min
Servings:15
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a twist on a classic dessert that highlights another flavor combo my husband and I love: strawberries and white chocolate. Lighten it up if you'd like—I've had good luck with light nondairy whipped topping and reduced-fat cream cheese. —Anna Ginsberg, Chicago, Illinois
18/21

Sensational Tiramisu

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This light version of the popular Italian dessert is moist and creamy, and cuts so well into pretty layered squares. You'll love the blend of coffee, Kahlua and cream cheese flavors. —Mary J. Walters, Westerville, Ohio
19/21

Tiramisu Cookies

Total Time:45 min
Servings:1-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These tiramisu cookies bring out the delicious flavors of tiramisu, sandwich-style. Pack these treats in a decorative container for an easy edible hostess gift. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
20/21

Eggnog Tiramisu Trifle

Total Time:2 hours
Servings:21
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Rich and absolutely fabulous—my family's five-star dessert is simply an opulent presentation that is almost too good to eat. You'll relish every luscious bite.—Tonya Burkhard, Davis, Illinois

Also, don’t forget to try this easy-to-make Giada De Laurentiis’ Tiramisu recipe.

21/21

Lemon Tiramisu

Total Time:30 min
Servings:9
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I created this recipe to please everyone in my family. It's a cross between cheesecake and tiramisu, with a refreshing lemony flavor. Garnish with fresh berries if you have them on hand. —Monica Marolt, Willowick, Ohio

Tiramisu Variations FAQ

What is tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a traditional, layered Italian dessert with espresso-and-liquor-soaked ladyfingers and a sweet, creamy mixture of mascarpone, sugar and egg. Before serving, it’s dusted generously with cocoa powder. It’s a no-bake dessert, although some variations cook the sugar and eggs similarly to when you make zabaglione. You’ll often find tiramisu at Italian restaurants, served with espresso or coffee. Its coffee connection earned tiramisu its name: “pick me up” in Italian.

Does tiramisu have alcohol?

Traditionally, tiramisu has alcohol in the liquid the ladyfingers soak in. Marsala wine, coffee liqueur and rum are all typically used, though you can also use amaretto, Frangelico, brandy or cognac. My friend swears by coffee-flavored tequila in her tiramisu variation. You can also completely leave the alcohol out, especially if serving it to kids. Since tiramisu isn’t baked, the alcohol will not cook out.

Can you make tiramisu gluten-free?

Yes, you can make tiramisu gluten-free. Substitute the ladyfingers with homemade or store-bought gluten-free ladyfingers. You should also ensure the alcohol you use is gluten-free. The other ingredients are usually gluten-free, but it’s always best to carefully check the package to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.