Easy Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe

If you’ve been craving a rich, creamy, coffee-kissed dessert that’s free from gluten but full of indulgent flavor—look no further than this gluten free tiramisu. It’s a cozy twist on the Italian classic, made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, luscious mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Whether you have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or you’re simply experimenting with gluten-free baking, this easy gluten free tiramisu recipe is for you.

And yes, it tastes just like the real thing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No one will know it’s gluten free! Seriously, the texture and flavor are spot-on.
  
• No baking required. Perfect for hot days or when you want something easy.
  
• Make-ahead friendly. This dessert actually tastes better the next day.
  
• Customizable. Make it dairy-free, alcohol-free, or even vegan with a few tweaks.
  

Whether it’s for a family dinner, special celebration, or just a treat-yourself moment, this gluten free tiramisu is guaranteed to impress.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
  
• Chill Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
  
• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  
• Servings: 8–10
  
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
  
• Dietary Info: Gluten-free, with optional dairy-free and egg-free variations
  

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a gluten free tiramisu at home. Always check product labels to ensure your ingredients are truly gluten-free.

For the Gluten-Free Ladyfingers (or use store-bought):

• 4 large eggs (room temp)
  
• ½ cup granulated sugar
  
• ⅔ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar (optional, helps stabilize egg whites)
  
• Pinch of salt
  
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
  

Shortcut Tip: No time to bake? Use store-bought gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake. Brands like Schär and Kinnikinnick offer great options.

For the Coffee Soak:

• 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled)
  
• 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) – optional
  

For the Mascarpone Cream Layer:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (cold)
  
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temp)
  
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  

For Topping:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  
• Dark chocolate shavings or cacao nibs (optional)
  

Equipment You’ll Need

• Electric mixer or stand mixer
  
• Mixing bowls
  
• 8×8 or 9×9-inch square dish (glass or ceramic works best)
  
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for cocoa dusting)
  
• Rubber spatula
  
• Piping bag (optional for neat layers)
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

If making from scratch:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
   
2. Separate egg whites and yolks. Whisk egg whites with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
   
3. Gradually add sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
   
4. Gently fold in egg yolks, vanilla, and sifted gluten-free flour.
   
5. Pipe batter into finger shapes or spoon into 2–3” logs.
   
6. Lightly dust with powdered sugar.
   
7. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden and springy. Cool completely.
   

🍰 Tip: Don’t overmix the batter—it keeps the sponge light and airy!

Step 2: Brew Coffee and Cool

Brew a strong cup of espresso or dark roast coffee. Mix in the optional liqueur. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Cream

1. Beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
   
2. In another bowl, whisk mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
   
3. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until creamy and airy.
   

🥄 Pro Tip: Don’t overbeat or the cream might curdle. Mix just until blended and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu

1. Quickly dip each gluten-free ladyfinger in the coffee mixture—don’t soak too long!
   
2. Line the bottom of your dish with a layer of dipped ladyfingers.
   
3. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers and smooth the top.
   
4. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and remaining cream.
   
5. Cover and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
   

🧊 Why chill? The flavors meld and the texture becomes silky smooth after chilling.

Step 5: Dust & Serve

Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve. Add chocolate shavings if you’d like a fancier finish.

🎉 Serving idea: Individual jars or glasses make cute single servings for parties!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use high-quality mascarpone – cheap ones can be watery or too tangy.
  
• Don’t soak the ladyfingers – A quick dunk is all you need.
  
• Chill overnight for best texture – The flavors deepen and layers firm up.
  
• Avoid watery cream – If using dairy-free cream, choose one that whips well.
  

Variations You Can Try

Looking to shake things up? Here are a few delicious spins on the classic gluten free tiramisu:

1. Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Tiramisu

• Swap mascarpone for a dairy-free cream cheese or cashew cream
  
• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
  

2. Vegan Tiramisu

• Use aquafaba (chickpea brine) to mimic whipped egg whites
  
• Vegan ladyfingers or sponge
  
• Plant-based cream cheese and coconut whipped cream
  

3. Kid-Friendly Version

• Omit coffee liqueur
  
• Use hot chocolate or decaf espresso instead of coffee
  

4. Fruit-Infused Tiramisu

• Add a layer of macerated berries
  
• Try orange zest or lemon curd between cream layers
  

Storing Gluten Free Tiramisu

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  
• Freezer: Freeze tightly covered (without cocoa powder) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tiramisu Gluten-Free by Default?

Not usually. Traditional tiramisu uses ladyfingers made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten free tiramisu, you need to use gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake.

Where Can I Buy Gluten-Free Ladyfingers?

Look for brands like Schär, Kinnikinnick, or local gluten-free bakeries. Online stores often carry them too.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s better when made a day in advance. The texture becomes silky and flavors intensify.

Final Thoughts

There’s something comforting and luxurious about tiramisu—and now you can enjoy it without the gluten! This easy gluten free tiramisu recipe proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture to enjoy a classic dessert. With a few smart swaps and practical tips, you can wow your guests or simply treat yourself to something spectacular.

Remember, gluten-free baking is all about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try new twists. Whether you stick to the classic or mix things up, this gluten free tiramisu is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.