If you’ve been dreaming of that classic Italian pick-me-up with a plant-based twist, this Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers will absolutely win your heart. Silky cashew cream, bold coffee flavor, and the tender bite of vegan ladyfingers unite to create a dessert that tastes as luxurious as the original—but with none of the dairy or eggs! With simple steps and no baking required, it’s the perfect recipe for satisfying your sweet cravings, impressing guests, or treating yourself to a little homemade café magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those recipes where each ingredient matters, yet everything is totally straightforward and easy to find. Every item adds something special to the final dessert—richness, sweetness, depth, or just that beloved tiramisu decadence—so don’t be afraid to use the best you can get your hands on.
- Strong brewed coffee (1 1/2 cups, cooled): The intense coffee gives tiramisu its signature flavor, so use your favorite blend for best results.
- Maple syrup (2 tablespoons for coffee, 1/3 cup for cream): Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the bitterness of the coffee.
- Raw cashews (1 1/2 cups, soaked or boiled): These are the creamy backbone of the “mascarpone” layer—soak them to ensure the smoothest, dreamiest blend.
- Full-fat coconut milk (3/4 cup): For a rich, luscious cream that’s totally dairy-free and super satisfying.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A tiny dash brightens up the cashew cream and mimics the tang of traditional mascarpone.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a sweet, warm aroma that really ties the cream together.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Just a pinch enhances and intensifies all the other flavors.
- Vegan ladyfinger cookies or sponge cake (1 pack): The essential layers—choose your favorite brand, or substitute a fluffy vegan vanilla sponge if you can’t find ladyfingers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons, for dusting): Classic finishing touch for that cocoa-kissed tiramisu top.
- Shaved vegan chocolate (optional, for topping): Adds a hint of extra indulgence and beautiful finishing flair.
How to Make Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Dip
Start by brewing a strong cup of your favorite coffee and let it cool completely. Pour the cooled coffee into a shallow bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. This fragrant, sweet brew is what’s going to infuse those ladyfingers with tiramisu’s signature buzz. Set it aside—you’ll thank yourself later for not rushing this step!
Step 2: Make the Cashew Cream
Drain your soaked cashews (or use cashews you’ve softened by boiling for 10 minutes), then add them to a high-speed blender. Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, 1/3 cup maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the cream is completely smooth and velvety—don’t stop until there’s not a trace of graininess left. Pause to taste it and adjust sweetness if you like; every blender is a little different and this is your moment to make the cream perfect.
Step 3: Assemble the Ladyfinger Layer
Set up your 8×8-inch pan and unwrap those vegan ladyfingers or slices of sponge cake. Working quickly, dip each one into your coffee mixture—just a brief dunk is all you need! Oversoaked biscuits will turn mushy, and we want a soft, cake-like texture that holds up. Arrange the dipped cookies tightly in a single even layer to form the sturdy base of your vegan tiramisu.
Step 4: Layer the Cream and Repeat
Spoon half of your gorgeous cashew cream over the ladyfingers and smooth it into every corner. Layer on more coffee-dipped cookies for the second tier, then spread the rest of the cashew cream on top. Use your spatula to smooth out the surface—visualizing the luscious layers that will greet you with every slice!
Step 5: Dust, Chill, and Serve
For the finishing touch, dust a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder all over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, add curls of shaved vegan chocolate—this adds beautiful contrast and a little crunch. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the dessert to set and the flavors to mingle. The waiting is the hardest part, but it’s so utterly worth it.
How to Serve Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers
Garnishes
Classic cocoa powder is a must, but don’t stop there! A sprinkle of shaved vegan chocolate or even a few chocolate-covered espresso beans can make your tiramisu pop visually and add a burst of flavor. A sprig of mint offers a fresh, elegant touch that pairs beautifully with the creamy layers underneath.
Side Dishes
This Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers is absolutely fabulous on its own, but pairing it with a cup of robust espresso or a glass of vegan dessert wine will take your experience to another level. For a well-rounded dessert platter, try serving it alongside fresh berries or a simple citrus salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, assemble your tiramisu in individual glasses or jars. This not only looks adorable, but it also makes for easy serving, perfect portions, and can help show off those luscious layers. If you’re feeling creative, use cookie cutters or ring molds for distinctive shapes or even stack mini tiramisu towers for extra wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tiramisu actually gets even better after sitting overnight, so leftovers are a treat! Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap or a sealable lid and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cream will stay perfectly smooth and the flavors continue to mingle, making each bite even dreamier.
Freezing
If you want to prepare your Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers ahead of time, good news—it freezes beautifully! Cut into squares and separate with parchment, or freeze the whole dish tightly wrapped. Thaw slices in the fridge overnight for best texture. While the cream may be slightly softer after freezing, the taste remains delightful.
Reheating
This is a chill-and-serve kind of dessert, so skip the oven or microwave. If you’ve frozen your tiramisu, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw slowly. Serving it cold ensures the best, most authentic taste and texture—just like you’d expect in an Italian café.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free vegan ladyfingers or gluten-free vegan sponge cake. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free for a treat that anyone can enjoy.
How long should I soak the cashews for the cream?
Soaking the cashews for at least 4 hours in water yields the smoothest texture, but if you’re short on time, boiling them for 10 minutes achieves a similar result. Either way, softening them thoroughly ensures your cream is silky and luscious.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk in the cream?
If you’d prefer to avoid coconut, you can use another rich plant-based milk such as unsweetened soy or cashew milk. Just know the final cream may be a touch lighter and less rich in flavor.
What if I can’t find vegan ladyfingers?
No problem! Swap in slices of homemade or store-bought vegan vanilla sponge cake. The key is to layer them thinly and quickly dip them in the coffee so your tiramisu has those deliciously defined tiers.
Can I make Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers in advance for a party?
Definitely! In fact, it’s even better when made a day ahead. Just assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight so the flavors can develop and the cream can set perfectly. Slice and serve when your guests arrive—stress-free dessert magic!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a soft spot for classic Italian desserts and crave a recipe that’s as easy as it is spectacular, you owe it to yourself to try this Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers. Every bite promises pure coffee-kissed indulgence, midnight-creamy layers, and the joy of sharing a special treat that everyone can enjoy. Go on, give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!
PrintEasy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe for Dessert Lovers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the velvety layers of this Easy Vegan Tiramisu, a dairy-free delight for dessert enthusiasts. Creamy cashew filling nestled between delicate layers of coffee-soaked vegan ladyfingers, crowned with a dusting of cocoa and optional chocolate shavings.
Ingredients
For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
For the Cashew Cream:
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked 4 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)
- 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pack vegan ladyfinger cookies or sponge cake
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Shaved vegan chocolate (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Coffee Mixture: Combine cooled brewed coffee and maple syrup in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Assembly: Dip vegan ladyfingers in coffee mixture and layer at the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. Spread half of the cashew cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat for a second layer. Dust with cocoa powder. Chill for at least 4 hours.
- Serve: Top with shaved vegan chocolate before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Avoid oversoaking the ladyfingers to prevent sogginess.
- Substitute with vegan vanilla sponge or store-bought ladyfingers.
- For best results, refrigerate overnight to set the cashew cream.