Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (2024)

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One bite of this gluten free tiramisu and you will be hooked! The creamy rum-soaked sponge cake and egg custard flavors all combine in the most mouthwatering way. This cake is so easy to make with my homemade sponge cake or gluten free ladyfingers.

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (1)

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I am so excited about this gluten free tiramisu recipe! It has been many years since I enjoyed tiramisu. Gluten free ladyfingers have been difficult to find, so I used my fluffy gluten free sponge cake recipe. This sponge cake has the same flavor and texture of ladyfingers.

I have a feeling you will fall in love with this cake too! It is a decadent cake that is made to impress. Nobody will know it is gluten free.

For this special gluten free Italian dessert, I used my homemade Gluten Free Sponge Cake recipe and added in the delicious filling from a New York Times Tiramisu recipe I found. It is by far the best filling. I modified it a bit by using dark rum instead of regular rum.

Why This Recipe Is Great:

  1. This homemade gluten free tiramisu recipe is special because it has all of the authentic Italian flavors.
  2. This cake tastes like you bought it in a fancy bakery. It tastes like the real thing!!
  3. It is easy to make in just a few simple steps!

If you love cake as much as I do, you will want to check out all of my delicious homemade gluten free cake recipes on the blog.

Ingredient Notes:

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (2)
  • Gluten Free Sponge Cake – For this recipe, you must make my gluten free sponge cake or use gluten free ladyfingers. Schar makes gluten free lady fingers, but I have yet to see them in stores here in my area.
  • Sugar
  • Eggs – Size large eggs.
  • Heavy Cream – Do not use half and half.
  • Mascarpone Cheese – If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you can use full-fat cream cheese.
  • Cocoa Powder – Most brands are gluten free, but always read the label to be sure! I like to use Ghirardelli, Hershey’s, or Anthony’s brands of cocoa powder.
  • Coffee – Use coffee or a double espresso watered down to equal 1 cup of liquid.
  • Rum – I used dark rum because I like the caramelized flavor more than regular rum. If you want your tiramisu to be alcohol-free, use rum extract.
  • Vanilla Extract – I recommend using pure vanilla extract.

🔑 Sandi says: A note about egg safety. This recipe contains uncooked eggs because it is made in the traditional Italian way. The eggs are whipped for 10 minutes, and the quality of the eggs in the U.S. is very high. You can temper the eggs by whisking them over a hot water bath before adding them to the standing mixer.

Tips For Sucess:

  • If you are making my gluten free sponge cake recipe, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients so your cake is fluffy.
  • Be sure the cake is fully chilled before serving it.

For more tips and tricks, read my Gluten Free Cake Troubleshooting Guide too.

As a precaution, if you are pregnant or have young children (who probably wouldn’t need the caffeine either!), you may want to try another dessert. I have tons of delicious gluten free dessert recipes on the blog!

Tiramisu is a delightful no-bake cake that is so easy to put together. If you love no-bake-style cakes, try my easy Gluten Free Icebox Cake recipe too!

Variations and Substitutions:

  • If you do not have heavy cream, use the same quantity of evaporated milk with 1 tablespoon of tapioca or cornstarch.
  • To substitute the mascarpone, mix full-fat cream cheese with butter and heavy cream.
  • Add mini chocolate chips to the mascarpone layer.
  • Drizzle with some melted chocolate.

Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (3)

Step 1: Make my gluten free sponge cake recipe and allow the cake to cool. If you have gluten free ladyfingers and plan to use those instead, skip steps 1 and 2.

Step 2: Slice the cake into strips. Now, let’s make the whipped custard filling!

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (4)

Step 3: Add the egg yolks and sugar in a standing mixer. Whip for about 10 minutes. The mixture will become thick and pale yellow.

Step 4: Pull up the beater. The mixture will make a ribbon when you pull up the beater. Move the mixture to a bowl and clean the mixer/beater attachment.

HINT: Don’t forget, you can temper the egg yolks if using raw eggs makes you nervous. Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl over a hot water bath to do this. You will need to whisk constantly. After 5 minutes, add them to the standing mixer with the sugar and whip.

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Step 5: In the mixer, add the heavy cream and whip it until it forms peaks. If you don’t have heavy cream, substitute evaporated milk with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot, corn, or tapioca starch. Add in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla. Mix well.

Step 6: Pour the egg yolk mixture into the cheese mixture and gently fold the two together.

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Step 7: Spray oil in your 8×8 dish with a gluten free non-stick spray. Line the dish with a layer of sponge cake pieces.

Step 8: Mix your coffee and rum in a small bowl. Drizzle some over the sponge cake pieces.

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Step 9: Take your cream-filling mixture and add it on top of the layer of sponge slices. Optional: dust this layer with cocoa powder.

Step 10: Add another layer of sponge cake and drizzle with the coffee rum mixture.

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Step 11: Add the rest of the whipped custard and spread to coat the sponge cake evenly.

Step 12: Put the cocoa powder into a small sifter and sift the cocoa over the custard. Removing the lumps that always seem to be in cocoa powder is important.

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Dust the top with cocoa powder, and enjoy! Remember to store this cake in the refrigerator.

Storage:

Tiramisu tends to spoil quickly because of the egg custard. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Don’t eat it if it doesn’t smell right after 2-3 days.

Recipe FAQ:

Is there real alcohol in Tiramisu?

Yes, a real tiramisu contains rum. If you do not want to use alcohol, use rum extract.

Are there gluten free ladyfingers?

I have only seen one brand of gluten free ladyfingers online by Schar, but I haven’t found them in person yet. This is why I use my gluten free sponge cake recipe as a substitute.

Is mascarpone cheese gluten free?

Yes! Mascarpone cheese is gluten free. It is made with no gluten ingredients.

What can be used instead of mascarpone cheese?

If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, you could substitute whipped cream and some cream cheese or ricotta cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will be good.

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (11)

More Gluten Free Cake Recipes:

  • Gluten Free Creamy Apple Cake
  • Easy Gluten Free Tres Leches Cake
  • Gluten Free Chocolate Trifle
  • Gluten Free Bakewell Tart

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (12)

Gluten Free Tiramisu

Sandi Gaertner

A creamy no-bake Italian cake that has incredible flavors. It is so easy to make!

Love this recipe?Give it a star rating!

5 from 7 votes

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (13)

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (14)

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (15)

Print Pin it Save me

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Chill Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Gluten Free Cake Recipes, Gluten Free Dessert Recipes

Cuisine Italian

Servings 12 slices

Calories 196 kcal

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 1 gluten free sponge cake * see note
  • 1 cup mascarpone * see note for substitute
  • ¾ cup heavy cream do not use half and half
  • 1 cup coffee * see note
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum * see note for alcohol-free
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions

  • Make my gluten free sponge cake recipe and allow the cake to cool. If you have gluten free ladyfingers and plan to use those instead, skip steps 1 and 2.

  • Slice the cake into ¼ to ½ inch thick strips. Now let's make the whipped custard filling!

  • In a standing mixer, add the egg yolks and sugar. Whip for about 10 minutes. The mixture will become thick and pale yellow.

  • Pull up the beater. The mixture will make a ribbon when you pull up the beater. Move the mixture to a bowl and clean the mixer/beater attachment.

  • HINT: Don't forget, you can temper the egg yolks if using raw egg makes you nervous. To do this, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl over a hot water bath. You will need to whisk constantly. After 5 minutes, adding them to the standing mixer with the sugar and whip.

  • In the mixer, add the heavy cream and whip it until it forms peaks. If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute evaporated milk with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot, corn, or tapioca starch. Add in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla. Mix well.

  • Pour the egg yolk mixture into the cheese mixture and gently fold the two together.

  • Spray oil in your 8×8 dish. Line the dish with a layer of sponge cake pieces.

  • Mix your coffee and rum in a small bowl. Drizzle some over the sponge cake pieces.

  • Take your cream filling mixture and add it on top of the layer of sponge slices. Optional: dust this layer with cocoa powder.

  • Add another layer of sponge cake and drizzle with the coffee rum mixture.

  • Add the rest of the whipped custard and spread to evenly coat the sponge cake.

  • Put the cocoa powder into a small sifter and sift the cocoa over the custard. This is important to remove the lumps that always seem to be in cocoa powder.

  • Chill the cake a miniumum of one hour before servin. 2-3 hours is even better as the flavors blend in together.

Notes

  1. You can make my easy gluten free sponge cake recipe, or look for Schar gluten free ladyfingers in stores. I haven’t been able to find them so I use my cake.
  2. To substitute the mascarpone, mix full-fat cream cheese with butter and heavy cream.
  3. You can use one cup of coffee, or espresso watered down to the equal of one cup.
  4. I prefer dark rum over white rum in this recipe. If you do not want alcohol, use rum extract, which can be purchased at most grocery stores.
  5. Due to the nature of using the raw egg yolks, this cake will not keep long. I would recommend eating it within two days. This cake is not good for making ahead unless you just bake the gluten free sponge cake ahead.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 47mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 568IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

This post was updated from an older August 2021 post with more recipe details.

Fearless Dining

Your go-to haven for gluten-free living, where I share hundreds of delicious, family-friendly recipes, helpful gluten-free resources, and allergen-friendly options for everyone!

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (16)
Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you buy gluten free tiramisu? ›

Free From: Gluten, Wheat. May Contain: Almonds, Hazelnuts, Soya. Contains: Eggs, Milk.

What is a good substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu? ›

Substitute for lady fingers in tiramisu
  • 27 Best Ladyfinger Substitutes. Here is a guide to the best ladyfinger substitutes, such as Pavesini cookies, biscotti, graham crackers, sponge cake, panettone, madeleines. ...
  • 7 Best Ladyfinger Substitutes | Tastylicious!

What not to do when making tiramisu? ›

Roberto Lestani, who for the occasion revealed to us the 3 mistakes not to make to prepare a stunning tiramisu!
  1. 1: excessively whipping the mascarpone! ...
  2. 2: once together, don't immediately mix the yolks and sugar! ...
  3. 3: Neglect stratification!
Jun 16, 2020

Why is my tiramisu not creamy? ›

The right biscuits

As a result, the consistency will be less creamy and slightly more compact. Whichever biscuits you choose, make sure not to soak them too much, otherwise the excess coffee will make the mascarpone cream runny.

Can Coeliacs eat mascarpone? ›

Mascarpone is gluten free. Mascarpone should be safe for patients with celiac and other gluten-related disorders.

Does ladyfingers have gluten? ›

Are ladyfingers gluten free, naturally? No! Ladyfingers are like little sponge cakes made in the shape of fingers. But they're made with an all purpose flour base, so to make gluten free ladyfingers, you must use a gluten free recipe.

Can you substitute Nilla wafers for ladyfingers? ›

I found NILLA Wafers to be the perfect substitute for lady fingers in these easy Tiramisu Cups. I always have such a hard time finding lady fingers at the store…by using NILLA Wafers you get that extra vanilla flavor and you don't have to wonder where to find them!

How do you keep lady fingers from getting soggy in tiramisu? ›

Don't soak! Quickly dip the cookies into your coffee or liquor. Try not to leave them in the liquid too long—a quick dip will do. Overly soggy cookies make for a wet texture and a messy dessert.

Can you use Goya lady fingers for tiramisu? ›

They were perfect for my Tiramisu. Sweet and spongy, the perfect compliment to the delicious coffee flavor of the dessert.

Is it better to use egg whites or cream in tiramisu? ›

Using egg whites instead of cream: Some authentic recipes for tiramisu use whipped egg whites instead of whipped cream. Tiramisu made with egg whites is lighter and more airy. To make our recipe with egg whites, whip 3 egg whites until they hold stiff peaks.

Is tiramisu very unhealthy? ›

The high-fat culprits in this dish? Lots of whipping cream, boatloads of mascarpone cheese and the cake-like ladyfingers cookies. Some recipes call for several cups of whipping cream, but just one cup contains a whopping 414 calories and 44 grams of fat (28 of them saturated.)

How long should tiramisu sit before eating? ›

Make-Ahead Instructions for Tiramisu:

This Tiramisu needs to sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours, so it's the ideal make-ahead dessert! Simply cover well with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight, then dust all over with cocoa powder just before serving.

Is it better to use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu? ›

Wondering if you should use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu? They come in both forms, but we tend to use the soft variety. Espresso powder: We use instant espresso coffee powder ($7, Target) found in the coffee aisle at your grocery store.

Is heavy cream the same as heavy whipping cream for tiramisu? ›

Heavy whipping cream: Some tiramisu recipes use whipped egg whites and some use heavy cream that's whipped to medium or stiff peaks. While both are delicious, I prefer to use heavy cream. Your cream should be very cold so that it whips up properly. Be sure to use a heavy cream that's at least 36% fat.

Should tiramisu sit overnight? ›

Serving Tiramisu

Once built, the tiramisu needs to chill for at least eight hours but ideally 24 before serving. The lady fingers will continue to soften and the tiramisu will set to a sliceable consistency. Just before serving, dust the top of the dish with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate. Read reviews!

Can you buy gluten free savoiardi biscuits? ›

The light, airy texture of this sweet and delicious biscuit has captivated children and adults for centuries. They're so good you can eat them straight out of the packet or you can use them in your baking - tiramisu anyone?

Is Amy's Baking Company gluten free? ›

Gluten free is practically our middle name. We make over 100 gluten free products, and we were one of the pioneers in producing a wide range of gluten free meals. The gluten free statement is expressly defined by the FDA as containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

Does mascarpone have gluten? ›

The main ingredients of mascarpone are cream and citric acid or tartaric acid. These simple and natural components do not contain gluten.

Does Starbucks have gluten free dessert? ›

Bakery Items

The only certified gluten free option is the Marshmallow Dream Bar. This bar is similar to a Rice Krispies treat. Although it is gluten free, it does contain milk and dairy.

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