Irresistible tiramisu coffee that delights every sip – 2025

As a coffee expert and passionate home barista, few things excite me more than combining the richness of espresso with the indulgence of a classic dessert. Tiramisu coffee is the perfect marriage of both — a drink that’s creamy, bold, and layered with flavor. Whether you’re making it as a weekend treat, a special brunch beverage, or a dinner party closer, this recipe always leaves an impression.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless variations of dessert coffees, but tiramisu coffee stands out because it captures the essence of the original Italian dessert while remaining approachable and easy to prepare. Think of it as a luxurious twist on your regular latte — with mascarpone, espresso, and a dusting of cocoa.

In this expert guide, I’ll walk you through the best ingredients to use, my go-to preparation method, and tips to get that smooth, balanced taste every time. Let’s elevate your coffee game with something that tastes like it came straight from a Roman café.

Ingredients you’ll need

For a single serving:

• 1 double shot of espresso (or 60 ml strong brewed coffee)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (whole milk or oat milk recommended)
• 1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• Cocoa powder (for garnish)
• Optional: a splash of coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Brew the espresso: Start by brewing a fresh double shot of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, use a moka pot or a strong French press brew. The coffee should be rich and bold — it’s the backbone of this recipe.
2. Make the mascarpone cream: In a small bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This will create a light layer of sweetness that mimics tiramisu filling.
3. Steam or heat the milk: Use a steam wand, frother, or stovetop to heat the milk until warm and slightly foamy. The texture should be creamy, but not stiff.
4. Combine espresso and liqueur (optional): Pour the espresso into a serving glass. If using coffee liqueur, stir it in now.
5. Layer the milk and cream: Pour the steamed milk gently over the espresso. Then, spoon the mascarpone cream on top. Let it float slightly for that signature tiramisu effect.
6. Finish with cocoa: Dust the top with a generous sprinkle of cocoa powder. This adds bitterness that balances the creamy sweetness.

Tips from an expert barista

• Use high-quality espresso: The better the coffee, the more the tiramisu flavor will shine.
• Chill your glass before preparing: This helps maintain the structure of the layers.
• Don’t overheat the milk: Keep it around 60–65°C (140–150°F) to avoid a scorched taste.
• Try flavor variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or substitute the mascarpone with whipped cream if needed.

How tiramisu coffee compares to other coffee desserts

Tiramisu coffee is in the same family as affogato and mocha lattes, but it leans more into the dessert category. The mascarpone adds depth and richness that you won’t find in most coffee shop drinks. It’s less sweet than a flavored syrup latte, but more decadent than a plain cappuccino.

Why this recipe works

This recipe captures the layered essence of tiramisu — the bitterness of espresso, the creaminess of mascarpone, the sweetness of vanilla, and the finishing dust of cocoa. Each sip gives you that signature contrast of flavors and textures, just like the dessert.

You can also customize it: add more mascarpone for richness, more sugar for sweetness, or swap in plant-based milk and vegan mascarpone to make it dairy-free.

Serving suggestions

Tiramisu coffee pairs beautifully with almond biscotti, dark chocolate, or a small slice of tiramisu itself. Serve it in a clear glass to show off the layers, and offer it after dinner or during weekend brunch.

Health considerations

While indulgent, tiramisu coffee can be adapted to fit different diets:

• Use a sugar substitute like stevia or maple syrup for a lighter version.
• Choose oat or almond milk for a vegan-friendly drink.
• Reduce the amount of mascarpone or use light mascarpone to cut calories.

Make it iced

To make an iced tiramisu coffee:

1. Chill the espresso or brew it ahead of time.
2. Prepare the mascarpone mixture as above.
3. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the espresso, add cold milk, and top with mascarpone cream.
4. Finish with cocoa powder and enjoy with a straw.

Final thoughts

As a coffee expert, I believe every home barista should try dessert-inspired drinks like this at least once. Tiramisu coffee is more than just a novelty — it’s a beautifully balanced, indulgent drink that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It brings together comfort, flavor, and elegance in a single cup.

Once you taste it, I bet it’ll become a regular in your coffee repertoire.

Happy brewing!

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