Have you been craving the rich, coffee-soaked layers and creamy decadence of tiramisu, but can't have gluten? You're not alone! As someone who has experimented with countless gluten free tiramisu variations, I'm thrilled to share a recipe that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. This gluten free tiramisu dessert recipe will transport you straight to an Italian café, minus the gluten concerns.
Why This Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe Works
Traditional tiramisu relies heavily on ladyfingers, which typically contain wheat flour. But don't worry – this tiramisu gluten free adaptation solves that problem beautifully. The secret lies in creating perfect gluten-free ladyfingers that hold up to the coffee soak without becoming mushy.
Many people wonder, "is tiramisu gluten free?" The answer is usually no, but with this recipe, you can enjoy this classic Italian dessert without worry. I've tested this recipe with dinner guests who couldn't tell the difference between this and traditional tiramisu!
Jump to:
- Why This Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe Works
- Ingredients For Gluten Free Tiramisu
- How To Make This Gluten Free Tiramisu
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment For Gluten Free Tiramisu
- Storage
- What to Serve With Your Gluten Free Tiramisu
- Top Tip
- Grandmama's Magic Touch
- FAQ
- Gluten Free Tiramisu That Never Lets You Down!
- Related
- Pairing
- Gluten Free Tiramisu
Ingredients For Gluten Free Tiramisu
For the Gluten-Free Ladyfingers:
- Large eggs, separated
- Granulated sugar, divided
- Vanilla extract
- Gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- Salt
- Cornstarch
- Powdered sugar for dusting
For the Mascarpone Filling:
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- Heavy cream
- Granulated sugar
- Large egg yolks
- Vanilla extract
For the Coffee Soak:
- Strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- Rum or marsala wine (optional)
- Sugar
For Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings (certified gluten-free)
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make This Gluten Free Tiramisu
This recipe breaks down into three main components: preparing the gluten-free ladyfingers, making the mascarpone filling, and assembly. Don't be intimidated by the homemade ladyfingers—they're easier than you might think!
Making Perfect Gluten-Free Ladyfingers
Many readers wonder if regular tiramisu is gluten free—it's not, primarily because of the wheat-based ladyfingers. These homemade gluten-free ladyfingers solve that problem beautifully:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Separate the eggs, placing whites in one large bowl and yolks in another.
- Beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add half the sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes. Add vanilla extract.
- Combine the gluten-free flour, salt, and cornstarch in a separate bowl.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture gently.
- Incorporate the beaten egg whites into the batter, folding carefully to maintain airiness.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag with a ½-inch round tip (or use a zip-top bag with corner snipped).
- Pipe 3-inch strips onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between each.
- Dust with powdered sugar and let sit for 5 minutes. Dust again lightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.
- Cool completely on the baking sheets before removing.
Preparing The Mascarpone Filling
This is where the magic happens—the creamy, rich layer that makes tiramisu so irresistible:
- Beat the mascarpone, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture gently, working in batches.
- Refrigerate the filling while you prepare the coffee soak.
The Coffee Soak
- Mix the cooled coffee with rum or marsala (if using) and sugar in a shallow dish.
- Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
Assembling Your Gluten Free Tiramisu
This is where patience pays off—the right soaking technique makes all the difference:
- Prepare an 8×8-inch square dish or a 9-inch round dish.
- Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture—about 1 second per side. Don't soak them or they'll fall apart!
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your dish, breaking pieces as needed to fit.
- Spread half the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone.
- Smooth the top with an offset spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Dust generously with cocoa powder just before serving.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
Substitutions
For Truly Gluten-Free Tiramisu: Double-check that your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum. If not, add ¼ teaspoon to your flour. My favorite blend for this tiramisu gluten free recipe is either King Arthur Measure-for-Measure or Cup4Cup.
No Time for Homemade Ladyfingers? While homemade gluten-free ladyfingers yield the best results, you can substitute with:
- Store-bought gluten-free ladyfingers (Schar makes good ones)
- Gluten-free vanilla cookies (slightly less authentic but works in a pinch)
- Gluten-free madeleines for a unique twist
Variations
- Chocolate Lover's Tiramisu: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mascarpone mixture and use chocolate gluten-free ladyfingers for double chocolate impact.
- Berry Tiramisu: Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries between the mascarpone layers. Add a tablespoon of berry liqueur to the coffee soak for extra flavor.
- Citrus Tiramisu: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the mascarpone mixture and a splash of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier to the coffee mixture.
- Nutella Tiramisu: Swirl ¼ cup of melted Nutella into the mascarpone mixture for a hazelnut-chocolate twist (ensure your Nutella is gluten-free).
- Mocha Tiramisu: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to your coffee mixture for a deeper coffee-chocolate flavor.
Equipment For Gluten Free Tiramisu
- 8×8-inch square baking dish or 9-inch round dish (glass or ceramic works best)
- Stand mixer or hand mixer with beaters for whipping eggs and cream
- Mixing bowls in various sizes (at least 3-4)
- Rubber spatula for folding ingredients together gently
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper for the ladyfingers
- Piping bag with ½-inch round tip (or ziplock bag with corner snipped)
- Fine-mesh sieve for dusting cocoa powder
Storage
This gluten free tiramisu actually gets better after it sits in the refrigerator for a while! Here's how to properly store it and what to expect:
Refrigerator Storage
- Freshly Made: Cover your tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving.
- Leftovers: Cover any leftover tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Best Flavor: The flavors continue to develop and meld beautifully during the first 24-48 hours, so don't worry if you make it a day ahead of your event!
What to Serve With Your Gluten Free Tiramisu
This gluten free tiramisu recipe shines as a standalone dessert, but the right accompaniments can elevate it even further. Here are some perfect pairings to complete your Italian-inspired dining experience:
Beverages
- Espresso: The classic pairing! Serve small cups of hot espresso alongside this tiramisu for an authentic Italian experience.
- Coffee Liqueur: A small glass of Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur complements the coffee notes in the tiramisu beautifully.
- Sweet Dessert Wine: Vin Santo, Moscato d'Asti, or a late-harvest Riesling all pair wonderfully with the creamy richness.
- Amaretto: The almond notes in Amaretto create a lovely flavor contrast with the coffee and chocolate.
- Hot Chocolate: For a decadent chocolate-on-chocolate experience, especially during colder months.
Fresh Fruit
- Fresh Berries: A small side of raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries adds a bright, acidic contrast to the rich tiramisu.
- Poached Pears: Elegant and sophisticated, poached pears in wine or vanilla syrup make this dessert even more special.
- Orange Segments: The citrus brightness cuts through the richness beautifully.
Top Tip
For truly perfect gluten free tiramisu, pay careful attention to the soaking step! The most common mistake is over-soaking the gluten-free ladyfingers, which can cause them to disintegrate. Unlike regular ladyfingers, gluten-free versions need just a quick dip — literally one second per side in the coffee mixture.
You want them moist but not soggy. The ladyfingers should still hold their shape when you place them in the dish. If they're falling apart in your hands, they're too wet. Remember: you can always spoon a little extra coffee mixture over the ladyfingers after they're arranged in the dish if they seem too dry, but you can't fix ladyfingers that have turned to mush.
Grandmama's Magic Touch
My Italian grandmother would raise an eyebrow at gluten free tiramisu, but she'd approve of my secret technique—one I discovered after countless attempts to recreate her legendary dessert. While experimenting with gluten-free ladyfingers, I remembered how she would always add a pinch of espresso powder directly to her mascarpone mixture, not just in the soaking liquid.
This subtle addition creates depth that many recipes miss, answering the common question of why homemade tiramisu often tastes "flat" compared to restaurant versions. When I first tried this with my gluten free tiramisu recipe, the flavor immediately transported me back to Nonna's kitchen in Naples.
Another trick? After assembling, she would tap the dish gently on the counter to remove air pockets between layers, ensuring every bite had perfect texture. These small details make the difference between a good tiramisu and an exceptional one that even gluten-eaters will request by name.
FAQ
What is a good substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu?
Several excellent substitutes for ladyfingers in gluten free tiramisu include:
Gluten-free madeleines
Gluten-free vanilla cookies or shortbread
Gluten-free pound cake, sliced thinly
Gluten-free sponge cake, cut into strips
Gluten-free vanilla wafers
Almond flour-based cookies
For best results, adjust the coffee soaking time based on the density and absorbency of your substitute.
Is ladyfingers gluten-free?
Traditional ladyfingers (savoiardi) are NOT gluten-free as they're made with wheat flour. However, there are three options for gluten-free ladyfingers:
Make homemade gluten-free ladyfingers using the recipe provided in this post
Purchase specialty gluten-free ladyfingers from brands like Schar or online retailers
Use one of the substitutes mentioned above
Is there gluten in mascarpone cheese?
No, pure mascarpone cheese is naturally gluten-free. It's made from cream and citric or tartaric acid, with no gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check labels on commercially produced mascarpone, as some brands may add stabilizers or be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing products.
Is Cool Whip gluten-free?
Yes, Cool Whip is generally considered gluten-free. However, it's always recommended to check the specific product label as formulations can change. For this gluten free tiramisu recipe, fresh whipped cream is preferable for flavor and texture, but Cool Whip can work as a convenient substitute if needed.
Gluten Free Tiramisu That Never Lets You Down!
Creating this gluten free tiramisu at home means never having to miss out on one of Italy's most beloved desserts again. The beauty of this recipe is that it delivers all the authentic flavor and creamy texture of traditional tiramisu without compromising on taste or structure. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, the effort is absolutely worth it.
Have you tried making this gluten free tiramisu recipe? I'd love to see your results and hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me in your photos. And if you enjoyed this, don't miss my other gluten-free Italian desserts like Crab Cake Benedict, Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cake, or Blackened Chicken Alfredo. The gluten-free journey doesn't mean missing out on incredible food—it just means getting creative in delicious new ways!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Gluten Free Tiramisu
Gluten Free Tiramisu
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer (For whipping eggs and cream)
- Mixing bowls (For different components)
- Rubber spatula (For folding ingredients gently)
- Baking sheets (For baking gluten-free ladyfingers)
- Piping bag or zip-top bag (For shaping ladyfingers)
- ½-inch round piping tip (Optional, for more precise ladyfinger shapes)
- Fine-mesh sieve (For dusting cocoa powder)
- 8×8-inch baking dish (or 9-inch round) (Glass or ceramic preferred)
- Offset spatula (For smoothing mascarpone layers)
Ingredients
For the Gluten-Free Ladyfingers
- 3 large eggs - Separated
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar - Divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup gluten-free flour blend - With xanthan gum
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- powdered sugar - For dusting
For the Mascarpone Filling
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese - Room temperature
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Soak
- 1½ cups strong brewed coffee - Cooled
- 2 tablespoons rum or marsala wine - Optional
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For Garnish
- unsweetened cocoa powder - For dusting
- dark chocolate shavings - Certified gluten-free
Instructions
- Preheat Oven Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Separate Eggs Place egg whites in one bowl and yolks in another.
- Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add half the sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Whisk yolks with remaining sugar until thick and pale (3-4 minutes). Add vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, mix gluten-free flour, salt, and cornstarch.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the yolk mixture.
- Carefully fold in beaten egg whites to maintain airiness.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag and pipe 3-inch strips onto baking sheets.
- Dust with powdered sugar, let sit for 5 minutes, then dust again lightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool completely before using.
- Beat mascarpone, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture in batches.
- Refrigerate filling while preparing coffee soak.
- Combine coffee, rum/marsala (if using), and sugar in a shallow dish. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Use an 8×8-inch dish or 9-inch round dish.
- Quickly dip ladyfingers in coffee (1 second per side).
- Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the dish.
- Spread half the mascarpone mixture evenly over ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers.
- Spread remaining mascarpone mixture evenly over the top.
- Use an offset spatula to smooth the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder.
- Add dark chocolate shavings if desired. Serve chilled.
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