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This no bake dessert is to die for! Whether you can’t decide between tiramisu and cheesecake or you simply adore both, this no bake tiramisu cheesecake recipe is the perfect choice. It combines everything that’s beloved about tiramisu, such as the creamy texture, chocolate, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers, with the classic appeal of cheesecake and its rich, creamy filling and delicious textured crust. Serve this cheesecake tiramisu dessert for absolutely any occasion.
The recipe is what happens when tiramisu and cheesecake combine and you get the best of both. It’s such a mouthwatering dessert and easy to make too.
Also try strawberry tiramisu, tiramisu Swiss roll, or tiramisu French toast casserole bake. And creme brulee cheesecake is another tasty hybrid dessert.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: This gorgeous dessert is simple to prepare.
No baking required: It’s a no bake tiramisu cheesecake so you don’t even have to have the oven on.
Tastes so good: If rich, creamy, sweet, delicious desserts make you go weak at the knees, you simply have to try this one!
Tiramisu Cheesecake Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Chocolate sandwich cookies: For the crust.
Salted butter: Unsalted butter will work fine; just add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
Espresso powder: Instant coffee granules can be used instead for a milder coffee flavor.
Cream cheese: For creaminess and for thickening the mixture.
Mascarpone cheese: For a creamy tang in the cheesecake filling.
Sweetened condensed milk: 1 cup of powdered sugar will work instead of the sweetened condensed milk.
Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt can be used instead.
Heavy cream: Instead of making your own whipped cream, you can fold 1 container of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
Ladyfingers: For dipping in the coffee, adding another texture to the dessert.
Brewed coffee: For dipping the ladyfingers.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened chocolate shavings are a nice alternative for dusting.
Espresso powder: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon can replace espresso powder for a different twist.
How to Make No Bake Tiramisu Cheesecake
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the crust: Pulse the chocolate sandwich cookies, melted butter and espresso powder in a food processor or blender and press into a 9-inch springform pan. Refrigerate until needed.
Make the cheesecake batter: Beat the cream cheese with the mascarpone, sour cream, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add the cream and whip it in. Pour half of this mixture into the crust.
Prepare the ladyfingers layer: Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee and arrange in one layer on top of the batter.
Add the second batter layer: Pour the rest of the cheesecake filling over the ladyfingers and smooth with a spatula.
Chill the tiramisu cheesecake: Refrigerate it overnight or for at least 6 hours.
Add dusting and serve: Dust with cocoa powder and cocoa powder, remove the cheesecake from the pan and slice to serve.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free sandwich cookies and gluten-free ladyfingers (or similar).
Sandwich cookies: You can replace these with additional ladyfinger cookies, graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafers for a lighter crust.
Ladyfingers: Sponge cake or pound cake can be used in place of ladyfingers.
Mascarpone cheese: You can substitute with cream cheese for a more budget-friendly option.
Strong coffee: Brewed espresso or even decaf coffee can be used if you prefer less caffeine. For a coffee-free version, use hot chocolate instead and omit the espresso powder from the crust.
Vanilla extract: A few drops adds a complementary flavor to the cream cheese filling.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizers: Start the meal with crusty bread and homemade peperonata.
Main dishes: Continue the Italian theme with Tuscan sausage pasta or baked gnocchi Bolognese. Italian white bean salad is a lighter option.
Desserts: A slice of tiramisu cheesecake makes the perfect dessert. For the ultimate indulgence, pair it with a glass of homemade limoncello!
How to Store Tiramisu Cheesecake
Store: You can store tiramisu cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw: To defrost, simply move the slices to the refrigerator and let them sit overnight before serving.
Top Tips
Use very cold cream: There’s no need to whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl. As long as it’s cold and you work quickly, you can add the cream directly into the cream cheese mixture and it will whip up into a beautiful texture without having to dirty another bowl.
Don’t overwhip the cream: It will take 2 or 3 minutes to form stiff peaks. Any more than that and it will start to turn into butter!
Don’t soak the ladyfingers: A quick dip is all they need. Leaving them in too long will make them soggy and affect the texture of the cheesecake.
Chilling time is important: Allow the cheesecake to chill for the full recommended time. This cheesecake is soft and creamy but that means it needs time to set. Be patient and let it chill for at least 6 hours or (better still) overnight.
Tiramisu Cheesecake FAQs
You can add ¼ cup of Tia Maria in place of ¼ cup of the brewed coffee. Kahlua would also work, as would Baileys.
Yes, if that’s your preference.
No, for this dessert you’ll need the full-fat kind! Using something thinner will make the cheesecake layer too water (and trickier to set) and the flavor will be compromised. If you’re watching your figure, simply enjoy a smaller slice!
No Bake Tiramisu Cheesecake Recipe
Tiramisu Cheesecake
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies
- ¼ Cup salted butter, melted
- 1 Teaspoon espresso powder
For the Cheesecake Batter:
- 16 Ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 8 Ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 14 Ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ Cup sour cream
- 2 Cups heavy whipping cream, very cold
For the Ladyfingers:
- 3½ Ounces ladyfingers, half of a 7-Ounce package
- ¾ Cup coffee, strong brewed
For Dusting:
- 1 or 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- ½ Teaspoon espresso powder
Instructions
Make the Crust:
- To a food processor or blender, add the chocolate sandwich cookies, melted butter and espresso powder.
- Pulse until cookies are crushed and the mixture is well combined.
- Press the cookie mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. Place the crust in the fridge or freezer while preparing the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, sour cream and sweetened condensed milk together until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the heavy whipping cream for 2 minutes or until thickened. Beat it into the cream cheese mixture to finish the cheesecake batter.
- Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the prepared crust.
Add the Ladyfingers:
- Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the strong coffee. Don’t let the cookies sit in the coffee.
- Arrange them in a single layer on top of the cheesecake batter.
- Pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the ladyfingers and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 to 8 hours or preferably overnight to set.
Finish and Serve:
- Before serving, dust the top of the cheesecake with cocoa powder and espresso powder.
- Release the cheesecake from the springform pan and slice to serve.
Notes
Don’t overwhip the cream: It will take 2 or 3 minutes to form stiff peaks. Any more than that and it will start to turn into butter!
Don’t soak the ladyfingers: A quick dip is all they need. Leaving them in too long will make them soggy and affect the texture of the cheesecake.
Chilling time is important: Allow the cheesecake to chill for the full recommended time. This cheesecake is soft and creamy but that means it needs time to set. Be patient and let it chill for at least 6 hours or (better still) overnight.
Nutrition
This tiramisu cheesecake is what you get when you combine the beautiful elements of chocolate and coffee tiramisu with a delicious creamy cheesecake. Tiramisu cheesecake is a wonderful dessert and certainly special enough for a birthday, anniversary or during the holidays. It’s a make-ahead dessert you can prepare a day in advance.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Wow, this was a dessert dream come true! Creamy, rich, and combines the best of tiramisu and cheesecake—such a crowd-pleaser at my last gathering!
This cheesecake is everything! Rich, creamy, and just the right amount of coffee flavor. So good!