Decadent Dulce de Leche Tiramisu – Creamy No-Bake Italian Dessert

There’s nothing quite like a dessert that balances elegance, indulgence, and simplicity, and this Decadent Dulce de Leche Tiramisu does exactly that. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers meet a luscious mascarpone and dulce de leche cream, creating a dreamy, coffee-flavored indulgence that melts in your mouth. This twist on the classic Italian tiramisu is perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a rich, show-stopping dessert. The no-bake method makes it accessible for home cooks, yet it delivers a sophisticated presentation and complex flavor profile. Sweet, creamy, lightly coffee-infused, and finished with a dusting of cocoa and delicate chocolate shavings, this tiramisu is as visually stunning as it is decadent in taste. It’s a dessert that embodies both comfort and elegance, perfect for creating lasting impressions with every slice.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavor Layering: The combination of bitter espresso, sweet dulce de leche, and creamy mascarpone creates depth and harmony. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness, slight coffee bitterness, and richness.

• Technique: No baking is required; folding the whipped cream gently into the mascarpone mixture ensures a light, airy texture while keeping the dessert stable.

• Cooking Logic: Quick espresso dips prevent soggy ladyfingers while absorbing just enough moisture to create soft layers. Chilling allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the dessert’s luxurious texture and complexity.

Recipe Info

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)

Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)

Yield: 12 servings

Category: Dessert

Method: No-Bake

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredient Breakdown

Cream Base:

• 6 large egg yolks – Provide richness, structure, and classic custard flavor.

• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the egg yolks.

• 1 1/2 cups (340 g) mascarpone cheese – Silky Italian cheese adds creamy body and traditional tiramisu flavor.

Whipped Dulce Cream:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) double cream – Whipped to soft peaks, lightens the mascarpone base.

• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (90 g) dulce de leche – Infuses the dessert with caramel notes and sweetness.

• Pinch of salt – Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.

Layers:

• 2 boxes (approx. 8.8 oz / 250 g total) soft ladyfingers – Absorb coffee while maintaining structure.

• 2 cups (480 ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso – Adds depth and the classic coffee flavor.

• 1/2 cup (50 g) cocoa powder – For dusting and slight bitterness.

• Dark chocolate bar – Shavings on top for garnish and texture contrast.

Perfect! Let’s move on to Part 2 of the Decadent Dulce de Leche Tiramisu long-form article. This will cover Step-by-Step Instructions, Texture & Flavor Profile, Tips, Variations, Serving Suggestions, Storage & Reheating, and Nutrition Details, fully detailed for SEO and Pinterest optimization.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 6 large egg yolks and 3/4 cup granulated sugar.

2. Using an electric mixer on high speed, whisk until the mixture is thick, pale, and forms a ribbon when lifted off the beaters, about 5 minutes.

3. Add 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese gradually, folding in gently until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Dulce Cream

1. In a separate large bowl, pour 1 1/2 cups double cream and whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

2. Gently fold in 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp dulce de leche and a pinch of salt. Fold slowly to retain airiness. This creates a light, creamy layer with rich caramel notes.

Step 3: Combine Creams

1. Carefully fold the whipped cream mixture into the egg-mascarpone base.

2. Use a spatula to fold in 1/3 at a time until fully smooth and homogeneous. This ensures a light, mousse-like consistency.

Step 4: Prepare the Pan & Coffee

1. Lightly dust the bottom of an 11×7 inch or 9×13 inch dish with cocoa powder. This prevents the ladyfingers from becoming soggy.

2. Brew 2 cups of strong coffee or espresso. Allow it to cool slightly; it should be hot but not scalding.

Step 5: Layering

1. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for 2–3 seconds per side, just enough to absorb liquid without collapsing.

2. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the dish.

3. Spread half of the cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.

4. Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining cream.

5. Dust generously with 1/2 cup cocoa powder and shave a dark chocolate bar over the top.

Step 6: Chill & Set

1. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

2. For best flavor and texture, allow to chill 12–24 hours. This resting time lets the coffee soak and the dulce de leche-infused cream set perfectly.

Step 7: Serve

1. Slice into squares or rectangles using a serrated knife.

2. Optionally, dust again with cocoa powder and add extra chocolate shavings for presentation.

Texture & Flavor Profile

• Texture:

  • Silky smooth mascarpone cream layered with light, airy whipped cream.

  • Espresso-soaked ladyfingers provide a tender yet slightly firm bite.

  • Cocoa dusting and chocolate shavings add slight dryness and crunch to balance the creamy layers.

• Flavor:

  • Sweetness: Balanced with the caramel notes from dulce de leche.

  • Bitterness: Subtle espresso and cocoa prevent cloying sweetness.

  • Creaminess: Mascarpone adds rich, decadent mouthfeel.

  • Complexity: Each layer offers complementary flavors that deepen with chilling.

Tips for Best Results

1. Eggs & Mascarpone: Use room-temperature eggs and mascarpone to prevent curdling and ensure smooth mixing.

2. Coffee Dipping: Do not soak ladyfingers for too long; 2–3 seconds is ideal to avoid mushy layers.

3. Folding Technique: Always fold cream into mascarpone gently to maintain airiness.

4. Chilling Time: Longer chilling (12–24 hours) improves flavor infusion and makes slicing cleaner.

5. Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler for delicate shavings; they look elegant and melt slowly.

Variations

1. Alcohol-Infused: Add 1–2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Tia Maria) to the coffee for a boozy adult version.

2. Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios between layers for crunch.

3. Fruit Variation: Layer sliced strawberries, raspberries, or figs on the first cream layer for fruity notes.

4. Spiced Dulce de Leche: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dulce de leche for aromatic warmth.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled straight from the fridge in individual glass cups or a large serving dish for dinner parties.

• Pair with espresso or cappuccino for a complete Italian dessert experience.

• Garnish with extra cocoa powder, chocolate curls, or edible gold dust for special occasions.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Cover tightly with cling film and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Can be frozen for 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

• Reheating: Serve cold; tiramisu is never heated.

Nutrition Overview (per serving, 12 servings)