Dulce De Leche Tiramisu Recipe
This Dulce De Leche Tiramisu is a luscious twist on the classic Italian dessert, blending rich mascarpone and whipped cream with sweet, caramel-like dulce de leche. Layered with espresso-dipped soft ladyfingers and finished with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings, this no-bake treat offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and bold coffee flavor. It’s an indulgent and elegant dessert suitable for special occasions or anytime you crave something decadently delightful.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (minimum chill time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Custard Mixture
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
Whipped Cream Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons dulce de leche (canned dulce de leche recommended)
- Pinch of salt, to taste
Assembly
- Two 4.4-ounce boxes soft ladyfingers (St. Michel brand recommended)
- 2 cups strong coffee or espresso (decaf optional, but should be rich and dark)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
- Chocolate bar for shaving and topping
- Prepare Custard Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and ribbons off the beaters in a silky stream. Then, add the mascarpone cheese to this mixture and continue beating until fully combined and smooth.
- Make Dulce De Leche Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed for 1-2 minutes until stiff peaks form. Gently mix in the dulce de leche, then add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Mix until well incorporated.
- Fold Mixtures Together: Carefully fold the whipped cream mixture into the mascarpone custard mixture, combining them gently to maintain the airy texture. This combined mixture will be rich and velvety.
- Prepare Pan: Use an 11×7 inch pan (a 9×13 or any similar size will work). Lightly dust the bottom of the pan with cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer. This layer helps absorb excess moisture from the espresso to prevent sogginess.
- Layer the Ladyfingers: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the strong coffee or espresso for approximately 3 seconds, turning once to coat both sides. Do not soak them too long to avoid falling apart. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers to cover the bottom of the pan evenly.
- First Cream Layer: Spread half of the dulce de leche mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of espresso-dipped ladyfingers on top of the cream, then finish by spreading the remaining cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Final Touch: Dust the top layer with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings from a chocolate bar for an elegant finish.
- Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably 12-24 hours, to allow the dessert to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled, adding extra cocoa powder or chocolate shavings if desired. Enjoy the luscious, decadent flavors!
Notes
- Use high-quality mascarpone cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Do not soak ladyfingers for too long; a quick dip prevents sogginess.
- Refrigeration time greatly enhances the dessert’s texture and allows the flavors to develop fully.
- Can be made with decaffeinated coffee if preferred, but strong espresso provides the best balance.
- The dulce de leche adds a rich caramel note that makes this tiramisu unique and extra indulgent.
Keywords: Dulce de Leche Tiramisu, no-bake tiramisu, dulce de leche dessert, mascarpone dessert, coffee tiramisu, easy tiramisu recipe, caramel tiramisu