Dessert

Dulce De Leche Tiramisu Recipe

ByElena Hart November 15, 2025November 15, 2025

Introduction

This Dulce De Leche Tiramisu is a luscious twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining rich coffee flavors with the creamy sweetness of dulce de leche. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, it’s smooth, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make.

A close-up image shows a creamy dessert with two main layers. The bottom layer is soft and spongy with a light brown color, textured with small dark brown spots, likely soaked cake or biscuit. The top layer is thick, smooth, and creamy in a pale beige color, dusted evenly with a fine dark cocoa powder. The dessert piece is on a white plate with a slightly curved edge, placed on a white marbled surface. A bronze fork is inserted into the dessert from the right side, cutting a perfect piece from the main portion. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups mascarpone
1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons dulce de leche
Pinch of salt to taste

Two 4.4-ounce boxes of soft ladyfingers
2 cups strong coffee or espresso
1/2 cup cocoa powder

Chocolate bar for shaving or topping

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, forming a silky ribbon when you lift the beaters. Add the mascarpone cheese and continue beating until fully combined.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed for 1-2 minutes until soft peaks form. Add the dulce de leche and a pinch of salt, then mix until well incorporated.

Step 3: Gently fold the whipped cream mixture into the mascarpone and egg yolk mixture until smooth and even. Be careful not to deflate it.
Step 4: Prepare an 11×7 pan by dusting the bottom evenly with cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer. This helps absorb extra moisture from the coffee.
Step 5: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the strong coffee or espresso—count slowly to three as you flip to coat all sides. Do not soak them or they will become soggy.

Step 6: Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the pan. Spread half of the creamy mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
Step 7: Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then top with the remaining creamy mixture. Dust the top with cocoa powder and shave chocolate over it for garnish.
Step 8: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally 12 to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to develop and the dessert to set.

Step 9: Serve chilled, optionally adding more cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on each slice before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality, soft ladyfingers like St. Michel for the best texture and flavor.
If mascarpone is hard to find, cream cheese can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.

For a boozy version, add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur to the espresso before dipping the ladyfingers.
Adjust the amount of dulce de leche to your preferred sweetness level.

Storage

Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat is not recommended as it is best enjoyed chilled to preserve the creamy texture and coffee flavor. If needed, keep it tightly covered to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.

How to Serve

A white rectangular baking dish holds a layered dessert with four square pieces left on the left side and two missing on the right side, showing creamy pale yellow and dark chocolate layers beneath a thick top layer dusted with dark brown cocoa powder. A bright orange spatula with

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use decaffeinated coffee for this tiramisu?

Yes, decaf can be used if you prefer to avoid caffeine, though a rich and strong coffee or espresso enhances the dessert’s flavor best.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?

This recipe uses raw egg yolks, which are traditional in tiramisu. To reduce risk, use fresh, high-quality eggs or pasteurized eggs if you have concerns.