• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fearless Dining
  • New? Start Here
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
  • GF Resources
    • Pantry
  • The Gluten Free Resource Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Gluten Free Living
  • Reader Testimonials
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Resources
    • My Pantry
  • Testimonials
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Resources
    • My Pantry
  • Testimonials
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • About
×
Home Recipes Cake Recipes

Bakery Quality Gluten Free Tiramisu Recipe

Published: Aug 27, 2021 · Modified: Jun 22, 2023 by Sandi Gaertner · 10 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links

  • Facebook
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard
Jump to Recipe
Pinterest pin of the tiramisu

One bite of this gluten free tiramisu and you will be hooked! The creamy rum-soaked sponge cake and egg custard flavors all combine in the most mouthwatering way. This cake is so easy to make with my homemade sponge cake or gluten free ladyfingers.

A slice of tiramisu on a plate with a brown fork.
Jump to:
  • Why This Recipe Is Great:
  • Ingredient Notes:
  • Tips For Sucess:
  • Variations and Substitutions:
  • Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:
  • Storage:
  • Recipe FAQ:
  • More Gluten Free Cake Recipe:
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Fearless Dining
  • 💬 Comments

I am so excited about this gluten free tiramisu recipe! It has been many years since I enjoyed tiramisu. Gluten free ladyfingers have been difficult to find, so I used my fluffy gluten free sponge cake recipe. This sponge cake has the same flavor and texture of ladyfingers.

I have a feeling you will fall in love with this cake too! It is a decadent cake that is made to impress. Nobody will know it is gluten free.

For this special gluten free Italian dessert, I used my homemade Gluten Free Sponge Cake recipe and added in the delicious filling from a New York Times Tiramisu recipe I found. It is by far the best filling. I modified it a bit by using dark rum instead of regular rum.

Why This Recipe Is Great:

  1. This homemade gluten free tiramisu recipe is special because it has all of the authentic Italian flavors.
  2. This cake tastes like you bought it in a fancy bakery. It tastes like the real thing!!
  3. It is easy to make in just a few simple steps!

If you love cake as much as I do, you will want to check out all of my delicious homemade gluten free cake recipes on the blog.

Ingredient Notes:

Photos of the gluten free tiramisu ingredients.
  • Gluten Free Sponge Cake - For this recipe, you must make my gluten free sponge cake or use gluten free ladyfingers. Schar makes gluten free lady fingers, but I have yet to see them in stores here in my area.
  • Sugar
  • Eggs - Size large eggs.
  • Heavy Cream - Do not use half and half.
  • Mascarpone Cheese - If you can't find mascarpone cheese, you can use full-fat cream cheese.
  • Cocoa Powder - Most brands are gluten free but always read the label to be sure! I like to use Ghirardelli, Hershey's, or Anthony's brands of cocoa powder.
  • Coffee - Use coffee or a double espresso watered down to equal 1 cup of liquid.
  • Rum - I used dark rum because I like the caramelized flavor more than regular rum. If you want your tiramisu to be alcohol-free, use rum extract.
  • Vanilla Extract - I recommend using pure vanilla extract.

🔑 Sandi says: A note about egg safety. This recipe contains uncooked eggs because it is made in the traditional Italian way. The eggs are whipped for 10 minutes, and the quality of the eggs in the U.S. is very high. You can temper the eggs by whisking them over a hot water bath before adding them to the standing mixer.

Tips For Sucess:

  • If you are making my gluten free sponge cake recipe, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients so your cake is fluffy.
  • Be sure the cake is fully chilled before serving it.

For more tips and tricks, be sure to read my Gluten Free Cake Troubleshooting Guide too.

As a precaution, if you are pregnant or have young children (who probably wouldn't need the caffeine either!), you may want to try another dessert. I have tons of delicious gluten free dessert recipes on the blog!

Tiramisu is a delightful no-bake cake that is so easy to put together. If you love no-bake-style cakes, try my easy Gluten Free Icebox Cake recipe too!

Variations and Substitutions:

  • If you do not have heavy cream, use the same quantity of evaporated milk with 1 tablespoon of tapioca or cornstarch.
  • To substitute the mascarpone, mix full-fat cream cheese with butter and heavy cream.
  • Add mini chocolate chips to the mascarpone layer.
  • Drizzle with some melted chocolate.

Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:

Steps 1 and 2 photos of making tiramisu.

Step 1: Make my gluten free sponge cake recipe and allow the cake to cool. If you have gluten free ladyfingers and plan to use those instead, skip steps 1 and 2.

Step 2: Slice the cake into strips. Now let's make the whipped custard filling!

Steps 3 and 4 photos of making tiramisu.

Step 3: Add the egg yolks and sugar in a standing mixer. Whip for about 10 minutes. The mixture will become thick and pale yellow.

Step 4: Pull up the beater. The mixture will make a ribbon when you pull up the beater. Move the mixture to a bowl and clean the mixer/beater attachment.

HINT: Don't forget, you can temper the egg yolks if using raw eggs makes you nervous. Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl over a hot water bath to do this. You will need to whisk constantly. After 5 minutes, add them to the standing mixer with the sugar and whip.

Steps 5 and 6 photos of making tiramisu.

Step 5: In the mixer, add the heavy cream and whip it until it forms peaks. If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute evaporated milk with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot, corn, or tapioca starch. Add in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla. Mix well.

Step 6: Pour the egg yolk mixture into the cheese mixture and gently fold the two together.

My Pick
La Tourangelle, All Purpose Baking Spray, Gluten-Free, No Chemicals. Non-Stick.
La Tourangelle, All Purpose Baking Spray, Gluten-Free, No Chemicals. Non-Stick.

Hands down this non-stick spray is amazing. It is totally inexpensive and it will save your gluten free cakes and muffins from sticking!

Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Steps 7 and 8 photos of making tiramisu.

Step 7: Spray oil in your 8x8 dish with a gluten free non-stick spray. Line the dish with a layer of sponge cake pieces.

Step 8: Mix your coffee and rum in a small bowl. Drizzle some over the sponge cake pieces.

Steps 9 and 10 photos of making tiramisu.

Step 9: Take your cream-filling mixture and add it on top of the layer of sponge slices. Optional: dust this layer with cocoa powder.

Step 10: Add another layer of sponge cake and drizzle with the coffee rum mixture.

Step 11 photo of making tiramisu.

Step 11: Add the rest of the whipped custard and spread to coat the sponge cake evenly.

Step 12: Put the cocoa powder into a small sifter and sift the cocoa over the custard. Removing the lumps that always seem to be in cocoa powder is important.

Gluten free tiramisu in a baking dish.

Dust the top with cocoa powder, and enjoy! Remember to store this cake in the refrigerator.

Storage:

Tiramisu tends to spoil quickly because of the egg custard. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it doesn't smell right after 2-3 days, don't eat it.

Recipe FAQ:

Is there real alcohol in Tiramisu?

Yes, a real tiramisu contains rum. If you do not want to use alcohol, use rum extract.

Are there gluten free ladyfingers?

I have only seen one brand of gluten free ladyfingers online by Schar, but I haven't found them in person yet. This is why I use my gluten free sponge cake recipe as a substitute.

Is mascarpone cheese gluten free?

Yes! Mascarpone cheese is gluten free. It is made with no gluten ingredients.

What can be used instead of mascarpone cheese?

If you can't find mascarpone cheese, you could substitute whipped cream and some cream cheese or ricotta cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will be good.

A fork holding up a bite of gluten free tiramisu.

More Gluten Free Cake Recipe:

  • Gluten Free Creamy Apple Cake
  • Easy Gluten Free Tres Leches Cake
  • Gluten Free Chocolate Trifle
  • Gluten Free Bakewell Tart

📖 Recipe

A slice of tiramisu on a plate with a brown fork.

Gluten Free Tiramisu

Sandi Gaertner
A creamy no-bake Italian cake that has incredible flavors. It is so easy to make!
5 from 7 votes
gluten free allergy icon
nut free allergen icon
soy free allergy icon
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Chill Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course Gluten Free Dessert Recipes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 slices
Calories 196 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gluten free sponge cake * see note
  • 1 cup mascarpone * see note for substitute
  • ¾ cup heavy cream do not use half and half
  • 1 cup coffee * see note
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum * see note for alcohol-free
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions
 

  • Make my gluten free sponge cake recipe and allow the cake to cool. If you have gluten free ladyfingers and plan to use those instead, skip steps 1 and 2.
  • Slice the cake into ¼ to ½ inch thick strips. Now let's make the whipped custard filling!
  • In a standing mixer, add the egg yolks and sugar. Whip for about 10 minutes. The mixture will become thick and pale yellow.
  • Pull up the beater. The mixture will make a ribbon when you pull up the beater. Move the mixture to a bowl and clean the mixer/beater attachment.
  • HINT: Don't forget, you can temper the egg yolks if using raw egg makes you nervous. To do this, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl over a hot water bath. You will need to whisk constantly. After 5 minutes, adding them to the standing mixer with the sugar and whip.
  • In the mixer, add the heavy cream and whip it until it forms peaks. If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute evaporated milk with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot, corn, or tapioca starch. Add in the mascarpone cheese and vanilla. Mix well.
  • Pour the egg yolk mixture into the cheese mixture and gently fold the two together.
  • Spray oil in your 8x8 dish. Line the dish with a layer of sponge cake pieces.
  • Mix your coffee and rum in a small bowl. Drizzle some over the sponge cake pieces.
  • Take your cream filling mixture and add it on top of the layer of sponge slices. Optional: dust this layer with cocoa powder.
  • Add another layer of sponge cake and drizzle with the coffee rum mixture.
  • Add the rest of the whipped custard and spread to evenly coat the sponge cake.
  • Put the cocoa powder into a small sifter and sift the cocoa over the custard. This is important to remove the lumps that always seem to be in cocoa powder.
  • Chill the cake a miniumum of one hour before servin. 2-3 hours is even better as the flavors blend in together.

Notes

  1. You can make my easy gluten free sponge cake recipe, or look for Schar gluten free ladyfingers in stores. I haven't been able to find them so I use my cake.
  2. To substitute the mascarpone, mix full-fat cream cheese with butter and heavy cream.
  3. You can use one cup of coffee, or espresso watered down to the equal of one cup.
  4. I prefer dark rum over white rum in this recipe. If you do not want alcohol, use rum extract, which can be purchased at most grocery stores.
  5. Due to the nature of using the raw egg yolks, this cake will not keep long. I would recommend eating it within two days. This cake is not good for making ahead unless you just bake the gluten free sponge cake ahead.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 47mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 568IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

This post was updated from an older August 2021 post with more recipe details.

Fearless Dining

Looking for more? Get my FREE Gluten Free Lemon Desserts E-Cookbook when you sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter!

Get Free Recipes To Your Inbox
Buy My Cookbook
Join My Facebook Group
  • Instagram
  • Bandcamp
  • Twitter
  • Twitch

More Gluten Free Cake Recipes

  • A whole gluten free pumpkin cheesecake on a table.
    The Best Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake
  • A serving of gluten free apple dump cake topped with whipped cream.
    3-Ingredient Gluten Free Dump Cake
  • A baked gluten free cherry clafoutis in an 8x8 baking pan.
    Gluten Free Cherry Clafoutis
  • The top view of a slice of peach kuchen next to the whole cake.
    Gluten Free Kuchen A Decadent German Cake
  • Facebook
  • Yummly
  • Flipboard

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Jennifer Galbreath

    March 25, 2023 at 1:24 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe! We used the Spongecake recipe with Bob's 1to1, and espresso flavored mascarpone for a bolder coffee flavor. It is a new family favorite.

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      March 26, 2023 at 9:06 am

      I am so glad you used my sponge recipe for this tiramisu. I have never seen espresso-flavored mascarpone, but it sounds like a great addition. Thank you!

      Reply
  2. Laura

    January 15, 2023 at 7:10 am

    How much vanilla?

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      January 15, 2023 at 9:59 am

      This recipe has one teaspoon of vanilla extract.

      Reply
  3. Judy Anderson

    December 08, 2022 at 8:55 pm

    I wanted to make a different dessert for Christmas. My daughter is Celiac. My husband and I love Tiramisu. Will be trying your recipe. Sounds really good, I found the Schar Gluten Free Fingers on Amazon. I will let you know how it all goes.
    ThankYou.

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      December 09, 2022 at 8:48 am

      I am so glad you are going to make this. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, Judy.

      Reply
  4. Jaki

    May 30, 2022 at 1:07 pm

    5 stars
    This was so easy to make and came out delicious! I added a little extra rum, but I like the taste of the rum when I eat it, 🤣🙌🏻 If you’re looking for a gluten free dessert- this is IT!

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      May 30, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      I am so glad you loved this tiramisu recipe Jaki! I love the added rum :-).

      Reply
  5. Leslie

    August 27, 2021 at 1:10 pm

    Sandi, Your desserts all look so good but this tiramisu- oh my goodness! Not sure if I'd do it justice but I'm going to save this recipe for a special occasion.

    Reply
    • Sandi Gaertner

      August 27, 2021 at 9:01 pm

      You are quite the impressive cook, I have faith you would do a great job :-).

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
A picture of my face standing in front of landscape bushes

Welcome to my blog! I am so glad you are here. If you have Celiac Disease, are gluten intolerant, or have a wheat allergy, you've come to the right place. With years of extensive experience in recipe development, I am dedicated to assisting you on your gluten free journey. As a seasoned gluten free cookbook author and recipe developer, I specialize in creating easy, family-friendly recipes that rival their gluten-filled counterparts. Rest assured, my recipes undergo rigorous testing and refinement, ensuring foolproof results every time.

More about me →

Back To School Recipes:

  • Two bowls of Gluten Free Hamburger Helper on a wooden table.
    Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper: One-Pot Comfort Food
  • a plate with orange chicken over rice.
    Quick and Easy Gluten Free Orange Chicken
  • a photo of the skillet lasagna in a large pan.
    Gluten Free Skillet Lasagna
  • chopsticks holding up beef and noodles
    Gluten Free Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

More Meal Recipes!

A glass bowl filled with my gluten free flour blend.

Try My DIY Gluten Free Flour Blend Recipe! It is also gum-free!

Trending Gluten Free Recipes:

  • Two slices of gluten free bread on a plate.
    Bake the Best Gluten Free Bread with Your Bread Machine
  • A baked pie crust in a pan.
    How to Make a Homemade Gluten Free Pie Crust
  • two bowls of chicken soup with a garlic press and garlic cloves next to the bowls
    Grandma's Chicken Soup From Scratch
  • a biscuit cut in half on a plate with butter
    The Best Flaky Gluten Free Biscuits

Footer

^ back to top

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up!

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Web Stories

Copyright © 2013-2023 Fearless Dining, LLC.