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Home Recipes Cake Recipes

The Easiest Gluten Free Tiramisu

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

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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 use gluten free ladyfingers.

a piece of tiramisu on a plate with a brown fork
Jump to:
  • Why my gluten free tiramisu is so special:
  • Ingredient notes:
  • Recipe step by step directions:
  • Variations and Substitutions:
  • Tips and Recipe FAQ:
  • More delicious gluten free cake recipe:
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Get ready for the best gluten free tiramisu recipe! It has been many years since I enjoyed tiramisu. Gluten free ladyfingers are pretty much non-existent and I sort of gave up ever having tiramisu again.

I have a feeling you are going to 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 my gluten free tiramisu is so special:

This homemade gluten free tiramisu recipe is special because it has all of the authentic Italian flavors. 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:

gluten free tiramisu ingredients
  • Gluten Free Sponge Cake - For this recipe, you will need to make my gluten free sponge cake. Schar makes gluten free lady fingers, but I have yet to see them in store. If you can find them, feel free to use them instead of the sponge.
  • Heavy cream - Do not use half and half.
  • Mascapone cheese - If you can't find mascapone 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.

*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. If you prefer, you can temper the eggs by whisking them over a hot water bath before adding them to the standing mixer.

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!

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: In a standing mixer, add the egg yolks and sugar. 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 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.

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.

steps 7 and 8 photos of making tiramisu

Step 7: Spray oil in your 8x8 dish. 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 evenly coat the sponge cake.

Step 12: 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.

gluten free tiramisu in a baking dish

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

Variations and Substitutions:

  • If you do not have heavy cream on-hand, you can use the same quantity of evaoprated milk with 1 tablespoon of tapioca or corn starch.
  • 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.

Tips and 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.

How long will tiramisu keep fresh?

Tiramisu tends to spoil quickly because of the egg custard so if it doesn't smell right after 2-3 days, it may be spoiled.

a fork holding up a bite of gluten free tiramisu

More delicious 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 piece 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 5 votes
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Prep Time 30 mins
Chill Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 30 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
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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.

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    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

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