Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love tiramisu and cheesecake, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together. You get the rich, creamy texture of a cheesecake with the bold coffee and cocoa flavors of tiramisu. It’s make-ahead friendly, perfect for dinner parties or special occasions, and doesn’t require baking beyond the base.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Digestive biscuits
Unsalted butter or baking spread, melted
Sponge fingers
Instant strong coffee
Coffee liqueur
Boiling water
Mascarpone cheese
Icing sugar
Vanilla bean extract
Double cream
Cocoa powder

Directions

1. Crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand in a bowl.

2. Mix in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the base of an 8-inch springform cake tin.

3. Dissolve the instant coffee in boiling water, stir in the coffee liqueur, and set aside to cool.

4. In a mixing bowl, beat together mascarpone, icing sugar, vanilla extract, and coffee liqueur until smooth.

5. Add the double cream and whip until thick. (Alternatively, whip the cream separately and fold it into the mascarpone mixture.)

6. Spread half the cheesecake mixture evenly over the biscuit base.

7. Quickly dip the sponge fingers into the cooled coffee mixture and arrange them in a layer over the cheesecake.

8. Spread the remaining cheesecake mixture over the sponge finger layer and smooth the top.

9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5–6 hours, preferably overnight, to set.

10. Once set, remove the cheesecake from the tin.

11. Whip the topping cream with icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Pipe or spread over the top of the cheesecake.

12. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Chilling/setting time: 12 hours
Total time: 12 hours 25 minutes

Variations

• Alcohol-Free Version: Replace coffee liqueur with additional brewed coffee.

• Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the biscuit base before the cheesecake filling.

• Nutty Base: Mix crushed hazelnuts or almonds into the biscuit base for extra crunch.

• Mini Tiramisu Cheesecakes: Assemble in small dessert cups for individual servings.

• Extra Coffee Flavor: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cheesecake filling.

Storage/Reheating

Store tiramisu cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. This dessert should not be frozen, as freezing may alter the texture of the mascarpone filling. It’s best served chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake without coffee liqueur?

Yes, simply replace it with more brewed coffee for a non-alcoholic version.

Do I need to bake the cheesecake?

No, this is a no-bake recipe except for melting the butter for the base.

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

You can, but it will have a tangier flavor and slightly firmer texture.

How do I prevent the sponge fingers from getting soggy?

Dip them quickly in the coffee mixture—just a second on each side is enough.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, in fact it tastes better when chilled overnight as the flavors meld together.

What can I use instead of digestive biscuits?

Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or any plain biscuit will work.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free biscuits and sponge fingers.

Why is my filling runny?

It may not have been whipped enough—make sure the cream is whipped to soft peaks before combining.

Can I add chocolate shavings instead of cocoa powder?

Absolutely, chocolate curls or grated chocolate make a beautiful topping.

Conclusion

This tiramisu cheesecake is the ultimate fusion dessert, combining the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the bold, coffee-rich flavors of tiramisu. Perfect for celebrations or as a make-ahead dinner party dessert, it’s sure to impress with both flavor and presentation.

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