If you love indulgent desserts but want to keep things plant-based and simple, this Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe is a total game-changer. It captures all the nostalgic flavors of the classic Italian treat without any dairy or eggs, featuring luscious cashew cream, coffee-soaked vegan ladyfingers, and a dusting of rich cocoa powder for that perfect finish. Whether you’re new to vegan desserts or a seasoned pro, this tiramisu will wow your taste buds and be the star of any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in building the dreamy texture and authentic flavor we all crave. You don’t need a long list of specialty items—just basics that come together effortlessly.
- Vegan ladyfingers (or sponge cake): These act as the perfect coffee-soaked base with a tender crumb that soaks up moisture without falling apart.
- Strong brewed coffee, cooled: The coffee gives that signature rich, bold note that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Canned coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk): Adds creaminess and helps create the smooth cashew cream texture.
- Cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours): Essential for that velvety, creamy layer replacing traditional mascarpone cheese.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream delicately without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cream mixture.
- Maple syrup (or agave syrup): Provides natural sweetness and a subtle flavor twist.
- Cocoa powder: For dusting on top to add that classic, bittersweet chocolate finish.
How to Make Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Cream
Start by blending the soaked cashews with the canned coconut milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a high-speed blender. Process until you achieve a luxuriously smooth, creamy texture that can rival traditional tiramisu filling. This dreamy cashew cream is your star ingredient, bringing richness and a luscious mouthfeel.
Step 2: Assemble the Tiramisu Base
Next, dip the vegan ladyfingers quickly into your cooled brewed coffee—make sure not to soak them for too long, or they’ll get soggy. Lay these coffee-kissed ladyfingers evenly at the bottom of your serving dish to form the foundation of your tiramisu. This step is key for that perfect balance between moist and firm layers.
Step 3: Layer the Cashew Cream
Spread a generous layer of the cashew cream over your coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Then repeat the process by adding another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by more cashew cream. The alternating layers create a beautiful contrast in flavor and texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover your tiramisu and refrigerate for at least four hours, or even better, overnight. This chilling period allows the flavors to marry perfectly and the textures to firm up so that every bite is creamy and satisfying.
Step 5: Finish with a Classic Touch
Just before serving, dust the entire top with a generous coating of cocoa powder. This final flourish brings that characteristic chocolate bitterness that balances the dessert’s sweetness and looks stunning when you present it.
How to Serve Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe presentation with fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped dark chocolate. These add color contrast, a burst of fresh flavor, and a beautiful finishing touch that makes the dessert even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this tiramisu with a light, crisp fruit salad or freshly brewed herbal tea to complement its richness without overpowering it. These light sides create a lovely balance and keep the focus on the decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small glasses or mason jars layered beautifully so everyone can see those luscious layers. You can also make mini tiramisus in ramekins for personalized treats that look charming and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days when covered tightly. The flavors will only deepen, making it an excellent dessert to prepare in advance for special occasions.
Freezing
If you want to save tiramisu for later, freeze it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture of the cashew cream, but it will still be delicious.
Reheating
Since tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow frozen tiramisu to defrost fully in the fridge for the creamiest experience without losing any of the signature flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides cashews in this recipe?
Cashews work best due to their creamy texture when blended, but you can experiment with soaked almonds or macadamia nuts. Just note that the flavor and consistency might vary slightly.
What can I use if I can’t find vegan ladyfingers?
Vegan sponge cake or even homemade biscuits can be excellent substitutes. The key is to choose something that soaks up coffee well but doesn’t turn mushy.
How long should I soak the cashews for the cream?
Soaking cashews for at least two hours is ideal to achieve that silky smooth texture. If you’re short on time, soaking in hot water for 30 minutes may work but can affect creaminess.
Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?
Unfortunately, the cashew cream is crucial for the creamy texture. For a nut-free option, you might try using silken tofu or coconut cream as a base, but results will differ from this Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe.
Can I make this tiramisu sugar-free?
Yes! Substitute powdered sugar and maple syrup with keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia drops, adjusting to taste while maintaining the creamy sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making classic desserts vegan without losing their soul, and this Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe hits the mark perfectly. It’s simple to prepare, indulgently creamy, and guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that warm, comforting experience that only homemade tiramisu can bring.
Print
Easy Vegan Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and delicious vegan tiramisu recipe perfect for dessert lovers seeking a dairy-free and egg-free alternative. Made with vegan ladyfingers, a creamy cashew-based filling, and infused with strong brewed coffee, this tiramisu is easy to assemble and perfect for chilling overnight to develop rich flavors.
Ingredients
For the Tiramisu Base
- 1 pack of vegan ladyfingers (or sponge cake)
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
For the Cashew Cream
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)
- 1/2 cup cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or agave syrup)
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cashew Cream: Blend the soaked cashews, canned coconut milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a high-speed blender until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Set this cashew cream mixture aside.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip the vegan ladyfingers into the cooled strong brewed coffee—be careful not to soak them too long or they will become soggy. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish.
- Layer the Cream: Evenly spread a generous layer of the prepared cashew cream over the layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Repeat the process by dipping more ladyfingers in coffee and layering them on top, followed by another layer of cashew cream to build the tiramisu.
- Chill: Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend together and the dessert to set properly.
- Finish: Just before serving, dust the top layer with cocoa powder for a classic and elegant finish that enhances the flavor and presentation of the tiramisu.
Notes
- Soaking the cashews is crucial to achieve a smooth cream; soak them for at least 2 hours or overnight if possible.
- Use strong brewed coffee to impart a robust coffee flavor typical of traditional tiramisu.
- Quick dipping of ladyfingers prevents them from becoming overly soggy and maintains texture.
- This recipe can be made a day ahead for convenience and better flavor melding.
- Maple syrup or agave syrup can be adjusted to taste depending on desired sweetness.
