This easy caramel tiramisu is truly magical. It is a delicious no-bake dessert with a deep homemade caramel flavor, soft coffee-soaked layers, and absolutely no eggs. We decided to make this recipe completely eggless for anyone who prefers desserts without raw eggs but still wants a rich, creamy tiramisu experience.

We have been loving the idea of preparing every dessert in a round, cake-style shape lately, which is why this caramel tiramisu is presented this way.

But you can absolutely make it in a classic square pan or a glass dish if you prefer a more traditional tiramisu look. No matter how you shape it, this dessert is delightful. It is rich, full of flavor, and truly perfect for any occasion.

Hey!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I know we are a little late with our holiday greetings, but honestly, I’ve been taking a few days to rest after preparing so many new recipes. We have cookies, tiramisus, cheesecakes, brioches, rolls… truly everything you can think of already tested and ready to share.

At this point you’re just waiting for me to upload them because we have 50 new recipes coming to the website very soon. Make sure to stay tuned and keep an eye on our social media so you never miss a new post!

You can find us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and for all your everyday baking inspiration, follow us on Pinterest too!

How to make easy caramel

Since caramel is the main ingredient in this tiramisu, I want to show you exactly how to make it at home.

It is truly easier than you think. I know caramel can feel intimidating at first, but I promise you will get perfect results every time with this method. And if making caramel still doesn’t feel comfortable for you, you can always use store-bought caramel sauce, and your dessert will still turn out delicious.

Start by placing the sugar in a pan over medium heat. Use a heat-resistant spatula and gently stir as it begins to melt. Light stirring helps prevent the sugar from burning in certain areas.
Once the sugar has completely melted and turns a rich golden color, turn off the heat and add the cold butter. Stir continuously so it melts evenly.
At this stage, it is completely normal for the mixture to look slightly split or for a few pieces of sugar to harden. Do not worry, this happens all the time.
Place the pan back on medium heat and continue stirring. Slowly add the heavy whipping cream and keep mixing until the caramel becomes smooth, glossy and fully combined.
To finish, pour the caramel through a fine mesh sieve into a stainless steel bowl. Make sure the caramel has cooled slightly before straining. This final step removes any tiny lumps and ensures a silky, perfect caramel sauce every single time.

Ingredients you need

Granulated sugar: This is the base of our homemade caramel. It melts down beautifully and gives the tiramisu its rich caramel flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: We use it twice in this recipe. First, to create a silky smooth caramel sauce, and second, to whip into the cream layer for a light, airy texture.
Butter: Adds richness to the caramel and helps create that glossy, smooth finish everyone loves.
Mascarpone cheese: The star of any tiramisu. Mascarpone gives the cream layer its signature creaminess and luxurious texture.
Cream cheese: We add a small amount to ensure the filling stays silky and stable. Because this is an eggless tiramisu, relying on mascarpone alone can sometimes give a slightly grainy look, so the cream cheese helps balance and smooth everything out.
Coffee: Used to soak the ladyfingers and give that classic tiramisu flavor. If you want a kid friendly version, you can skip the coffee and soak the ladyfingers in warm milk mixed with caramel instead.
Ladyfingers: These light, airy biscuits create the perfect structure for tiramisu. Most grocery stores carry them, but if you can’t find any, you can easily order them using the link below.

What is mascarpone cheese

Mascarpone is an Italian-style cheese with a naturally rich, slightly tangy flavor. Its texture is thicker and smoother than cream cheese, and its flavor is stronger, which makes it perfect for desserts like tiramisu, cheesecakes, frostings, and layered puddings.

Mascarpone is a delicate ingredient, and several factors can affect its final texture. If handled incorrectly, it can look split or grainy instead of smooth and creamy. Here are the most important things to keep in mind:

Temperature matters. Mascarpone should be at room temperature, but not for too long. If it gets too warm, cools down, or stays warm for an extended period, the texture can loosen or appear split.
Eggless desserts need extra support. When using mascarpone in eggless recipes, it helps to mix in a little cream cheese. This stabilizes the mixture and prevents that grainy, separated look.
Avoid overmixing. Mascarpone breaks easily. If you mix it too long or too aggressively, it will split.

Mascarpone has a high fat content, usually between 60 percent and 75 percent, while cream cheese typically ranges from 30 percent to 40 percent. You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese if needed, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Everything you need in a caramel tiramisu

soft texture, creamy
homemade caramel flavor
delicious
no oven, no bake dessert
perfect for gatherings and special occasions

Caramel tiramisu overview

This is a helpful step by step overview with pictures so you can understand most of the steps easily.

Make sure to check the recipe card for the full quantities and timings.

Start by preparing the caramel and the coffee.

Prepare the tiramisu filling by combining the cooled caramel with the mascarpone cheese and the cream cheese. In a separate bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks and then fold it into the mascarpone mixture.

To assemble, quickly dip the ladyfingers in coffee and arrange a layer in your pan.

Spread half of the filling over the ladyfingers and smooth it out. Add another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, drizzle caramel on top, then add the remaining filling and smooth the surface.

Set in the fridge.

To finish, decorate with extra caramel on top.

Equipment you’ll need

Mixing bowls: to combine the ingredients together.
Stand mixer, electric hand whisk, or whisk: to whip the cream until soft peaks form.
Kitchen scale or measuring cups: to accurately measure the ingredients.
Spatula: to fold and combine the ingredients.
Coffee brewer: to prepare the coffee for dipping the ladyfingers.
Non-stick pan: to cook the caramel.
Sieve: to strain the caramel for a smooth texture.
Pan for assembling: either a springform pan with a removable bottom or an adjustable ring mold, like the one we are using.

Pro tips for the best caramel tiramisu

Use a mixture of cream cheese and mascarpone cheese for a creamier, smoother texture.
Be careful not to overcook the caramel. If it gets even slightly burnt, discard it and start over—this will affect the entire dessert.
Don’t overmix. Mascarpone is very delicate, and heavy cream should only be whipped until soft peaks; overwhipping can cause the filling to split.
Let both the coffee and the caramel cool completely before using them in the tiramisu.
When decorating, gently warm the caramel to create a smooth, uniform layer, then refrigerate the tiramisu again to let it set properly.
Slightly soak the ladyfingers—you want them tender, not soggy.

How to store a tiramisu

Refrigerate: Keep the tiramisu covered in plastic wrap in the fridge for 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness. Avoid exposing it to heat, as this can spoil the dessert and melt the caramel. This dessert should always be served chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Freeze: While freezing may slightly change the texture, it is safe for up to two months. The tiramisu may become a bit more moist after thawing. To freeze safely, wrap it properly—either in a freezer-safe container or tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to decorate a caramel tiramisu

To achieve a classic look, carefully melt some caramel and pour it over the top of the tiramisu.

Tilt the pan gently to let the caramel spread evenly across the surface, ensuring there are no marks. Once covered, set the tiramisu in the fridge to allow the caramel to firm up and create a smooth, glossy finish.

For extra flair, you can pipe additional caramel along the edges or sprinkle some texture on top, such as crushed caramel pieces or nuts, to add both visual appeal and crunch.

If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear your thoughts! Share a photo of your creation on social media, and don’t forget to tag us so we can see your delicious results.