Name: Vegan Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 batch vegan mascarpone (see notes 1+2); 1 batch vegan ladyfingers (see note 3); 450 ml soy milk (or oat milk or almond milk); 75 ml dark rum (or Amaretto/marsala/brandy, see note 4); 120 g granulated sugar; 60 g cornstarch (cornflour); 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 180 g vegan butter (block-style, cold and cut into small cubes, see note 5); 160 ml espresso (freshly brewed and cooled to room temperature); 50 ml dark rum (or Amaretto/marsala/brandy, see note 4); 50 g unsweetened cocoa powder

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 8 reviews

The Vegan Tiramisu Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for those who want to indulge their sweet tooth without any animal products. This luscious, creamy creation combines the richness of vegan mascarpone and whipped sabayon with the bold flavors of espresso and dark rum, all layered between tender vegan ladyfingers. The result is a sophisticated treat that’s both comforting and impressive, ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to desserts for every occasion.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up view of a shiny metal pot filled with smooth, light brown creamy sauce being poured into it, creating thick ripples and small lumps. The pot sits on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurred white tray with peanuts and a small white bowl containing dark roasted coffee beans, all softly out of focus. The overall warm tone and creamy texture of the sauce stand out clearly in the image, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Vegan Tiramisu Recipe come to life. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance, from the creamy mascarpone to the boozy espresso soak that brings it all together.

Vegan mascarpone: The star ingredient, lending a rich and creamy base similar to traditional mascarpone but entirely plant-based.
Vegan ladyfingers: Soft, spongy, and perfect for soaking up the coffee-rum mixture without falling apart.
Soy milk (or oat/almond milk): Adds moisture and smoothness to the sabayon custard, with subtle nutty undertones depending on your choice.
Dark rum (or Amaretto, marsala, brandy): Brings warmth and depth, boosting the classic tiramisu flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering other flavors.
Cornstarch (cornflour): Thickens the custard for that lovely velvet texture essential in tiramisu.
Vanilla extract: A hint of aromatic sweetness that brightens the creamy filling.
Vegan butter (cold and cubed): Adds richness and helps achieve that glossy, smooth custard finish.
Espresso (freshly brewed and cooled): Provides that unmistakable coffee kick that makes tiramisu truly irresistible.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The finishing touch dusted on top for a slight bitterness and elegant appearance.

How to Make Vegan Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegan Mascarpone and Ladyfingers

Start by making your vegan mascarpone the day before to give it the best consistency. Prepare your vegan ladyfingers either on the same day or a day ahead to ensure they are fresh but ready to soak up all the delicious flavors later. Having these components ready is essential for a smooth assembly process.

Step 2: Make the Vegan Sabayon Custard

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the soy milk, rum, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer over low to medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a luscious custard. Be patient; the slow cooking ensures a velvety texture without lumps.

Step 3: Add Butter and Chill

Immediately remove the custard from heat and pour it over cold cubed vegan butter in a large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously until everything emulsifies into a glossy, smooth cream. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to avoid a skin forming, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour until completely cold and thick.

Step 4: Blend the Mascarpone Cream Filling

Once your sabayon is chilled and thick, blend it with the vegan mascarpone in batches if necessary. In under a minute, you’ll have an incredibly smooth, creamy filling that’s ready to layer. This step brings all the luscious elements together for that perfect tiramisu texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Espresso Soak

Mix your cooled espresso with dark rum in a shallow bowl to create the soaking liquid. This potent mix infuses the ladyfingers with a rich coffee-alcohol flavor, which is classic in tiramisu.

Step 6: Assemble the Vegan Tiramisu Recipe

Spread a thin layer of mascarpone cream at the bottom of your dish, then dip each ladyfinger briefly (2-3 seconds per side) in the espresso soak and layer them over the cream. Divide your remaining mascarpone cream into two parts and spread one on top of the ladyfingers. Repeat another layer of soaked ladyfingers, then finish with the rest of the cream. Smooth everything out carefully for an even finish.

Step 7: Finish and Chill

Generously dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder to give a beautiful, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cream. Place the tiramisu in the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 4-6 hours, though overnight chilling is ideal to let all the flavors meld wonderfully.

How to Serve Vegan Tiramisu Recipe

A close-up of a rectangular slice of tiramisu lifted above a white rectangular dish on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three main layers: a smooth, light brown cocoa powder layer on top, a thick creamy layer underneath with a soft, pale yellow color and a velvety texture, and at the bottom, there are soaked ladyfinger biscuits in a golden brown shade, visible through the cream. The edges of the tiramisu slice show the moist texture of the biscuits blending slightly with the creamy layer. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For serving, a fresh dusting of cocoa powder right before you plate creates a stunning presentation. You can also add a few vegan chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an extra touch of elegance and texture.

Side Dishes

This Vegan Tiramisu Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple cup of black coffee or a plant-based milk latte, amplifying the coffee notes while keeping the dessert as the star. A fresh fruit platter can also provide a refreshing balance to the creamy richness of the tiramisu.

Creative Ways to Present

While the classic dish presentation is timeless, try serving individual portions in clear glass cups or jars. This not only looks charming but also makes it easier to grab and enjoy. Another fun idea is layering vegan tiramisu trifle-style with berries for added color and flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tiramisu tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out or absorbing fridge odors. It will stay delicious and fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, giving you plenty of time to savor every bite.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the tiramisu in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw it slowly overnight in the fridge to maintain that creamy texture without losing moisture.

Reheating

Because tiramisu is best served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen tiramisu to fully defrost in the refrigerator and enjoy it cold to appreciate the authentic creamy and coffee flavors at their best.

FAQs

Can I use a different plant milk in this Vegan Tiramisu Recipe?

Absolutely! Soy milk gives the best results due to its neutral flavor and creaminess, but oat or almond milk work just as well. Just pick a milk without added flavors to maintain the dessert’s classic taste.

Is it necessary to use alcohol in the recipe?

While alcohol enhances the traditional tiramisu flavor, you can omit it or substitute with a non-alcoholic vanilla extract or coffee liqueur. The soak will still be deliciously rich and won’t compromise the overall taste.

How long should I soak the vegan ladyfingers?

Dipping each ladyfinger for 2-3 seconds per side is ideal to avoid sogginess while ensuring they absorb enough espresso rum flavor. Quick dipping keeps the layers intact and beautifully textured.

Can I make the vegan mascarpone and ladyfingers ahead of time?

Yes! Making these components up to a day in advance makes the assembly day easier and more enjoyable. Just keep them covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness until you’re ready to use them.

What if I don’t have a blender for the mascarpone cream filling?

If you don’t have a blender, you can whisk the mascarpone and sabayon vigorously by hand until smooth, though it will require a bit more elbow grease. The texture might be slightly less silky but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Tiramisu Recipe is a truly enchanting dessert that shows just how wonderful plant-based baking can be. It’s creamy, flavorful, and full of charm, perfect for celebrating any special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long day. I can't wait for you to give it a try and experience the magic firsthand — it just might become your new favorite indulgence.

Vegan Tiramisu Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Vegan Tiramisu Recipe