There's nothing quite like the rich, indulgent flavor of tiramisu—but what if you could sip it instead of slicing it? Enter Tiramisu Iced Coffee: a dreamy, caffeinated treat that combines the boldness of espresso with the creamy decadence of dessert.

I first crafted this recipe on a hot summer morning when I was craving both a caffeine boost and something sweet. One sip, and I was hooked. It’s now my go-to pick-me-up when I want a café-style drink without leaving the house. Bonus? It comes together in just minutes and costs way less than a coffee shop run.

Let me show you how easy and delightful this creation really is.

Why You'll Love This Tiramisu Iced Coffee

Get ready to fall head over heels for this chilled dessert drink. This Tiramisu Iced Coffee brings together all your favorite flavors in one frosty glass.

First, it’s fast and fuss-free. With just a few everyday ingredients and no special equipment, you can whip this up in under 10 minutes. It’s ideal for busy mornings or lazy afternoons when you want something a little extra.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. No need for fancy syrups or store-bought creamers—this recipe relies on basic pantry staples to recreate that iconic tiramisu taste without the extra expense.

You’ll love how versatile it is. Want to make it dairy-free? Swap in your favorite non-dairy alternatives. Prefer it sweeter or stronger? Easily adjustable. This drink works beautifully with your personal preferences.

And let's not forget how impressive it looks. With creamy foam, swirled espresso, and a dusting of cocoa powder, it’s a total showstopper that will have guests thinking you moonlight as a barista.

Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation.

Ingredients Notes

The charm of Tiramisu Iced Coffee lies in how it recreates the iconic flavors of tiramisu—coffee, mascarpone, cocoa, and a hint of sweetness—without needing to bake a thing.

Espresso or strong brewed coffee is the foundation of this drink. You’ll want it chilled before mixing to keep the drink icy cold. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a stovetop Moka pot or very strong brewed coffee from a French press or drip maker.

Mascarpone cheese brings the creamy, slightly tangy note that mimics tiramisu’s signature filling. Don’t worry if you don’t have mascarpone—cream cheese or even Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, though mascarpone gives the most authentic flavor.

Heavy cream and milk combine to create a smooth, rich base. The heavy cream helps the drink feel decadent, while the milk keeps it from becoming too thick. You can use whole, skim, or non-dairy milk based on your preference.

Sugar or simple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness. If you want a deeper flavor, try brown sugar or vanilla syrup. Adjust to your taste—some like it more dessert-like, while others prefer a milder sweetness.

Cocoa powder and coffee liqueur (optional) finish things off with that classic tiramisu flair. A dusting of cocoa powder on top brings visual appeal and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness, while a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) is perfect for weekend versions.

No special tools required—just a glass, a spoon or whisk, and maybe a handheld frother if you want that extra velvety foam.

How To Make This Tiramisu Iced Coffee

Making this iced coffee is as fun as it is simple. You’ll be sipping in style in just a few easy steps.

Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. Let it cool completely—if you’re in a hurry, pour it into a metal cup and pop it into the freezer for a few minutes. Cold coffee is essential to keep your ice from melting too fast and diluting the drink.

While your coffee chills, prepare the creamy base. In a small bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and milk until smooth. If using a frother, even better—it creates a light, cloud-like texture that floats beautifully over the coffee.

Sweeten the mixture to your liking with sugar or syrup. Stir until fully dissolved. This is also the point where you can add a splash of vanilla extract or coffee liqueur if you’re feeling fancy.

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the chilled espresso first, followed by the mascarpone mixture. The two layers will swirl together like a barista-made latte, creating that gorgeous marbled effect.

Finish with a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top. For extra flair, shave a little dark chocolate or sprinkle crushed ladyfingers for that authentic tiramisu nod.

Sip and enjoy the best of both worlds—coffee shop cool meets Italian dessert decadence.

Total time? Less than 10 minutes. Cleanup? A single glass and one mixing bowl. Satisfaction? Guaranteed.

Storage Options

If you want to make this drink ahead of time, there are a couple of storage-friendly options.

You can prepare the mascarpone cream mixture up to 2 days in advance. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir (or froth) before using. This can save serious time during your morning rush.

The coffee or espresso can also be brewed ahead. Just make sure it's completely cool before storing it in a sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It'll keep well for up to 3 days.

If you’re making multiple servings, you can mix the coffee and cream base together in a pitcher and chill it. Just wait to add ice and any toppings until you’re ready to serve to maintain the best texture and presentation.

To reblend a stored version, shake well or whisk again for that signature creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Tiramisu Iced Coffee is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

If you're dairy-free, substitute the mascarpone with a plant-based cream cheese or thick coconut cream. Use oat milk or almond milk in place of dairy milk. It’ll still be creamy and delicious, with a slightly different flavor twist.

For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the sugar or use a sugar-free syrup. You can also swap in stevia, monk fruit, or maple syrup depending on your preferences.

Want more flavor? Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of hazelnut or almond extract. These subtle additions give a warm, cozy depth to the drink.

You can turn it into a dessert cocktail by adding a shot of Kahlúa, Baileys, or amaretto. Serve in a chilled martini glass for an adult-only after-dinner treat.

Craving texture? Blend the drink with ice for a frappe-style version, or top with crushed biscotti or whipped cream for added flair.

This recipe is meant to be a starting point. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect version—you might just invent your own signature coffeehouse classic.