Crazy Vegan Kitchen

A vegan blog where crazy meets cooking!

  • ABOUT
    • Who Am I?
    • Contact Me
  • VEGAN RECIPES
    • Full Vegan Recipe Index
    • Breakfast
    • Mains
    • Salads & Sides
    • Drinks & Juices
    • Desserts
    • Delicious Lists
    • Reviews
  • RESOURCES
    • How to Start a Food Blog
    • Food Photography Gear
    • Food Blog Income Report
  • ARTICLES

Vegan Tiramisu

February 18, 2021 By Amrita 247 Comments

  • Facebook
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This vegan tiramisu is a dairy free and egg free take on the classic Italian dessert! Simple ingredients and a fabulous vegan mascarpone that tastes just like the original! 

Vegan tiramisu

Vegan Tiramisu

Whenever I want to make a vegan dessert to impress, my favorite recipes to make are macarons, black forest trifle, and this easy vegan tiramisu.

Growing up, I was the odd kid who’d be drinking coffee while everyone else had hot chocolate or sodas. In my household, coffee was the drink of choice and my parents never had the mentality that coffee was reserved only for adults. From a young age, I acquired a love for the flavor, and this went beyond a simple mug of joe. 

Whenever my family would take us out for ice cream, I’d always choose the coffee flavor. Whenever there was a box of mixed chocolate, I’d choose the coffee cream-filled ones. When my birthday rolled around, I’d always choose a coffee or mocha cake. However, nothing came close to my all time favorite coffee dessert- tiramisu.

There is something magical about a tiramisu, and I understand why coffee lovers are obsessed. The combination of espresso, coffee syrup, and coffee liqueur all balanced out with sweet mascarpone and sponge fingers. Since going vegan, it’s been years since I’ve had what they would consider a ‘traditional tiramisu’ but luckily, I gave it a dairy free makeover! 

I’ve been meaning to share a vegan tiramisu recipe for quite some time. I was always intimated by the thought of making a mascarpone without any cheese or dairy, but it’s actually ridiculously easy. You only need simple ingredients and the hard part is waiting for the actual dessert to set!

No dairy and no eggs are needed, but you’d never tell. The texture is light, airy, and has alternating smooth and creamy layers. The tiramisu is pleasantly sweet and has a lovely coffee flavor, without being overpowering.  

I had some friends over for dinner the other night and served them this for dessert and NO ONE believed me when I said that it was vegan- They thought it HAD to have dairy in it! 

Ingredients to make a vegan tiramisu

For the cake

  • Pastry flour– Also known as cake flour, this gives the cake a lovely soft and fluffy texture. You can use all purpose flour, but the cake layer will be a little more dense. 
  • Baking powder and baking soda– Both leavening agents are used for some rise and depth. 
  • Salt– Brings out the sweetness of all the other ingredients. 
  • Milk of choice– I used soy milk, but any plant based milk can be used. 
  • Apple cider vinegar– Mixed with the milk to curdle and replace any need for eggs. 
  • Vegan butter– Softened and unsalted. Vegan margarine can also be used. 
  • Sugar– I used white sugar, but unrefined, brown, and coconut sugar all can be used. 
  • Vanilla extract– A must for any good cake.

For the coffee syrup

  • Coffee– Freshly brewed coffee or instant espresso. Your coffee must be chilled, or else it will break into the cake layer.
  • Sugar– Gives the syrup the sticky sweetness. 
  • Kahlua– Optional, but highly recommended. 

For the vegan mascarpone

  • Cashews– Unsalted and raw. There is no need to soak them beforehand. 
  • Agave nectar– Gives the mascarpone extra sweetness, without being overpowering. Maple syrup can also be used. 
  • Coconut oil– Melted and refined (unrefined has a strong coconut flavor).
  • Vanilla bean– Optional, but gives it a lovely vanilla flavor. 
  • Milk of choice– I used soy milk, but unsweetened almond or coconut milk also works. 

For the vanilla and coffee cream

  • Milk of choice– This will only be used for the vanilla cream layer. 
  • Coconut oil– Melted. Like the milk, it will only be needed for the vanilla layer. 
  • Kahlua and espresso- Strong coffee AND a coffee liqueur for the coffee cream. 
  • Cocoa powder– To dust between and on top of the layers. 

How do you make a tiramisu?

It’s best to make the tiramisu in sections so that when it comes time to assemble it together, it will be very easy! 

Start by preparing the cake layer by mixing the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Next, whisk together the milk and vinegar, so it has time to curdle. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butter and the sugar until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add in the milk mixture and whisk until it is incorporated. Fold through the dry ingredients and mix well, until combined. 

Now, transfer the cake batter onto a lined baking sheet and spread out in a thin, even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a skewer comes out mostly clean. Let the cake cool completely. 

While the cake is cooling, prepare the rest of the layers. Whisk together the chilled coffee, sugar, and Kahlua until combined. Set it aside and prepare the mascarpone. In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine all your ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. Next, divide the batter evenly into two mixing bowls. In the first one, whisk in the milk and melted coconut oil. This will be the vanilla cream. In the next one, add in the Kahlua and espresso, which will form the coffee cream. 

Finally, assemble the tiramisu. Lightly grease a deep casserole dish or individual serving glasses. Cut pieces of the sheet cake and dip in the coffee syrup, before placing it into the dish. Top with a layer of vanilla cream, followed by a light dusting of cocoa powder. Place the dish in the freezer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove from the freezer and add a layer of the coffee cream, and dust with cocoa powder, before placing back into the freezer. Repeat this process until all the cake and cream are used up. Dust with cocoa powder on top, before refrigerating the tiramisu for at least 6 hours, or overnight. 

dairy free tiramisu

Tips to make the best tiramisu

  • Don’t worry too much about the cake layer, as it will eventually be soaked in syrup and cream. If you don’t want to make a sheet cake, you can make a simple vanilla cake instead, and cut it up into squares or thin slices. 
  • If you’d like to make this without alcohol, replace the Kahlua with extra milk. Do not use extra coffee or the flavor will be too intense.
  • Feel free to use decaffeinated coffee if you cannot tolerate caffeine. 
  • Please do not omit or alter any of the ingredients in the mascarpone layer, or it will likely not come out as intended. If you can’t use cashews, the only other alternative I have tried is Marcona almonds. 

 Storing and freezing tiramisu

  • To store: Tiramisu should always be stored in the refrigerator, completely covered. It will keep well for at least a week.
  • To freeze: Place leftover tiramisu into a sealable container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

tiramisu

More vegan dessert recipes you’ll enjoy

  • Raspberry white chocolate cake
  • Rice Crispy Treats
  • Chocolate cake
  • Brownies
  • Chickpea blondies

Watch how to make it

vegan tiramisu

Vegan Tiramisu

Crazy Vegan Kitchen
This vegan tiramisu is an egg free and dairy free take on the classic Italian dessert! The vegan mascarpone tastes even BETTER than the original!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe
Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 12 servings
Calories 248 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the vanilla sheet cake

  • 1/2 cup Soy Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons Vegan Butter
  • 1/8 teaspoon Salt
  • 6 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons Pastry Flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda

For the soaking syrup

  • 3/4 cup Freshly Brewed Coffee cooled
  • 3 tablespoons Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Kahlua

For the vegan mascarpone

  • 1 3/4 cup Raw Cashews no need to soak
  • 1/3 cup Agave Nectar
  • 1/3 cup Coconut Oil Melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 seed Vanilla Bean Pod
  • 3/4 cup Soy Milk

For the vanilla cream

  • 1/4 cup Soy Milk
  • 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil Melted

For the coffee cream

  • 1 tablespoon Kahlua
  • 1/3 cup Espresso cooled

Instructions
 

For the sheet cake

  • Preheat oven to 175 degrees celsius. Grease and line a 8x6 inch cookie sheet with baking paper. Set aside.
  • Whisk Soy Milk and Apple Cider Vinegar in a bowl set aside for 5 minutes to curdle. Sieve the Pastry Flour, Baking Powder and Baking Soda into a bowl. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, whisk Vegan Butter, Sugar and Salt till light and fluffy, about a minute. Whisk in the Vanilla Extract.
  • Alternate whisking in the Soy Milk mixture and dry ingredients, starting with 1/3 of the dry and ending with the last third of the dry mixture.
  • Spread mixture out onto prepared cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. It's okay if you over bake it slightly, it doesn't make a difference.

Soaking Syrup

  • Mix Coffee, Kahlua and Sugar together till the sugar has dissolved. Set aside.

Vegan Mascarpone Filling

  • In a high speed blender, combine Cashews, Agave, Coconut Oil, Salt, Vanilla and Soy Milk. Blend thoroughly until smooth and silky.
  • Divide mixture into half. For Vanilla, use first half of mixture and thoroughly whisk in extra 1/4 cup Soy Milk and 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil. Set aside.
  • For Coffee Cream, blend second half of Mascarpone mixture with Kahlua and Espresso.

To assemble

  • :To assemble, have ready a tiramisu dish or individual ramekins/glasses. Cut a piece of sheet cake to fit the bottom of your ramekin or glass. Dip in Soaking Syrup for just a second or two and place into the bottom of your vessel.
  • Top with a layer of Vanilla Cream and dust with Cocoa Powder. At this point, freeze for 10 minutes.
  • Once out of the freezer, top with a layer of Coffee Cream. Freeze for 10 minutes.
  • Repeat process once more - soaked cake, vanilla cream and coffee cream - freezing cream layers for 10 minutes before continuing.
  • Once complete, dust the tops of you Tiramisu with cocoa powder and leave in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours to firm up before eating.

Notes

TO STORE: Tiramisu should always be stored in the refrigerator, completely covered. It will keep well for at least a week.
TO FREEZE: Place leftover tiramisu into a sealable container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 154mgPotassium: 192mgFiber: 2gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 237IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 2mg
Keyword tiramisu, vegan tiramisu
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Facebook

About Amrita

Hi, I'm Amrita! I'm the crazy vegan behind this blog. Find out more about me here. You can also follow me via the social media links in the menu. Don't forget to #crazyvegankitchen on Instagram too!

« All About Vegan Beer, Wine and Spirits

Comments

  1. Cinta says

    July 18, 2020 at 11:44 pm

    Hi! Love this recipe and will try it out soon. Just one question about the sheet cake, is it okay to just use soymilk without curdeling it first? Why should we curdle it? Just a curious baker :)
    Reply
    • Amrita says

      July 20, 2020 at 8:06 pm

      Hey Cinta! :) The curdled milk will be acidic in nature and will react with the baking soda to create a light and fluffy cake! The cake will still be delicious without curdling the milk too! In this recipe it won't matter too much since we are going to soak the cake in the coffee-kahlua mixture anyway! Hope this helps! ❤️
      Reply
  2. Pamela says

    December 1, 2019 at 12:03 pm

    Is the size of the cookie sheet called for correct? It says 8 by 6. Thanks
    Reply
    • Amrita says

      December 2, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      yes it is! just a small sheet tray, feel free to use an 8x8 too!
      Reply
  3. A says

    September 28, 2019 at 8:36 am

    I use coconut milk and don't really taste the coconut flavor. The cashew nut flavor is strong so I don't like using almond or soy so much. My cake part is really soft (maybe because coconut milk won't curdle) & I have to pour soaking syrup over it. Also I leave it in the freezer a little longer between parts. This recipe is the best. I usually can't wait for the last chill because I want to eat it immediately. I have a milk allergy & thought I would never eat Tiramisu again.
    Reply
  4. Kathy says

    July 1, 2019 at 1:18 am

    I don’t have any maple syrup up and I do need to make this vegan is there anything I can substitute?
    Reply
    • Amrita says

      July 1, 2019 at 2:12 am

      agave nectar will work a charm! :)
      Reply
  5. Shoshanna says

    May 30, 2019 at 5:53 pm

    Hi! How far in advance can I assemble the tiramisu? Can’t wait to make this! Thank you!
    Reply
    • Amrita says

      June 3, 2019 at 12:17 am

      Up to 3 days in advance! :)
      Reply
« Older Comments

Talk Back To Me Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.


Amrita @ Crazy Vegan Kitchen
Amrita @ Crazy Vegan Kitchen
I'm the crazy vegan cat lady behind this blog. Curious? Find out more about me.


Sidebar Logo

FREE SERIES! 5 SECRETS FOR FOOLPROOF VEGAN DESERTS

    Most Popular Recipes

    vegan tiramisu

    Vegan Tiramisu

    Vegan Lemon Tahini Pasta Salad

    Italian Meringue Vegan Macarons – The Ispahan

    Mango Raspberry Chia Seed Pudding


    Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Privacy Policy & Disclosure. · Log in