Tiramisu Iced Coffee Recipe

There’s something magical about the first sip of tiramisu iced coffee—the way the bold espresso swirls with sweet mascarpone cream and the chill of ice cuts through the richness like a perfect summer breeze. It’s a dessert and a drink in one, with all the flavors of your favorite Italian treat captured in a frosty glass.

this Recipe

I came up with this recipe on a scorching July afternoon when the idea of turning on the oven for real tiramisu felt like pure madness. What started as a craving for coffee and comfort turned into a smooth, layered drink that now lives rent-free in my summer rotation. It’s quick, affordable, and as indulgent as it sounds.

Let’s dive into what makes this tiramisu iced coffee totally irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Iced Coffee

Get ready to meet your new favorite coffee indulgence. This tiramisu iced coffee recipe combines all the decadent flavors of classic tiramisu—espresso, cocoa, vanilla, and mascarpone—without any of the fuss of baking.

First off, it’s incredibly easy. You don’t need a fancy espresso machine or barista-level skills. A jar, a whisk, and a glass of ice are about all you need. And the prep time? Less than 10 minutes from start to finish.

It’s also a total budget win. If you’re used to shelling out $7 or more at your favorite café for a specialty drink, this homemade version will thrill both your taste buds and your wallet.

The versatility is another big plus. You can use instant coffee, cold brew, or espresso—whatever you have on hand. Want to make it dairy-free? No problem. It adapts easily to different milks and creamers, so everyone can enjoy it their way.

And let’s not forget the wow factor. This iced coffee looks as good as it tastes. With its creamy foam top dusted in cocoa powder, it’s the kind of drink you’ll want to show off on Instagram before taking that first sip.

Ready to whip one up?

Ingredients Notes

This tiramisu iced coffee is all about simple ingredients working together to deliver a layered, luxurious flavor. Don’t be fooled by how short the list is—each component plays an important role in capturing that signature tiramisu experience.

The coffee is the backbone of this drink. I recommend using a strong brew—ideally cold espresso or cold brew concentrate. Instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water also works great in a pinch. The richer and bolder the coffee, the better it will stand up to the sweet, creamy topping.

Mascarpone cheese is what gives this drink its velvety tiramisu vibe. You’ll whisk it into a cream mixture to create a thick, cloud-like foam that rests on top of the coffee. If you can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese can be used as a backup, but it will have a slightly tangier finish.

Heavy cream and a splash of milk help create the whipped topping. Together with the mascarpone and a little vanilla extract, they form the silky layer that mimics tiramisu filling. Sweeten it with a bit of powdered sugar to balance the espresso’s bite.

A dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder finishes it off beautifully. Just like traditional tiramisu, that touch of chocolate on top ties everything together and adds a rich, bitter contrast to the sweetness beneath.

You won’t need any special equipment here—just a whisk, a bowl, and your favorite glass. If you have a milk frother, feel free to use it to aerate the cream mixture, but it’s not essential.

How To Make This Tiramisu Iced Coffee

Making this luscious iced coffee is easier than you’d think. It starts with a bold brew and ends with a dessert-worthy whipped topping you’ll want to eat with a spoon.

Begin by preparing your coffee. If using espresso or instant espresso powder, brew it ahead of time and allow it to chill slightly. Cold brew or leftover morning coffee also works perfectly, as long as it's strong enough to cut through the creamy topping.

While your coffee cools, make the mascarpone cream. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth and thick—almost like a soft whipped cream. You’re looking for a spoonable texture that will sit on top of your coffee, not sink into it.

Next, fill your glass with ice and pour the chilled coffee over it, leaving a bit of room at the top. If you like your coffee sweet, add a little sugar or coffee syrup before the ice. Stir to combine.

Now, gently spoon the mascarpone mixture over the coffee. Don’t mix it in—you want it to float like a creamy tiramisu cloud. Use the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly if needed.

Finally, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder. You can use a small sieve or tea strainer for a light, even sprinkle. It’s the final touch that really makes the drink feel like a dessert.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes, start to finish. What you’ll get is a stunning, layered drink with contrasting textures and flavors in every sip.

Storage Options

Since this drink is meant to be enjoyed fresh, it’s best assembled just before serving. However, you can prep some components ahead of time to speed things up.

You can make the mascarpone cream up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a gentle stir before using to restore its fluffy texture.

If you’re brewing coffee specifically for this recipe, feel free to keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cold brew concentrate works especially well here since it stays strong even after a few days.

Once assembled, the whipped topping will begin to melt and mix into the coffee after 10–15 minutes, so drink it soon after layering for the full visual and flavor experience.

Reheating isn’t really necessary, but if you prefer this drink warm, you can gently heat the coffee and top it with freshly whipped mascarpone cream just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this tiramisu iced coffee recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you're out of an ingredient or just want to shake things up, there are lots of ways to make it your own.

For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream and milk with your favorite non-dairy options—oat milk and coconut cream work well. Use a plant-based cream cheese in place of mascarpone to keep it smooth and rich.

Want to make it boozy? Add a splash of coffee liqueur or dark rum to the coffee before pouring it over ice. It brings this drink even closer to the flavor of classic tiramisu and turns it into the perfect after-dinner cocktail.

If you're in a rush, you can skip the mascarpone entirely and just top your coffee with sweetened whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa. You’ll lose a little of that authentic tiramisu texture, but the taste will still be divine.

For a frozen twist, blend the coffee with ice and a bit of cream to make a frappe-style base, then spoon the mascarpone topping over it like a frozen float. Perfect for scorching summer days.

Don’t be afraid to play around with flavors. A dash of cinnamon, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a bit of hazelnut extract can all add fun new dimensions to this drink.

Whether you keep it classic or try something new, this tiramisu iced coffee is a treat worth coming back to again and again.

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