Tiramisu Icebox Cake
Tiramisu Icebox Cake is a easy Italian recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Claire Saffitz x Dessert Person on YouTube.
Prep: 51 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 1 hr 9 min
Cost: $12.81 total, $1.60 per serving
Ingredients
- 7 oz Ladyfingers (Savoiardi) (Full 7‑oz package, store‑bought)
- 3 large Egg yolks (Room temperature)
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 tsp Instant coffee granules
- 0.5 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup Water
- 0.75 cup Strong brewed coffee (Room temperature)
- 0.25 cup Coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or similar) (Can substitute with extra coffee for non‑alcoholic version)
- 1.5 cup Heavy cream, chilled (Divided: 0.5 cup for filling, 1 cup for topping)
- 8 oz Mascarpone cheese (Full‑fat, chilled)
- 2 tbsp Unsweetened cocoa powder (For dusting)
Instructions
Prepare the loaf pan
Line the 8.5 × 4.5 in loaf pan with two pieces of plastic wrap in a criss‑cross pattern. Lightly wet the pan interior before applying the wrap so it adheres smoothly.
Time: PT5M
Make the coffee soak
In a shallow bowl combine 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee with 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (or extra coffee for a non‑alcoholic version). Stir until blended; set aside at room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Prepare coffee‑sugar syrup
In a small saucepan whisk together 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp instant coffee, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring until the coffee and sugar dissolve completely (about 2–3 minutes).
Time: PT3M
Temperature: boiling
Temper and cook the egg yolks
Place the 3 egg yolks in a medium bowl. Using the hand mixer on medium speed, slowly stream the hot coffee syrup into the yolks while continuously beating. Continue beating until the mixture thickens, becomes glossy, and reaches room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Whisk the yolk mixture to airy texture
Increase the mixer speed to medium‑high and beat the yolk‑syrup mixture for another 2–3 minutes until it forms a light, airy, ribbon‑like consistency.
Time: PT3M
Whip mascarpone and cream
In a large bowl combine the 8 oz mascarpone with 0.5 cup chilled heavy cream. Using the hand mixer on low‑medium, whisk until the mixture is smooth and reaches firm peaks (about 3–4 minutes).
Time: PT4M
Fold in the yolk mixture
Add the airy yolk mixture to the mascarpone‑cream blend. Beat on low, then increase to medium‑high until the filling is glossy, thick, and holds firm peaks again.
Time: PT3M
Trim the ladyfingers
Lay the ladyfingers on a cutting board and trim the ends so they fit snugly in the bottom of the loaf pan (about 6–7 fingers per row).
Time: PT5M
First layer – filling and ladyfingers
Spread ½ cup of the mascarpone filling on the bottom of the prepared pan. Quickly dip each trimmed ladyfinger (≈1 second) in the coffee soak, letting excess drip off, and arrange them in a tight row across the pan.
Time: PT5M
Second layer – filling and ladyfingers
Spread 1 cup of the filling over the first row of ladyfingers. Dip another set of trimmed ladyfingers and arrange them as a second row, trimming any that are too long to fit.
Time: PT5M
Final layer – filling and top ladyfingers
Spread the remaining filling (about ½ cup) over the second row. Arrange the final ladyfingers on top, using the rest of the package. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Time: PT5M
Wrap and chill
Fold the overhanging plastic wrap over the surface, press gently to flatten, and place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (overnight) to set.
Time: PT2M
Whip topping cream
In a clean bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup heavy cream to medium peaks (about 3–4 minutes). Start on medium‑low and increase speed gradually to avoid splatter.
Time: PT4M
Unmold, top, and serve
Remove the plastic wrap, invert the cake onto a serving platter, and spread the whipped cream over the top and sides. Dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: vegetarian, contains alcohol (optional), not vegan, contains gluten
Allergens: eggs, dairy, gluten
Last updated: March 13, 2026





