Ingredients

Scale

For the Coffee Base:

2 espresso shots, cooled: The rich coffee flavor is the backbone of this latte. Espresso is the traditional choice, but if you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee. Espresso has a deep and concentrated flavor that blends perfectly with the cocoa powder, creating the base of the tiramisu latte. You can also use a stovetop espresso maker (Moka pot) or even instant espresso if that’s what you have on hand.
1 tablespoon cocoa powder: This gives the latte its signature tiramisu flavor. You can use unsweetened cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate taste or adjust the amount based on your preference. The cocoa powder adds a rich depth to the latte, making it taste even more indulgent. The bitterness of the cocoa balances the sweetness of the condensed milk and mascarpone, which is key to achieving that perfect tiramisu flavor.
1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste): Sweeten the coffee to your liking with sugar or simple syrup. You can use more or less depending on how sweet you want your latte. If you’re using simple syrup, it’ll dissolve faster than regular granulated sugar, creating a smoother texture in your latte.
⅔ cup steamed milk: Steamed milk creates a smooth texture and balances out the strong flavors of the coffee and cocoa. You can use any milk of your choice—whole, oat, or almond milk all work beautifully. Steamed milk is a key component to making any latte delicious, as it not only provides creaminess but also helps to dilute the strong espresso flavor without overwhelming it.

For the Creamy Tiramisu Layer:

¼ cup heavy cream: The heavy cream creates the rich, creamy texture of the tiramisu layer. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. The heavy cream is what makes this drink feel indulgent and luxurious, mimicking the mascarpone cream layer found in traditional tiramisu.
½ tablespoon milk: Adds a touch of creaminess without overwhelming the flavor. This small amount of milk lightens the heavy cream, allowing the tiramisu cream to be rich yet fluffy.
1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese (softened): The signature ingredient in tiramisu! This gives the latte its characteristic richness and smooth texture. Mascarpone is an Italian cheese that is mild, creamy, and rich. It’s the key to getting that authentic tiramisu flavor, and it works perfectly in this drink. If you can’t find mascarpone, cream cheese is a good alternative, but keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor.
1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk: Adds a bit of extra sweetness and smoothness, perfect for a dessert-like drink. Sweetened condensed milk is a great way to sweeten this recipe without using regular sugar. It gives the cream layer a silky, luscious texture that elevates the tiramisu latte.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavors of the mascarpone and cocoa, giving the latte a cozy, aromatic taste. The vanilla rounds out the sweetness and adds a touch of warmth to the overall flavor profile.

For Assembly and Garnish:

Ladyfinger biscuits (Savoiardi): These are the traditional biscuits used in tiramisu. You can either crumble them into the latte or use them as a garnish on the side. Ladyfingers are light, crisp, and slightly sweet, making them the perfect companion to your tiramisu latte. If you prefer, you can also dip the ladyfingers into the latte for an extra dose of flavor.
Cocoa powder: Dust this on top of the latte to give it an authentic tiramisu look and flavor. A light dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a nice visual appeal and an extra hint of chocolate flavor.
Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate: A luxurious finishing touch to elevate your tiramisu latte. Shaving chocolate and sprinkling it on top adds a rich, decadent element to the drink. You can use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter finish.
A splash of coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlúa): For a grown-up twist, add a little splash of coffee liqueur to enhance the coffee flavor and add depth. This optional step will take your tiramisu latte to the next level, adding an extra layer of sophistication and flavor. If you’re serving this drink to kids or prefer a non-alcoholic version, feel free to skip this ingredient.

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Coffee Base:

Start by adding 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to your mug. The reason you do this step first is to allow the cocoa powder to “bloom” when combined with the hot espresso. This helps bring out the rich, deep flavors of the cocoa and ensures it mixes well with the coffee. The process of blooming cocoa powder helps to enhance its flavor, making it more aromatic and potent.

Once the cocoa powder is in the mug, brew 2 shots of espresso and pour them over the cocoa powder. Stir well to dissolve the cocoa and create a smooth mixture. You’ll notice the aroma of the coffee and cocoa filling the air—it’s already starting to smell like tiramisu! As the espresso mixes with the cocoa powder, you’ll see the flavors come together beautifully, creating a rich, deep coffee base for your latte.

Next, sweeten your coffee base with 1 to 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar or simple syrup. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, then top with ⅔ cup of steamed milk. The steamed milk should be frothy and velvety, adding a smooth texture to the coffee. If you don’t have a milk steamer, you can heat the milk in a microwave and use a whisk or a frother to create froth. The frothy milk is what gives your latte its signature creamy texture, helping to balance the strong coffee flavor and enhance the overall taste.

2. Prepare the Creamy Tiramisu Layer:

In a separate measuring cup, combine ¼ cup of heavy cream, ½ tablespoon of milk, 1 tablespoon of mascarpone cheese, 1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk, and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a handheld frother, whisk, or even a hand mixer to blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. The mascarpone will melt into the mixture, creating a rich, velvety cream that mimics the creamy layer of traditional tiramisu.

If you want the tiramisu cream layer to be a bit thicker, you can increase the amount of mascarpone or condensed milk. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter version, feel free to reduce the amount of cream or milk. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s customizable to suit your personal tastes. You can adjust the sweetness and richness to your preference.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu Latte:

Once the coffee base and tiramisu cream are ready, it’s time to assemble your latte. Pour the coffee mixture into a large mug or glass, leaving some space for the tiramisu cream layer on top. Spoon the cream mixture on top of the coffee, creating a beautiful layered effect. The creamy mascarpone layer should sit nicely atop the coffee, resembling the traditional tiramisu dessert.

4. Garnish and Serve:

To make your latte extra special, garnish it with a dusting of cocoa powder on top, just like the top of a classic tiramisu. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also add chocolate shavings or grated chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. For an optional adult twist, you can drizzle in a splash of coffee liqueur. If you have ladyfinger biscuits, serve them alongside the latte for a true tiramisu experience. The biscuits add a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy latte.

Serve immediately, and don’t forget to enjoy the first sip—the combination of rich coffee, creamy mascarpone, and sweet cocoa is sure to transport you straight to Italy with every sip.

Notes

If you don’t have a milk frother, you can heat the milk in a saucepan on low heat and whisk it until frothy. If you want extra froth, you can use a hand blender or even shake it vigorously in a sealed jar.
Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Some prefer a sweeter latte, while others enjoy it less sweet. Start with less sugar and add more as needed.
For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of espresso or brewed coffee. You can also experiment with different types of coffee beans to find the perfect flavor profile.
If you’re making this for a crowd, consider brewing a large pot of coffee and assembling individual lattes as needed.
Feel free to experiment with flavored syrups, like vanilla or caramel, for an extra twist.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Drinks
Method: Blending, Frothing
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian