There's nothing quite like that first sip of iced coffee on a hot afternoon—but what if you could turn it into a decadent dessert experience? Enter this Tiramisu Iced Coffee, a rich, creamy, and slightly boozy treat that tastes like your favorite Italian dessert in an iced latte format.
I first created this recipe on a whim after a trip to a local café that offered a "Tiramisu Cold Brew." It was good—but I knew I could make something better at home. Now, this has become my go-to indulgence for slow mornings, mid-afternoon pick-me-ups, or brunch with friends.
Whether you're a coffee lover, a tiramisu fan, or just someone who appreciates a little luxury in their cup, you're going to fall hard for this one.
Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Iced Coffee
Say hello to your new favorite way to caffeinate. This Tiramisu Iced Coffee combines the elegance of tiramisu with the refreshing chill of iced coffee for a drink that’s both energizing and indulgent.
First, let’s talk flavor. You’ll get deep espresso notes mingling with creamy mascarpone-style foam, a hint of cocoa, and that classic tiramisu essence thanks to a splash of coffee liqueur or vanilla extract.
This recipe is super easy to whip up. With just a few staple ingredients and a blender or frother, you’ll have your drink ready in under 10 minutes—no barista skills required.
It’s also budget-friendly. Instead of spending $6+ at a coffee shop, you can make several servings at home for the price of one.
And the best part? It’s totally customizable. Whether you want it dairy-free, booze-free, or sugar-free, there’s a version for you.
Once you try it, you'll want to skip the café line for good.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this recipe lies in mimicking the flavors of tiramisu while keeping things simple and accessible. Here’s a closer look at the key players in this iced coffee masterpiece.
Cold Brew or Strong Coffee forms the base. I recommend using a robust cold brew or double-strength iced coffee for the best flavor. Espresso shots work beautifully too if you like it bold and intense.
Mascarpone or Cream Cheese gives the drink its iconic tiramisu-like richness. Mascarpone is traditional, but softened cream cheese (especially whipped) makes a great substitute and is easier to find.
Heavy Cream is essential for creating that silky, cloud-like foam. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Coffee Liqueur or Vanilla Extract provides that signature tiramisu depth. A splash of Kahlúa or Tia Maria adds an adult twist, while vanilla extract keeps it alcohol-free but still aromatic.
Cocoa Powder brings everything together with a bittersweet note, just like the dusting on top of a real tiramisu. It’s optional, but adds a beautiful finish.
For tools, you’ll need a milk frother or hand blender to whip the cream layer, and a tall glass for assembling your drink.
How To Make This Tiramisu Iced Coffee
Making this dreamy iced coffee is easier than you might think. It only takes a few steps to turn your kitchen into your favorite local café.
Start by preparing your coffee base. Brew a strong batch of coffee or espresso and let it chill, or use store-bought cold brew. Pour about ¾ cup into a tall glass filled with ice.
Next, whip together the cream layer. In a small bowl or cup, combine 2 tablespoons of mascarpone, 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, and a dash of coffee liqueur or vanilla extract. Use a frother or whisk until the mixture is thick but pourable—think melted ice cream consistency.
Now, sweeten your coffee to taste. Add a touch of simple syrup, maple syrup, or even sweetened condensed milk depending on how indulgent you’re feeling. Stir to combine.
Gently spoon or pour the mascarpone cream over the iced coffee. It should float beautifully on top, creating a latte-style layered effect. Don’t stir—let the flavors mix as you sip.
Finally, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and, if you’re feeling extra, a few chocolate shavings or crushed ladyfinger cookies.
From start to finish, this takes about 8–10 minutes—and every second is worth it.
Storage Options
While this iced coffee is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead of time to make assembly even faster.
Cold brew or espresso can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed jar or pitcher.
The mascarpone cream mixture can also be prepared a day ahead. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, then re-whip briefly before using.
Avoid storing a fully assembled Tiramisu Iced Coffee, as the foam will deflate and the flavors will meld in less appealing ways.
If you want to make a batch for a group, prep the coffee and cream separately, then assemble each drink just before serving.
For leftovers (though it’s rare!), store the coffee and cream separately and use within 24 hours for the best flavor.
To re-create the fresh taste, always re-whip the cream before pouring.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Tiramisu Iced Coffee is how flexible it is. Here are a few fun twists to try:
For a non-dairy version, use plant-based milk like oat or almond for the coffee base, and swap heavy cream with canned coconut cream. Vegan cream cheese can stand in for mascarpone.
Want it booze-free? Just use vanilla extract instead of coffee liqueur. You’ll still get that aromatic depth without the alcohol.
Craving a sweeter, dessert-style treat? Blend the entire drink with ice for a tiramisu frappé. Top it with whipped cream and a ladyfinger cookie for extra flair.
To keep it low-sugar, skip the syrup and use a drop or two of stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the coffee. Let the cream topping carry the richness.
You can even turn this into a warm drink by serving it hot over steamed milk and skipping the ice. It becomes a tiramisu latte perfect for cozy mornings.
Experiment, play, and make it your own—that’s half the fun.
PrintTiramisu Iced Coffee Recipe
This Tiramisu Iced Coffee recipe is the perfect fusion of classic Italian dessert flavors with a cool coffee twist. Made with bold brewed coffee, creamy mascarpone, and a hint of cocoa, it's a refreshing and indulgent beverage you can enjoy any time of day. Perfect for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 cup strong brewed coffee, chilled
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¼ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
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2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
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1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract
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Ice cubes
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Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
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Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
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In a blender, combine coffee, milk, mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla extract.
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Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the coffee mixture over.
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Top with whipped cream, if using, and a dusting of cocoa powder.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 60mg
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