Short Description
A delightful fusion of classic tiramisu and creamy ice cream—these no-churn sandwiches layer coffee‑soaked ladyfingers with a mascarpone‑sweetened condensed milk ice cream, frozen and dusted with cocoa for a cool, indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the beloved flavors of tiramisu in a fun frozen format
- Richly creamy filling made without an ice cream machine
- Coffee‑drenched ladyfingers sandwich the mascarpone filling for irresistible texture
- Easy to make ahead and perfect for hot days or elegant dessert serving
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Ice Cream Sandwich
- 300 ml strong brewed coffee (1 cup + ¼ cup), cooled
- 24 ladyfingers
- 300 ml double cream / heavy cream (1 cup + ¼ cup), cold
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla paste
- 250 g sweetened condensed milk (≈¾ cup + 1 Tbsp)
- 250 g mascarpone, room temperature (≈1 cup + 1 Tbsp)
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Directions
Prepare the Filling
- Line a 9×7‑inch dish (or similar) with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Brew strong coffee, pour into a wide shallow dish, and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with vanilla until it reaches soft peaks—it should thicken slightly and hold shape.
- Add the condensed milk; whip until fully incorporated.
- Add mascarpone and continue whipping to medium peaks—stiff enough to hold form, but still smooth and soft.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee (do not soak too long), and arrange a single layer on the base of the prepared dish.
- Spread the mascarpone‑cream mixture evenly on top of the ladyfingers with an offset spatula.
- Dip and layer more ladyfingers on top of the ice cream layer, matching the bottom layer’s arrangement.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Serve
- Once fully frozen, dust the top with cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve.
- Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly.
- Lift the sandwich out using the parchment edges and slice into portions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings And Timing
- Yields 1 rectangular sandwich (about 6–8 serving slices)
- Prep time: ~20 minutes (includes whipping and assembly)
- Freezing time: Minimum 6 hours, ideally overnight
- Total time: ~6–8 hours
Variations
- Flavor twists: Use espresso for stronger coffee taste, or mix in a splash of coffee liqueur.
- Cookie substitution: Substitute ladyfingers with biscotti or sponge cake slices.
- Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate on top before dusting cocoa.
- Nutty crunch: Add chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds between layers.
- Non‑dairy option: Use coconut cream and vegan cream cheese + sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy‑free version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in the freezer in the lined dish, covered, for up to 1 week.
- Thawing: Let slices sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Avoid refreezing once thawed to maintain texture and flavor.
FAQs
How do I ensure the ice cream layer isn’t grainy?
Use room‑temperature mascarpone and mix it gently—avoid overwhipping to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
Can I assemble smaller servings?
Yes—line mini loaf pans or individual ramekins with parchment and assemble in the same layered fashion.
What if I don’t have mascarpone?
You can substitute equal parts cream cheese and sour cream for a similar rich texture and flavor.
Can I make it ahead for a party?
Definitely—assemble the day before; dust cocoa and slice just before serving for maximum freshness.
Why not soak the ladyfingers too long?
Over-soaked ladyfingers become soggy and may fall apart when frozen. Quick dips retain structure.
Can I freeze on a different tray shape or size?
Yes—adjust ingredients to fit the container, maintaining two layers of biscuits and filling.
What’s the best way to dust cocoa?
Use a fine mesh sieve for an even, light dusting only just before serving.
Should I remove the parchment before serving?
Use the overhanging parchment to lift the frozen block from the dish—leave it until you slice.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It’s moderately sweet—with richness from condensed milk and sweetness balanced by coffee and cocoa. Reduce condensed milk slightly if desired.
Can I add fruit or other elements inside?
Yes—layer thin sliced strawberries, banana, or chocolate shavings with the filling before freezing.
Conclusion
These tiramisu ice cream sandwiches offer indulgent flavor and gorgeous presentation without the need for an ice cream machine or oven. With layers of coffee‑drenched biscuits and creamy mascarpone filling, they’re an elegant, no‑bake dessert for hot days or make‑ahead hosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy the perfect balance of coffee, cream, and cocoa sweetness.
Print
Tiramisu Ice Cream Sandwich
- Total Time: 6–8 hours (including freezing)
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No-bake tiramisu ice cream sandwiches layering coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone and sweetened condensed milk ice cream filling, dusted with cocoa powder for a refreshing and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
300 ml strong brewed coffee, cooled
24 ladyfingers
300 ml double or heavy cream, cold
1 tsp vanilla extract or paste
250 g sweetened condensed milk
250 g mascarpone, room temperature
Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Line a 9×7-inch dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting.
- Whip cold cream with vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Fold in condensed milk, then mascarpone; whip to medium peaks.
- Quickly dip ladyfingers into coffee; arrange a layer in the dish.
- Spread half the mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers.
- Dip and layer remaining ladyfingers over filling.
- Cover tightly and freeze at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, dust with cocoa powder, let soften 10–15 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Use espresso or coffee liqueur for intensified flavor.
- Substitute ladyfingers with biscotti or sponge cake.
- Add chocolate drizzle or toasted nuts between layers.
- For dairy-free, use coconut cream, vegan cream cheese, and sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Do not soak ladyfingers too long to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Freezing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
