Tiramisu Dream Mousse Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a delectable dessert that’s creamy, airy, and loaded with coffee-kissed decadence, the Tiramisu Dream Mousse is your answer. Imagine all the luscious flavor of classic tiramisu—espresso, mascarpone, hints of chocolate—in an impossibly light mousse that’s ready in minutes and requires zero baking! Each spoonful is cool, cloud-like bliss with a kiss of coffee liqueur and cocoa. It’s the kind of treat you’ll want to whip up for friends, or perhaps just keep all to yourself. Trust me, Tiramisu Dream Mousse will quickly earn a top spot in your dessert repertoire!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tiramisu Dream Mousse comes together with just a handful of essentials. Every ingredient brings its own magic: rich cream for airiness, mascarpone for that signature tang, coffee for depth, and a dusting of cocoa for classic flair. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
- Heavy whipping cream, chilled (1 cup): The secret to mousse’s silky, pillowy texture—make sure it’s cold for maximum volume when whipped.
- Mascarpone cheese, softened (8 oz): Italian cream cheese brings authentic flavor and luxurious body to this dreamy dessert.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Provides a gentle, even sweetness without any grittiness, perfectly balancing the coffee.
- Brewed espresso or very strong coffee, cooled (1/4 cup): Deepens the flavor profile, infusing the mousse with classic tiramisu notes.
- Coffee liqueur (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a grown-up edge and another layer of coffee flavor—skip or substitute if you prefer.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor, making the whole dessert sing.
- Crushed ladyfingers or vanilla wafer cookies (1/2 cup): Offers a touch of texture and soaks up all the espresso goodness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting: That signature tiramisu finish, adding just the right bitterness to offset the sweet creaminess.
- Dark chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish (optional): For a touch of elegance and a little chocolate crunch with every bite.
How to Make Tiramisu Dream Mousse
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by pouring the chilled heavy cream into a large mixing bowl and whip it until it forms soft peaks—fluffy but not stiff. This stage gives the mousse its light, airy feel, so be patient and let the mixer do the work. Set the whipped cream aside; you’ll fold it in later for the ultimate cloud-like texture.
Step 2: Beat the Mascarpone Base
In a separate bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, cooled espresso, coffee liqueur (if you’re using it), and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy with no lumps—this is where all the classic tiramisu flavor comes together. Don’t rush; you want every ingredient to be perfectly integrated.
Step 3: Combine for That Signature Tiramisu Dream Mousse Texture
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and light, sweeping motions so you don’t deflate the precious air you whipped in earlier. The goal is a homogenous, fluffy mousse with no streaks—taste it now and take a moment to swoon!
Step 4: Layer with Cookies
Spoon or pipe a generous layer of mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls, then sprinkle a layer of crushed ladyfingers (or vanilla wafer cookies) over the top. The cookies absorb the espresso flavor and add little bursts of chewiness—just like traditional tiramisu, only lighter!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Add another layer of mousse on top, cover, and pop the servings into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step helps the flavors meld and the mousse set to the perfect creamy consistency. If you can resist, let it sit overnight for even deeper flavor.
Step 6: Dust and Garnish
Just before serving, give your Tiramisu Dream Mousse a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder. For extra pizzazz, top each one with a tumble of dark chocolate shavings. Simple touches, but they take things utterly over the top.
How to Serve Tiramisu Dream Mousse

Garnishes
The finishing touches really make this dessert sing. Try a snowfall of cocoa powder, a spritz of chocolate curls, or even a few chocolate-covered coffee beans for bonus crunch. Fresh berries or a twist of orange zest can give your Tiramisu Dream Mousse a touch of color and zing, too.
Side Dishes
While Tiramisu Dream Mousse shines brightest solo, it also pairs beautifully with a shot of espresso or a small glass of dessert wine. Serve alongside delicate almond biscotti, or a scattering of fresh, tart raspberries to balance the richness and add a little fresh pop.
Creative Ways to Present
This mousse loves a little drama—try spooning it into elegant coupe glasses, tiny mason jars, or even espresso cups for a whimsical touch. For parties, layer the mousse and cookies in a clear trifle dish for a show-stopping centerpiece. Or pack individual jars for a portable, picnic-friendly treat everyone will talk about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the mousse tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen, and the texture will stay luscious. Just be sure to wait until just before serving to dust with cocoa and add any garnishes.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Tiramisu Dream Mousse! Spoon it into airtight containers (leave a little space for expansion), and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a make-ahead treat that tastes just as delightful—though the texture may be softer after thawing. Skip the garnishes until after thawing for best results.
Reheating
This mousse is best enjoyed chilled and isn’t meant to be reheated. If frozen, let it thaw gently in the refrigerator—never use the microwave, as the delicate structure can collapse. Serve straight from the fridge and enjoy the cool, creamy magic.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Dream Mousse without coffee liqueur?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the coffee liqueur or swap in extra vanilla extract or a touch of almond extract for added depth. The mousse will still be rich with coffee and mascarpone flavor.
What’s the best way to crush the ladyfingers or cookies?
Pop the cookies into a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass to crush them gently. Aim for some small pieces and some crumbs—this adds texture to every bite of Tiramisu Dream Mousse.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Yes! If you’re serving a crowd (or just want more for yourself), this recipe easily doubles. Or halve the ingredients for a charming date-night dessert. The proportions remain the same, so you don’t have to adjust anything else.
What if I can’t find mascarpone?
If mascarpone isn’t available, a good substitute is room-temperature cream cheese blended with a bit of heavy cream for smoothness. The flavor will be slightly tangier, but it still makes a delicious Tiramisu Dream Mousse.
How far in advance can I prepare this mousse?
You can make Tiramisu Dream Mousse up to 24 hours ahead and keep it chilled until ready to serve. In fact, letting it rest gives the flavors extra time to meld and intensify, making every bite even more incredible.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Tiramisu Dream Mousse highly enough! It delivers all the magic of traditional tiramisu with a fraction of the effort and a delightfully airy twist. Every scoop tastes like a special occasion. Give it a try and let this mousse become your new favorite celebration dessert!
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Tiramisu Dream Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of a classic tiramisu in a light and airy mousse form with this Tiramisu Dream Mousse recipe. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
For the Mousse:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup brewed espresso or very strong coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1/2 cup crushed ladyfingers or vanilla wafer cookies
- unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- dark chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, espresso, coffee liqueur, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined and fluffy.
- Layer: Spoon or pipe a layer of the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls. Sprinkle crushed ladyfingers over the mousse.
- Chill: Add another layer of mousse on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Serve: Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and top with chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur and use a splash of vanilla or almond extract.
- You can also layer with whole ladyfinger biscuits for a more traditional tiramisu texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg