Intro

Olive Garden Tiramisu Recipe lovers, this one’s for you.
If you’ve ever finished a big bowl of pasta and breadsticks and thought, “I should stop here”… but then the server casually mentions tiramisu, you already know how this story ends.

This dessert is soft, creamy, coffee-kissed, and downright comforting. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for guests but cozy enough for a quiet night at home. I’ve made this for holidays, dinner parties, and random Tuesday cravings—and every single time, someone asks for the recipe.

What Is Olive Garden Tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a classic Italian no-bake dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone filling, finished with cocoa powder.

The Olive Garden tiramisu is known for being:

Extra creamy
Mildly sweet (not overpowering)
Light on alcohol
Soft and sliceable, not soggy

Instead of being overly espresso-heavy or boozy, it balances coffee flavor with sweet creaminess. That’s the vibe we’re going for here.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required (always a win)
Simple, grocery-store ingredients
Make-ahead friendly
Tastes even better the next day
Feels restaurant-quality without the price tag

And honestly? It’s one of those desserts that makes people think you worked way harder than you did.

Equipment List

You don’t need anything fancy here:

Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Rubber spatula
Shallow bowl for coffee
8×8-inch or similar square dish
Fine mesh strainer (for cocoa powder)
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Cream Layer

8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Layers

1½ cups strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
24–28 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, can skip)

Topping

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Optional: dark chocolate shavings

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cream Filling

In a large bowl, add the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar. Beat on low speed until smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix—mascarpone likes a gentle hand.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form. This is what gives tiramisu that fluffy, cloud-like texture.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Go slow. You want it light, not deflated.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee

Pour the cooled coffee into a shallow bowl. If using coffee liqueur, stir it in now.

Quick tip: the coffee must be completely cool. Warm coffee will melt the cream and make things messy.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for about 1 second per side. No soaking—just a quick dunk.

Line the bottom of your dish with a single layer of dipped ladyfingers.

Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the top.

Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then finish with the remaining cream.

Smooth the top gently with a spatula.

Step 4: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This step matters. The flavors settle, the layers soften, and the texture becomes perfect.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer. Add chocolate shavings if you’re feeling extra.

Slice, serve, and enjoy every bite.

Flavor Breakdown (Why This Works)

This Olive Garden Tiramisu Recipe hits all the right notes:

Creamy: mascarpone + whipped cream = dreamy texture
Coffee-forward but gentle: no bitterness
Balanced sweetness: not cloying
Soft layers: ladyfingers absorb flavor without falling apart

It’s rich, but not heavy. Sweet, but not sugary. Basically dessert harmony.

Tips for the Best Tiramisu

Use mascarpone, not cream cheese (it really matters)
Chill overnight for the best texture
Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers
Sift cocoa right before serving for a fresh look
Slice with a clean knife for neat layers

Variations You Can Try

Alcohol-free: skip the liqueur completely
Chocolate lovers: add a thin layer of chocolate ganache
Espresso boost: use strong espresso instead of coffee
Individual servings: layer in small glasses for parties

Make-Ahead & Storage

This dessert actually gets better with time.

Make up to 2 days ahead
Store covered in the fridge
Best eaten within 3 days

Freezing isn’t recommended—the texture changes too much.

Serving Ideas

I love serving this after:

Pasta dinners
Italian-style meals
Holiday feasts
Casual family dinners where dessert still matters

Add coffee or espresso on the side and suddenly you’re hosting an Italian café moment at home.

Final Thoughts

This Olive Garden Tiramisu Recipe is one of those desserts that feels timeless. It doesn’t need trends or fancy tricks—it just works.

Every spoonful is creamy, soft, and comforting, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite desserts to make when I want something impressive without stress.

If you try this recipe, take your time, enjoy the process, and don’t rush the chill. Good tiramisu rewards patience—and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

More Recipes: