As seen in our latest Instagram reel
These Velvety Tiramisu Ice Box Squares went viral in our latest reel on @homecookingbymadison — that spoon gliding through impossibly creamy layers with cocoa drifting over the top. Silky mascarpone cream meets coffee-soaked ladyfingers in dreamy layers, finished with a dusting of cocoa, then chilled into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth no-bake treat. All the cozy coffee flavor of classic tiramisu, with none of the fussy assembly, cut into perfect little squares.
They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, holidays, or any night that needs a coffeehouse-worthy dessert without turning on the oven.
Why you’ll love them
- Totally no-bake — the fridge does all the work
- Make-ahead friendly: it actually tastes better after an overnight chill
- Rich, coffeehouse-worthy flavor from simple ingredients
- Cuts into clean, gorgeous squares for parties and potlucks
Ingredients
- 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups strong espresso or coffee, cooled
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- About 30 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Mix the soak: Stir the coffee and coffee liqueur (if using) together in a shallow dish.
- Whip the cream layer: In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the mascarpone until silky.
- Layer the dish: Working quickly, dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for 2 seconds per side and line the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. Spread over half the mascarpone cream. Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours, or overnight, until set.
- Finish and serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder and cut into 12 squares. Serve cold.
Tips
- Use strong, cooled coffee — weak coffee means bland squares.
- Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers or the layers will turn soggy.
- Swap ladyfingers for graham crackers in a pinch.
Nutrition
Per square (1/12 of the dish), estimated: Calories ~320 · Protein ~5g · Carbs ~28g · Fat ~21g · Fiber ~1g · Sugar ~19g
Are you a classic-coffee tiramisu person, or would you try a chocolate twist? Follow @homecookingbymadison on Instagram for the reel and more easy desserts.
