There’s something magical about taking a beloved classic and giving it a playful twist. When I first discovered Biscoff cookies, with their caramelized, spiced sweetness, I couldn’t help but wonder how they’d transform traditional tiramisu. After several kitchen experiments (and plenty of taste-testing), this Easy Biscoff Tiramisu was born. It quickly became my go-to dessert whenever I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the creamy, coffee-soaked layers of Italian tiramisu with the irresistible cookie butter flavor that everyone adores. Whether you’re a tiramisu purist curious about new flavors or a Biscoff fanatic looking for your next obsession, this dessert delivers pure indulgence in every spoonful.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian
Why You’ll Love This Biscoff Tiramisu
No-Bake Convenience
This dessert requires zero oven time, making it perfect for warm weather or when you simply don’t feel like turning on the stove. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill, though I promise it’s worth every minute of patience.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
Even people who claim they don’t like traditional tiramisu find themselves going back for seconds. The Biscoff cookie butter adds a warm, caramelized sweetness that feels familiar yet exciting. Meanwhile, the coffee element keeps things balanced without overwhelming the palate.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Planning a dinner party or holiday gathering? This tiramisu actually tastes better when made a day in advance. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the cookies soften to the perfect texture. Plus, having dessert completely finished before guests arrive is a game-changer for stress-free entertaining.
Customizable Sweetness
Some prefer their desserts intensely sweet, while others enjoy more subtle flavors. This recipe gives you control over the sugar level, allowing you to adjust the sweetness to match your preferences perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Biscoff Mascarpone Cream:
- 8 ounces good quality mascarpone cheese, chilled (226g) – The foundation of your cream layer; look for authentic Italian mascarpone for the best results
- ½ cup Biscoff cookie butter (140g) – This is what makes the dessert special; use smooth spread rather than crunchy
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Start here and adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) – Adds depth and rounds out the flavors
- Pinch of salt (optional) – Enhances sweetness and balances richness
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled (480g) – Must be cold for proper whipping
For Assembly:
- 50-60 Biscoff cookies – The iconic cookies with their distinctive caramelized flavor
- 1½ cups strong coffee or espresso – Cooled to room temperature; the bolder the coffee, the better the contrast
Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish or individual serving glasses
- Shallow dish for dipping cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Biscoff Mascarpone Cream
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by ensuring your mascarpone cheese and heavy cream are properly chilled. Cold ingredients are crucial for achieving the right texture. Set out all your ingredients and equipment before beginning.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large, clean mixing bowl, add the mascarpone cheese, Biscoff cookie butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a whisk or electric mixer on low speed, beat these ingredients together until completely smooth and creamy. The mixture should be uniform with no lumps of mascarpone or streaks of cookie butter visible.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into the bowl with your mascarpone mixture. Starting on low speed to prevent splattering, gradually increase to medium-high speed. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, which typically takes 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape firmly and doesn’t droop when you lift the beaters. Be careful not to over-whip, as this can make the texture grainy.
Assembling Your Tiramisu
Step 4: Prepare the Coffee
Brew your coffee or espresso and let it cool to room temperature. Pour it into a shallow dish that’s wide enough to accommodate your Biscoff cookies. The coffee should be strong and flavorful since it will be diluted slightly by the cookies.
Step 5: Create the First Layer
Working with one cookie at a time, quickly dip each Biscoff cookie into the coffee. The key here is speed – a quick dip (about 1-2 seconds per side) is all you need. The cookies will continue absorbing moisture as they sit, so you don’t want them soggy at this stage. Arrange the coffee-dipped cookies in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish, covering the entire surface.
Step 6: Add the Cream Layer
Spread approximately half of the Biscoff mascarpone cream over your first layer of cookies. Use a spatula to create an even layer, spreading it all the way to the edges. The cream layer should be generous and completely cover the cookies beneath.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Create a second layer by dipping more Biscoff cookies in coffee and arranging them over the cream. Finish by spreading the remaining mascarpone cream on top, smoothing it into an even, beautiful layer. For an elegant presentation, you can create decorative swirls with your spatula.
Step 8: Chill and Set
Cover your tiramisu with plastic wrap, being careful not to let it touch the cream surface. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop and the cookies to reach the perfect tender texture.
Serving Suggestions
Garnishing Ideas
Right before serving, consider adding these finishing touches to elevate your presentation. Crumble a few extra Biscoff cookies over the top for texture and visual appeal. Alternatively, dust the surface lightly with cocoa powder for a classic tiramisu look, or drizzle with melted Biscoff spread for extra indulgence.
Plating for Impact
When serving from a large dish, use a sharp knife to cut clean squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for the neatest presentation. For individual servings, layer the dessert in clear glasses or jars so guests can admire the beautiful layers.
Perfect Pairings
This rich dessert pairs wonderfully with a strong espresso or cappuccino, which balances the sweetness. For a special occasion, consider serving it alongside a dessert wine or coffee liqueur. A simple glass of cold milk also works beautifully for a more casual setting.
Recipe Variations to Try
Chocolate Lover’s Version
Fold ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the mascarpone cream for added texture. You can also alternate layers with chocolate shavings or add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cream mixture.
Boozy Biscoff Tiramisu
Add 2-3 tablespoons of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or Irish cream to your coffee dipping mixture. This adult version adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Individual Portions
Instead of one large dish, create individual servings in mason jars, small glasses, or ramekins. This presentation style is perfect for parties and makes portion control easier.
Lotus Biscoff Cookie Crust
Crush 1 cup of Biscoff cookies and mix with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of your dish before layering for an extra cookie base that adds delightful crunch.
Lighter Version
Substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk Greek yogurt for a lighter texture that’s still creamy and delicious. Keep in mind this will create a slightly tangier flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Tips
Advance Preparation
This tiramisu is ideal for making ahead, and the flavor actually improves with time. Prepare it up to 24 hours before serving for the best results. The extended chilling time allows the cookies to fully absorb the coffee and cream, creating that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Storage Guidelines
Cover your tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though it’s unlikely to last that long once people discover it! The texture remains perfect throughout this time, with the cookies staying soft and the cream maintaining its luscious consistency.
Freezing Instructions
While tiramisu can be frozen for up to 1 month, I recommend this only if absolutely necessary. The texture of the mascarpone cream can become slightly grainy after freezing. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir before serving if needed.
Notes and Tips for Success
Ingredient Quality Matters
Invest in good quality mascarpone cheese from the refrigerated section of your grocery store, not the shelf-stable kind. The difference in flavor and texture is significant. Fresh mascarpone should be slightly sweet, smooth, and creamy without any graininess.
Coffee Dipping Technique
The most common mistake is over-soaking the cookies. Remember, Biscoff cookies are more delicate than traditional ladyfinger cookies, so they become soggy quickly. A brief dip is sufficient – you want them moistened, not falling apart in your hands.
Whipping Cream Success
Ensure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before whipping cream. Any traces of grease or moisture can prevent the cream from reaching stiff peaks. Additionally, chilling your bowl for 15 minutes before whipping can help achieve better results.
Serving Temperature
Remove your tiramisu from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving. This slight temperature adjustment allows the flavors to bloom and makes the texture even more luxurious on the palate.
Cookie Butter Consistency
If your Biscoff cookie butter is too thick or has separated, microwave it for 10-15 seconds and stir well before adding it to the mascarpone. This ensures it incorporates smoothly without lumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Absolutely! Mix 2 tablespoons of instant coffee with 1½ cups of hot water, then let it cool completely. Instant coffee works perfectly well and is much more convenient than brewing espresso. The key is making sure it’s strong enough to stand up to the sweet cream layers.
What if I can’t find Biscoff cookies?
While Biscoff cookies are what make this recipe special, you can substitute with Speculoos cookies, which are essentially the same thing under a different brand name. In a pinch, graham crackers or gingersnap cookies can work, though the flavor profile will be different.
How do I know when the cream has reached stiff peaks?
Stiff peaks form when you lift the beaters and the cream stands straight up without drooping. If you turn the bowl upside down (carefully!), the cream should stay in place. However, be cautious not to over-whip, which happens quickly once you reach this stage.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe is difficult to adapt to dairy-free because mascarpone cheese is central to the texture and flavor. Coconut cream can be whipped similarly, but the taste will be quite different from traditional tiramisu.
Why is my tiramisu runny?
This usually happens for two reasons: either the cream wasn’t whipped to stiff peaks, or the cookies were over-soaked in coffee. Make sure you whip the cream until it’s very firm, and remember that a quick dip in coffee is sufficient for the cookies.
Can I add more Biscoff cookie butter?
While you can increase the cookie butter to ¾ cup for a more intense flavor, be careful not to add too much as it can make the cream too dense and difficult to spread. Start with the recipe amount and adjust next time if you prefer stronger Biscoff flavor.
How many layers should I make?
In a standard 9×13-inch dish, two layers (as described in the recipe) work perfectly. For deeper dishes or individual servings, you can create three layers, though you may need to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Is it safe to use raw eggs?
This recipe doesn’t contain any raw eggs, making it safe for everyone including pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Traditional tiramisu often includes raw eggs, but this version gets its richness entirely from mascarpone and whipped cream.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Serving Size: 1 serving (⅛ of recipe)
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.