Vegan Tiramisu

This recipe for Vegan Tiramisu is absolutely incredible! You'll make spongy vegan ladyfingers completely from scratch and layer them with a rich espresso soak, sweet vegan mascarpone and plenty of cocoa. All of the flavor bases will be covered - sweet, creamy, rich and tangy. Let's learn how to make it!

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What is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that translates to "pick me up" or "cheer me up" in English. It's a decadent, layered dessert consisting of coffee-soaked ladyfingers alternated with a creamy mixture made of mascarpone cheese, sugar, and eggs, sometimes flavored with a touch of liquor such as Marsala wine or rum. These ingredients are reshaped slightly in this recipe in order to make this classic dessert plant-based.

The layers are often dusted with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate for added richness and flavor. Tiramisu is usually served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together, and it's beloved worldwide for its rich, creamy texture and the combination of coffee and sweet flavors.

How to Make Vegan Tiramisu from Scratch

To make vegan tiramisu entirely from scratch, you'll need to prepare all the components, including the vegan ladyfingers and the vegan mascarpone substitute. As it's unlikely you'll be able to find these ingredients pre-made, it takes a decent amount of time for this recipe to come together. Totally worth it though!

Homemade Vegan Ladyfingers

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Flour is the main dry ingredient in the ladyfingers, providing structure and texture to the final product.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Cornstarch helps to tenderize the ladyfingers and create a softer texture.
• Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the ladyfingers to rise and become light and airy.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavor of the ladyfingers and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• Aquafaba (½ cup): Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas and serves as an egg replacer in vegan baking. It helps to provide structure and stability to the ladyfingers, similar to egg whites in traditional recipes.
• Distilled White Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Vinegar helps to stabilize the aquafaba/meringue and create a better structure in the ladyfingers.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Sugar sweetens the ladyfingers and also helps to create a light and fluffy texture.
• Nondairy Yogurt (¼ cup): Nondairy yogurt adds moisture to the ladyfingers and helps to tenderize the crumb.
• Vegan Butter (2 tablespoons): Vegan butter adds richness and flavor to the ladyfingers while also helping to create a tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the ladyfingers and adds aromatic complexity.
• Almond Extract (½ teaspoon): Almond extract provides a subtle almond flavor, complementing the other flavors in the ladyfingers.
• Powdered Sugar (¼ cup): Powdered sugar is used for dusting the ladyfingers prior to baking, adding sweetness and a decorative touch to the finished dessert.

Steps to Make Vegan Ladyfingers (with pictures!)

1. Make Meringue: Add flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt to a bowl and whisk together. Set aside. Add aquafaba and vinegar to a large bowl and beat together with an electric hand mixer until frothy, about 1 minute. Begin to add the granulated sugar to the bowl 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue to beat the mixture until you have a meringue with stiff peaks. The whole process should take 8-10 minutes.
2. Prepare Ladyfinger Batter: Add vegan yogurt, melted vegan butter, vanilla and almond extract to the meringue. Fold ingredients together gently. Sift the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold together the ingredients. Continue to fold ingredients on top of each other until a thick but airy batter comes together.
3. Pipe and Bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the corner off of a sealable plastic bag. Fill the bag with the prepared batter. Carefully pipe 3-4 inch “fingers” onto the baking sheet 2 inches apart. You should get about 16 fingers in total. Dust the top of the ladyfingers with powdered sugar. Bake on center rack of preheated oven for 12 minutes.

Homemade Vegan Mascarpone

Mascarpone is a creamy Italian cheese that originated in the Lombardy region of Italy. It's made from cream coagulated by the addition of citric or tartaric acid, rather than rennet. The result is a rich, thick, and velvety cheese with a high fat content, typically around 60-75%.

For the purpose of this recipe, a vegan version is necessary. Here's how we do it:

Ingredients

1. Vegan Cream Cheese (2 8oz packs): Vegan cream cheese serves as the base for the mascarpone substitute. It provides a creamy texture and a tangy flavor similar to traditional cream cheese.
2. Vegan Butter (½ cup): Vegan butter adds richness and a buttery flavor to the vegan mascarpone. It helps to mimic the creamy texture of traditional mascarpone and contributes to the overall flavor profile.
3. Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the mascarpone and balance out the tanginess of the cream cheese. It also helps to thicken the mixture and achieve a smooth consistency.
4. Dark Rum (2 tablespoons): Dark rum adds flavor complexity and depth to the vegan mascarpone. It provides a hint of sweetness and a subtle boozy undertone, enhancing the overall taste of the tiramisu.
5. Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the mascarpone, adding a sweet and aromatic note. It complements the other ingredients and helps to create a well-rounded flavor profile.

Overall, these ingredients work together to create a vegan version of mascarpone that closely mimics the texture and flavor of the traditional dairy-based cheese. The combination of vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, rum, and vanilla extract results in a creamy, luscious, and delicious mascarpone substitute suitable for tiramisu.

Tips & Tricks for Making Vegan Tiramisu

1. Choose high-quality ingredients: Opt for the best quality vegan substitutes for ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and non-dairy yogurt. This will ensure a better flavor and texture for your tiramisu.
2. Soak ladyfingers lightly: Dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture briefly to avoid them becoming overly soggy. They should be moist but still hold their shape.
3. Balance the flavors: Adjust the sweetness of the mascarpone substitute and the strength of the coffee to your taste preferences. You want a balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly bitter flavors.
4. Chill thoroughly: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and for the dessert to set properly. This will also help the layers to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
5. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving: Wait until just before serving to dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder. This ensures a fresh, vibrant appearance.
6. Allow tiramisu to come to room temperature before serving: While tiramisu is traditionally served chilled, letting it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought vegan ladyfingers?

Yes, you can use store-bought vegan ladyfingers if you can find them. Just make sure to check the ingredients to ensure they are dairy and egg free and suitable for your dietary preferences.

Do I have to use alcohol in the recipe?

No, you don't have to use alcohol in your vegan tiramisu. If you prefer to omit it, you can simply leave it out of the recipe. However, using alcohol such as rum or coffee liqueur can enhance the flavor profile of the dessert.

Can I make vegan tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, vegan tiramisu can be made ahead of time. In fact, it's recommended to assemble the dessert a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and for the dessert to set properly.

Can I substitute other types of coffee for espresso?

Yes, you can use other types of strong coffee in place of espresso if you prefer. Just make sure the coffee is cooled to room temperature before soaking the ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming too soggy.

How to Serve Vegan Tiramisu

There are plenty of ways to serve vegan tiramisu so as to enhance its presentation and enjoyment. Here's how to do it:

1. Chill: Ensure the vegan tiramisu has been adequately chilled in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly and for the flavors to meld together.
2. Slice: Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled tiramisu into individual portions. Clean the knife between cuts to ensure clean slices.
3. Plate: Carefully transfer each slice of vegan tiramisu onto a serving plate or dessert dish using a spatula or cake lifter.
4. Garnish: Add a final touch to your vegan tiramisu by garnishing each slice with cocoa powder sifted over the top. You can also garnish with vegan chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or mint leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
5. Serve: Serve the plated vegan tiramisu immediately to your guests. You can accompany it with a cup of hot espresso or coffee to complement the flavors of the dessert.
6. Optional: For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle a little additional coffee liqueur over each slice just before serving. Be sure to ask your guests if they would like this addition, especially if serving to children or those who avoid alcohol.
7. Enjoy: Invite your guests to dig in and savor the deliciousness of your homemade vegan tiramisu. Encourage them to enjoy each creamy, coffee-infused bite!

Remember, presentation is key when serving desserts like tiramisu. Take your time to plate each slice neatly and consider adding decorative elements to elevate the visual appeal of the dish. Enjoy the satisfaction of sharing this delectable vegan treat with your loved ones!

How to Store Vegan Tiramisu

Storing vegan tiramisu properly helps maintain its freshness and flavor. Here's how to store vegan tiramisu:

1. Refrigeration: Vegan tiramisu should be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Once assembled, cover the tiramisu dish or container tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air exposure and absorption of other odors in the fridge.
2. Airtight Container: If you've transferred the tiramisu to a separate container for storage, ensure it's airtight to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.
3. Avoid Freezing: While tiramisu can technically be frozen, its creamy texture may be compromised upon thawing, resulting in a less desirable consistency. It's best to consume tiramisu within a few days of making it rather than freezing it.
4. Keep Away from Strong Odors: Store the vegan tiramisu away from strongly scented foods in the refrigerator to prevent the absorption of other flavors.
5. Consume Within a Few Days: Vegan tiramisu is best enjoyed within 3-4 days of assembly when stored properly in the refrigerator. Over time, the texture may become less desirable, so it's ideal to consume it relatively soon after making it.
6. Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: If there are any leftover slices of tiramisu, return them to the refrigerator as soon as possible after serving to maintain their freshness.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your vegan tiramisu stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy it over the course of a few days without sacrificing quality.

If you make this recipe be sure to tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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