Tiramisu is an iconic Italian dessert, traditionally made with ladyfingers soaked in coffee, layered with a creamy mascarpone mixture, and dusted with cocoa powder. This version swaps out ladyfingers for rusk, giving the dessert a unique texture that holds up beautifully to the coffee soak.

Using rusk makes this tiramisu even easier to prepare, as it’s readily available and provides the perfect balance of crispness and absorbency. This no-bake dessert is rich, creamy, and perfect for a quick, fuss-free indulgence or an impressive treat for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required – A simple, no-fuss dessert.
Quick & easy – Minimal prep with just a few ingredients.
Rich & creamy – Perfectly balanced flavors with a smooth, velvety texture.
Make ahead friendly – Even better when chilled overnight.

Ingredients

• 1 packet rusk
• 2 tbsp coffee (instant or espresso)
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 200ml heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 200g mascarpone cheese
• Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Soak

• In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp coffee with 1/2 cup warm water.
• Stir until fully dissolved and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mascarpone Filling

• In a mixing bowl, add heavy cream and sugar. Beat until soft peaks form.
• Add mascarpone cheese and gently fold until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu

• Quickly dip each rusk into the coffee mixture (don’t soak for too long or they’ll get too soft).
• Arrange a layer of soaked rusks in a serving dish or individual cups.
• Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the layer of rusks.
• Repeat with another layer of dipped cake rusks, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.

Step 4: Final Touches & Chilling

• Dust generously with cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.

Both plain rusk and cake rusk can be used for tiramisu, but they’ll give slightly different results:

• Plain Rusk: Less sweet, crispier, and more absorbent. You may need to adjust the coffee soak time to prevent it from becoming too soft.
• Cake Rusk: Slightly sweet with a richer texture. It holds up well to the coffee without getting too soggy.

If you used plain rusk, it’s a great option for those who prefer a less sweet tiramisu or want more control over the sugar level.

Rusk Tiramisu

This no-bake dessert is rich, creamy, and perfect for a quick, fuss-free indulgence or an impressive treat for guests.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Resting time 4 hours hrs

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

  

• 1 packet rusk
• 2 tbsp coffee instant or espresso
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 200 g mascarpone cheese
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp coffee with 1/2 cup warm water.
• Stir until fully dissolved and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, add heavy cream and sugar. Beat until soft peaks form.
• Add mascarpone cheese and gently fold until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Quickly dip each rusk into the coffee mixture (don’t soak for too long or they’ll get too soft).
• Arrange a layer of soaked rusks in a serving dish or individual cups.
• Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the layer of rusks.
• Repeat with another layer of dipped cake rusks, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
• Dust generously with cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.

Keyword desserts, no bake desserts, tiramisu

What to Serve with Rusk Tiramisu?

This dessert pairs beautifully with:

• Espresso or cappuccino – A perfect coffee pairing.
• Fresh berries – A touch of acidity balances the richness.
• A drizzle of chocolate sauce – For extra decadence.