Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe
Indulge in the rich, dreamy embrace of the Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe—a blissfully creamy dessert that merges the delicate, coffee-kissed flavors of classic tiramisu with the luscious, silky-smooth texture of Italian gelato. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients into a scoopable masterpiece that will transport you straight to a Roman café. Whether you own an ice cream maker or not, the process is uncomplicated, inviting anyone to savor pure tiramisu flavor churned into cold, spoonable luxury.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe lies in its short, straightforward list of ingredients. Each component brings something spectacular to the table—velvety richness, a pop of coffee, airy sweetness, or the perfect touch of cocoa to round out each bite.
- Egg yolks: Provide the custardy foundation for a rich, indulgent gelato base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create the creamy, smooth texture we all crave.
- Fresh whole milk: Adds body, balance, and the essential fat needed for a proper Italian gelato.
- Espresso coffee: Gives the authentic tiramisu flavor and a boost of aromatic depth.
- Mascarpone cheese: Delivers that iconic, luxurious creaminess that defines tiramisu.
- Ladyfingers: Classic cookies for tiramisu, adding lovely bits of texture and a nostalgic touch.
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened): For dusting, which brings a subtle, slightly bitter finish that balances all the sweetness.
How to Make Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Egg Yolks and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks and sugar on high speed for about five minutes. You’re looking for a pale, fluffy creme that almost doubles in volume—this is the start of that signature gelato texture and the secret to a perfectly smooth finish.
Step 2: Heat the Milk Carefully
In a saucepan, gently heat the milk over low to medium flame. The milk should be hot but never left to boil! If you have a kitchen thermometer, keep it below 85°C (185°F). If not, just watch closely and pull it from the heat before any bubbling starts, preserving a gentle, silky base.
Step 3: Temper and Combine
Continue by slowly pouring the hot milk into your fluffy egg-sugar mixture, stirring continuously. This step is vital! As you mix, you’ll notice the creaminess building—plus, you’re pasteurizing the eggs, ensuring your Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe is both safe and delicious.
Step 4: Cook Gently
Return the mixture to the stove and cook gently for five minutes, stirring nonstop. It’s crucial to keep the heat low and avoid boiling; this patience is rewarded in the creamy texture later.
Step 5: Add Mascarpone and Espresso
Once the mixture is cooked, remove from the heat and immediately blend in the mascarpone and espresso. Stir well until everything is fully integrated—the aroma alone will leave you swooning.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Let your tiramisu gelato base cool at room temperature for a few minutes. If your ice cream maker doesn’t have a compressor, refrigerate until completely chilled—about two to three hours. If using a compressor model, you can move right on to churning once it’s cooled slightly.
Step 7: Churn the Gelato
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions (usually 40 minutes). When the gelato is nearly finished, coarsely crumble the ladyfingers into the bowl, allowing those irresistible cookie chunks to swirl throughout the creamy base. Give it just a few final turns so you keep the pieces intact.
Step 8: No Ice Cream Maker? Freeze and Stir
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the cooled mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for about five hours, and every 30 minutes, break up the surface with a hand or electric whisk for about 30 seconds. This step keeps the gelato creamy and prevents ice crystals from forming. Before the mixture is fully frozen, fold in the ladyfingers and return everything to the freezer for a final chill.
Step 9: Decorate and Serve
Before serving, let your Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe rest at room temperature for five to ten minutes—this brings back a perfectly scoopable consistency. Finish each scoop with a generous dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder for that ultimate tiramisu flourish.
How to Serve Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe
Garnishes
Serve with a generous swirl of unsweetened cocoa powder right before carrying the bowl to the table. For extra flair, a few chocolate curls or a sprinkle of crushed espresso beans make every scoop look dazzling—and add just a hint more contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe with crisp biscotti, wafer rolls, or even a plate of fresh berries. The creaminess of the gelato plays beautifully against crunchy, fruity, or nutty sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, serve your tiramisu gelato in vintage coffee cups or layer it into mini parfait glasses with ladyfinger bits between the layers. You could even sandwich a scoop between two crisp cookies for the ultimate tiramisu gelato ice cream sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe in an airtight container in the freezer. Press a layer of parchment directly onto the surface before sealing with a lid—this keeps your gelato extra creamy and prevents freezer burn.
Freezing
This gelato will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to two weeks. For the freshest taste, try to enjoy it sooner rather than later, as homemade gelato tends to have the best texture within the first week.
Reheating
Remove your gelato from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This softens the texture just enough for easy scooping, ensuring every bowl is as creamy as intended.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, you can substitute a strong brew of instant coffee if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure the flavor is bold enough to shine through and deliver that classic tiramisu note in your Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe.
Is it safe to use raw egg yolks?
The method in this recipe gently pasteurizes the egg yolks by combining them with hot milk and gently cooking the mixture. This keeps your Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe both silky and safe to enjoy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and a plant-based mascarpone, but the results will differ from the original. While not quite traditional, you may still capture the heart of the Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe with creative swaps.
How do I prevent ice crystals from forming?
If you’re not using an ice cream maker, it’s crucial to beat the mixture every 30 minutes as it freezes. This repeated mixing disrupts ice crystals and ensures your Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe turns out smooth and creamy.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just make sure your equipment can handle the larger volume and allow ample time for chilling and churning. More scoops mean more smiles every time you serve this show-stopping Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s a true taste of Italy, this Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe really is as good as it gets. The flavors, the nostalgia, and the utter indulgence are unbeatable—whip up a batch and watch it vanish faster than you can say “gelato”!
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Authentic Tiramisu Gelato Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, decadent flavors of Italy with this authentic Tiramisu Gelato recipe. Smooth mascarpone cheese, rich espresso, and delicate ladyfingers come together in a frozen treat that’s perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
Egg Yolk Mixture:
- 4 egg yolks (medium size)
- 150 g granulated sugar (¾ cup)
Milk Mixture:
- 300 ml milk (1 ¼ cups, fresh and whole)
- 50 ml coffee (3 ⅓ tablespoons of espresso)
- 250 g Mascarpone cheese (1 cup)
- 4–5 Ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened, for decoration)
Instructions
- Beat: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks with the sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes, until the cream is soft and fluffy.
- Cook Milk: Meanwhile, pour the milk into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring it does not boil. Stir constantly.
- Add Milk to Egg Mixture: Slowly add the hot milk to the egg and sugar mixture while stirring constantly.
- Cook Mixture: Return the saucepan to heat and cook for 5 minutes without boiling, stirring constantly.
- Add Mascarpone and Coffee: Turn off the heat and add the mascarpone cheese and espresso coffee. Mix well.
- Cool Mixture: Let the mixture cool at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Churn Gelato: Depending on your ice cream maker, follow the appropriate steps for churning the gelato until almost ready.
- Serve: Top the tiramisu gelato with unsweetened cocoa powder before serving.
Notes
- If using an ice-cream maker without a compressor, plan for additional cooling time in the refrigerator.
- Breaking up the frozen gelato surface every 30 minutes helps maintain a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning, Freezing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Tiramisu Gelato, Italian Dessert, Homemade Gelato Recipe