Shortbread Tiramisu – Creamy Coffee Dessert with Shortbread

In my kitchen, recipes are more than instructions; they are stories shared around the table. At Eminent Recipes, I focus on comforting, approachable dishes that bring families together without complicated steps. This Shortbread Tiramisu reflects my love for simple desserts using shortbread biscuits no-bake style. It transforms everyday ingredients into something elegant, proving that a classic tiramisu recipe can be easy, customizable, and perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shortbread Tiramisu is everything you want in a tiramisu recipe but with a rich, buttery twist. Instead of traditional ladyfingers, this shortbread tiramisu recipe uses tender shortbread fingers that soak up espresso beautifully while adding a melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you have ever asked, can I use shortbread instead of ladyfingers, this dessert proves the answer is absolutely yes.

It is one of the best simple desserts using shortbread biscuits no-bake style, meaning no oven, no complicated steps, and minimal prep time. You can make this easy shortbread tiramisu ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or holiday gatherings. It is also customizable—add Biscoff spread for a biscoff tiramisu variation or use leftover cookies for recipes using leftover shortbread cookies.

This dessert with shortbread is family-friendly, elegant enough for special occasions, and comforting enough for everyday indulgence. Whether you use Walkers shortbread fingers tiramisu style or homemade biscuits, this recipe guarantees creamy layers, bold coffee flavor, and irresistible texture in every bite.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This Shortbread Tiramisu relies on simple, high-quality ingredients that create luxurious flavor with minimal effort. Strong brewed coffee gives this tiramisu recipe its signature depth and balances the sweetness of the mascarpone cream. Shortbread fingers, such as Walkers shortbread, replace ladyfingers and provide a rich, buttery base. The mascarpone cheese ensures a smooth and creamy filling, while heavy whipping cream adds lightness and structure.

Powdered sugar sweetens the cream without graininess, and vanilla enhances the overall flavor. Cocoa powder finishes the shortbread tiramisu recipe with a classic dusting that adds slight bitterness to balance the sweetness. Optional coffee liqueur deepens the flavor for a more traditional tiramisu experience. Together, these ingredients create an easy shortbread tiramisu that is indulgent yet simple.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10):

For the Layers:

2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
2–3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
12–16 shortbread fingers (such as Walkers shortbread)

For the Mascarpone Cream:

16 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

How to Make This Recipe

Making this Shortbread Tiramisu is simple and requires no baking, which makes it one of the best simple desserts using shortbread biscuits no-bake style. Start by preparing strong brewed coffee and allowing it to cool completely. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, blend mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light, airy filling for your shortbread tiramisu recipe.

Quickly dip each shortbread finger into the cooled coffee. Do not oversoak, as shortbread absorbs liquid faster than ladyfingers. Arrange a layer in your serving dish, spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly on top, and repeat the layers. Chill for at least four hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.

🛒 Steps:

Prepare strong brewed coffee and cool completely
Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks
Mix mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth
Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture
Dip shortbread fingers quickly into coffee
Layer shortbread and mascarpone cream
Repeat layers and smooth the top
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours
Dust with cocoa powder before serving

Expert Cooking Tips

Perfecting this Shortbread Tiramisu comes down to technique and ingredient balance. Because shortbread is richer and more delicate than ladyfingers, dip each biscuit briefly to prevent sogginess. This ensures your easy shortbread tiramisu holds its structure while remaining creamy. Use high-quality mascarpone for the smoothest texture in your shortbread tiramisu recipe.

For deeper flavor, choose strong espresso rather than mild coffee. If you enjoy variations, try a biscoff tiramisu twist by spreading Biscoff between layers. When using Walkers shortbread fingers tiramisu style, trim them slightly if needed for a snug fit in your dish. Always chill the dessert long enough to allow the layers to set properly.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use strong espresso for bold tiramisu flavor
Dip shortbread quickly to avoid soggy layers
Chill overnight for best texture
Use full-fat mascarpone for creaminess
Add Biscoff spread for a biscoff tiramisu variation
Sift cocoa powder just before serving
Use leftover shortbread for creative dessert variations

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This Shortbread Tiramisu is a rich and elegant twist on the classic tiramisu recipe, combining buttery shortbread with creamy mascarpone and bold coffee flavor. It is easy to prepare, completely no-bake, and perfect for both everyday indulgence and special gatherings. Whether you are exploring simple desserts using shortbread biscuits no-bake style or searching for creative recipes using leftover shortbread cookies, this dessert delivers comfort, flavor, and effortless sophistication in every bite.

Shortbread Tiramisu

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and creamy no-bake dessert made with buttery shortbread biscuits instead of traditional ladyfingers. This easy shortbread tiramisu layers coffee-soaked cookies with smooth mascarpone cream for a decadent twist on the classic Italian tiramisu recipe. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or when you need a simple dessert using shortbread biscuits.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10):

For the Layers:

2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sweetened coffee)
2–3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
12–16 shortbread fingers (such as Walkers shortbread)

For the Mascarpone Cream:

16 oz (2 cups) mascarpone cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

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Instructions

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8–10):

For the Layers:

2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sweetened coffee)
2–3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
12–16 shortbread fingers (such as Walkers shortbread)

For the Mascarpone Cream:

16 oz (2 cups) mascarpone cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

 

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Notes

• Dip shortbread very quickly — it absorbs faster than ladyfingers.
• Want a twist? Add a layer of Biscoff spread between the cream layers for a Biscoff tiramisu variation.
• This is one of the best recipes using leftover shortbread cookies.
• For a kid-friendly version, skip the liqueur.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dessert / No-Bake Dessert
• Method: No-Bake / Layered
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired