Why You’ll Love this Tiramisu Iced Latte
Indulgence doesn’t have to mean spending $7 at a fancy café. This homemade tiramisu iced latte brings all the luxurious flavors of the classic Italian dessert right to your kitchen, in liquid form.
The creamy mascarpone layer floating atop cold espresso creates that perfect sweet-bitter balance that makes tiramisu so irresistible.
I love how versatile this recipe is—make it dairy-free, less rich, or even hot when the weather turns chilly.
The cocoa-dusted top and velvety mouthfeel transport me to an Italian café every time.
And honestly, who doesn’t want dessert in their coffee cup?
What Ingredients are in Tiramisu Iced Latte?
The beauty of this tiramisu iced latte lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that transform your ordinary coffee break into a dessert-worthy experience.
I’m always amazed at how combining these few elements creates something that tastes so much more complex than the sum of its parts. The mascarpone brings that signature tiramisu creaminess, while the cocoa adds depth and visual appeal.
- ½ cup espresso or very strong coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon mascarpone
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting
- ½ cup milk (dairy or oat milk both work well)
- Ice cubes
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
The quality of your coffee really matters in this recipe—the better your espresso or strong coffee, the more authentic your tiramisu flavor will be.
And don’t worry if you’re avoiding dairy or watching calories. The recipe includes super easy modifications for dairy-free (swap in vegan cream cheese and oat milk), less rich (use less mascarpone), or even a hot version for those chilly days.
Decaf drinkers, you’re covered too—this works perfectly with decaf espresso or cold brew concentrate, so you can enjoy this treat any time of day without the caffeine jitters.
How to Make this Tiramisu Iced Latte
Making this tiramisu iced latte is delightfully simple, and I love how it transforms ordinary coffee into something that feels like a special treat.
Start by preparing your mascarpone cream—this is where the magic happens. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of mascarpone with 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder and ½ cup of milk until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly airy. The whisking incorporates tiny air bubbles that give the cream its luxurious, mousse-like texture. Don’t overmix, though; we’re going for silky, not stiff.
Next comes the assembly, which is just as easy but creates those beautiful café-style layers. Fill a tall glass with ice—I like to use plenty because it keeps the drink invigoratingly cold and creates more visual interest as the coffee weaves through the cubes.
Pour in your ½ cup of cooled espresso or very strong coffee. If you prefer your latte sweeter, now’s the time to add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar or maple syrup. For that professional barista touch when adding the mascarpone cream, try pouring it over the back of a spoon so it floats on top of the coffee rather than immediately sinking. This creates those distinct, Instagram-worthy layers that make the drink look as sophisticated as it tastes.
For the finishing touch, dust the top with a little extra cocoa powder. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also gives you that first hit of chocolate aroma with each sip.
Want to get extra fancy? Try rimming your glass with crushed ladyfingers or graham cracker crumbs mixed with a bit of cocoa—just moisten the rim with a little syrup first so the crumbs stick. This tiramisu cookie rim adds texture and makes the whole experience even more reminiscent of the classic Italian dessert.
Give the drink a gentle stir before enjoying to marry all those beautiful flavors together.
Tiramisu Iced Latte Substitutions and Variations
While I’ve shared my favorite version of the tiramisu iced latte, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. For dairy-free folks, simply swap the mascarpone for vegan cream cheese and use oat milk instead.
Want something less rich? Use just 2-3 teaspoons of mascarpone with a splash more milk.
I sometimes create a fancy café-style presentation by pouring the mascarpone cream over the back of a spoon—it creates those gorgeous layers.
Feeling fancy? Try rimming your glass with crushed ladyfingers mixed with cocoa.
And yes, this works perfectly with decaf if you’re watching your caffeine.
What to Serve with Tiramisu Iced Latte
Now that you’ve mastered the perfect tiramisu iced latte, let’s talk about what to pair with this indulgent coffee treat.
I love serving mine with classic Italian cookies—biscotti for dunking or amaretti for nibbling between sips. The almond flavors complement the coffee beautifully.
For something more substantial, try a slice of actual tiramisu (yes, double the pleasure) or a simple buttery croissant. The contrast between your cold, creamy drink and a flaky pastry is divine.
Going savory? A small plate of salted nuts or even a prosciutto sandwich works surprisingly well, cutting through the sweetness of your latte.
Final Thoughts
The humble tiramisu iced latte has become one of my favorite at-home coffee treats because it transforms an ordinary afternoon pick-me-up into something truly special.
It’s that perfect balance of creamy indulgence without the fuss of making an actual tiramisu dessert.
I love how adaptable this recipe is—whether you’re dairy-free, watching calories, or just want to switch things up with that cookie rim (trust me, worth trying).
On hot summer days, I find myself craving this instead of heading to an overpriced café.
Who needs to spend $7 when the homemade version tastes even better?
