Perfect Irish Coffee Tiramisu Recipe with Easy Whiskey Cream Step-by-Step

“You know that moment when you’re halfway through fixing a leaky faucet and suddenly get hit with the most comforting idea for dessert? That was me one chilly Thursday evening, standing in my kitchen with a wrench in one hand and a cup of strong coffee in the other. I wasn’t planning on making anything fancy—just something to warm up after a long day. But then, as I sipped that rich coffee, I thought: why not marry the cozy kick of Irish coffee with the creamy charm of tiramisu? Honestly, it felt a bit risky—whiskey in tiramisu? But hey, the plumber next door swears by his Irish coffee recipe, so I gave it a shot. I mixed that bold espresso with a dreamy whiskey cream, and well, let me tell you, it turned into a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cold night. I even cracked a bowl mid-prep (classic me), but the mess was worth it. Maybe you’ve been there—caught between wanting something familiar yet with a twist that surprises you. This Perfect Irish Coffee Tiramisu with Whiskey Cream has been my go-to ever since, whether it’s a casual night or a festive gathering. It’s got that smooth, boozy warmth that sneaks up on you, paired with the luscious layers that tiramisu lovers crave. Let me tell you, once you try this, it’s hard to go back to the usual tiramisu.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Irish Coffee Tiramisu recipe is the kind of dessert that’s both sophisticated and surprisingly simple. I’ve tested it countless times (sometimes with a glass of whiskey on the side) to get the balance just right. Here’s why it might become your favorite, too:

• Quick & Easy: Comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for those evenings when you want something special without fuss.
• Simple Ingredients: No need to hunt for exotic items—most are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s a cozy dinner party or St. Patrick’s Day celebration, this dessert impresses without stress.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The whiskey cream adds a rich depth that gets rave reviews from both coffee lovers and dessert fans.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The smooth layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and velvety cream create a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

What makes this recipe stand out? The whiskey cream, of course. Instead of just adding whiskey to the coffee, blending it into the cream gives it a silky texture and subtle boozy warmth without overpowering the delicate tiramisu flavor. Plus, I swap the usual mascarpone for a lighter cream cheese blend, which keeps it rich but balanced—trust me, it’s a game-changer. This isn’t just another tiramisu—it’s Irish coffee’s cozy cousin, perfect for those who love a little kick in their dessert.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that work together to create a bold yet comforting flavor. Most of these are pantry staples, and you can easily swap a few things to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• For the Coffee Soak:
  • Strong brewed espresso or dark coffee, cooled (about 1 ½ cups / 360 ml)
  • Irish whiskey (2 tablespoons / 30 ml), I recommend Jameson for authentic flavor
  • Brown sugar (2 tablespoons / 25 g) to sweeten the coffee soak
• For the Whiskey Cream:
  • Cream cheese (8 oz / 225 g), softened to room temperature
  • Heavy cream (1 cup / 240 ml), chilled
  • Powdered sugar (½ cup / 60 g), sifted for smoothness
  • Irish whiskey (3 tablespoons / 45 ml), adds warmth and depth
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), for that subtle aromatic touch
• Other Ingredients:
  • Ladyfinger biscuits (about 24 pieces), the classic choice for tiramisu layering
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

Ingredient Tips: If you want a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream with coconut cream and cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free ladyfingers or use thin slices of gluten-free sponge cake. During summer, you might try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the coffee soak for a seasonal twist.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (one large for the cream, one medium for coffee soak)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer (for whipping the cream and blending cream cheese)
• Measuring cups and spoons (precision matters here!)
• 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square dish or similar size for layering
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for dusting cocoa powder evenly)
• Spatula and whisk

If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer works just fine—though I admit mixing by hand with a whisk is a good arm workout! For dusting cocoa, a small tea strainer works well if you don’t own a sifter. I keep a silicone spatula handy because it scrapes every last bit of the whiskey cream out of the bowl, minimizing waste. Also, clean your mixing bowl and beaters quickly after whipping cream; otherwise, the leftover cream can harden and make cleanup tougher.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the coffee soak: Brew your espresso or strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature (about 10 minutes). In a medium bowl, combine the coffee, Irish whiskey, and brown sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Set aside.
2. Make the whiskey cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form (about 3-4 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar to the whipped cream, continuing to beat until stiff peaks hold.
3. Combine cream cheese and whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Stir in the 3 tablespoons of Irish whiskey and vanilla extract until evenly mixed. The cream should be fluffy and smooth.
4. Assemble the tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee soak—just a second or two per side; don’t let them get soggy. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your dish (about 12 pieces). Spread half of the whiskey cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
5. Repeat layering: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the cream, then spread the remaining whiskey cream over this second layer. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
6. Chill and dust: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, sift a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top for that classic tiramisu finish.

Pro Tip: If your cream looks too loose, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before assembling. Also, be gentle when folding whipped cream into cream cheese—you want to keep it light and airy. That’s part of what makes this tiramisu so irresistible.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Getting the perfect Irish Coffee Tiramisu is all about balance and timing. I’ve learned a few things from my many attempts (and yes, a few spills and nearly soggy layers) that might help you nail it on your first try:

• Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers. They absorb liquid fast; a quick dip is enough. Too long and you’ll get a mushy mess instead of the ideal tender bite.
• Use room temperature cream cheese. It blends more smoothly with the whipped cream, avoiding lumps and giving a silky texture.
• Chill your mixing bowls and beaters. Cold equipment helps whip the cream faster and with better volume, which is key for that fluffy whiskey cream.
• Fold gently but thoroughly. You want to keep the air in the whipped cream but also fully mix the whiskey and cream cheese. A few folds too many and the cream can deflate; too few and it’s uneven.
• Patience pays off. Letting the tiramisu chill overnight lets flavors blend and the texture set perfectly—if you can wait that long, it’s worth it.

Honestly, the first time I made this, I forgot to chill the cream and ended up with a runnier filling. It still tasted good, but the texture was off. So, don’t skip that step. Also, keep your cocoa powder dusting light and even—too much can overwhelm the delicate flavors underneath.

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is pretty adaptable, so you can tweak it depending on your mood or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried or considered:

• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips between the layers for extra richness.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace Irish whiskey with a splash of vanilla extract and a dash of coffee liqueur syrup or simply more coffee for that warm flavor without the booze.
• Seasonal Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the coffee soak for a cozy autumn vibe. I did this last Thanksgiving, and it was a hit.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, plus gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake, to make this dessert vegan-friendly without sacrificing creaminess.

One personal favorite variation is adding a layer of freshly sliced bananas or caramelized pears between the cream and ladyfingers. It adds a surprising fruity note that pairs beautifully with the whiskey cream.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this tiramisu chilled straight from the fridge—the creaminess and coffee flavors are at their best when cold but not frozen. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa or even a few chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

It pairs wonderfully with a cup of black coffee or a glass of Irish whiskey to keep the theme going. For a brunch occasion, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Store leftover tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so it tastes even better the next day. If you want to freeze it, do so before dusting with cocoa powder and thaw in the fridge overnight. Re-dust with cocoa just before serving.

Reheating isn’t recommended since the creamy texture is best enjoyed cold, but if you must, let it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before digging in.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This dessert is rich and indulgent, but it includes some beneficial ingredients. Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Fat	22 g
Protein	5 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
Sugar	14 g

Key benefits come from the coffee and whiskey, both of which have been linked in moderation to some antioxidant properties. The cream cheese provides calcium and protein, though this is definitely a treat rather than a health food.

If you’re watching gluten or dairy, substitutions mentioned earlier can help tailor it to your needs. Just be mindful of the alcohol content if serving to younger guests or those avoiding alcohol.

Conclusion

This Perfect Irish Coffee Tiramisu with Whiskey Cream is one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration every time you make it. It’s rich but balanced, easy yet impressive, and just the right kind of boozy without being overpowering. I love how it combines the comfort of coffee and cream with the warmth of Irish whiskey, making it perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings.

Feel free to customize it with your favorite twists, whether that’s a hint of spice or a non-alcoholic version to share with everyone. I’d love to hear how you make it your own! So, if you try this recipe, please drop a comment below, share your variations, or tell me about your first bite experience. Let’s keep this cozy dessert tradition going strong.

Remember, great food is all about joy and connection—this tiramisu delivers both in every creamy, coffee-soaked bite.

FAQs

Can I make Irish Coffee Tiramisu ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld beautifully. Just cover tightly and refrigerate.

What can I substitute for ladyfingers?

You can use sponge cake slices or gluten-free ladyfingers if you have dietary restrictions. Just keep the dipping time short to avoid sogginess.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this tiramisu?

Yes, swap the Irish whiskey for extra vanilla extract and a splash of coffee syrup or just use strong coffee for soaking.

How long does this tiramisu last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to 3 days when properly covered. After that, the texture and flavor may start to decline.

Can I freeze Irish Coffee Tiramisu?

You can freeze it before dusting with cocoa powder. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add cocoa just before serving to keep it looking fresh.

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