Olive Garden Tiramisu is creamy, luscious, and downright delish!! If you tried it at the restaurant and totally loved it, you’re going to want to try this copycat recipe ASAP! Made with a mascarpone custard, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and topped with a cocoa powder dusting, this Olive Garden tiramisu recipe is a gourmet dessert option that’s sure to please!
Olive Garden Tiramisu
I have an enormous collection of tiramisu recipes up on the site for a reason — I can’t get enough of this Italian dessert!
I just counted, and it looks like this is my 10th variation. And I’ve got a soft spot for each and every one!
From this classic (and easy!) recipe, Tiramisu Cookies, brownies, and cake to more unique variations like strawberry shortcake and a Drunken Chocolate Covered Grasshopper Tiramisu, there are so many recipes to choose from!
I’ve also got quite a penchant for Olive Garden. Now, it’s not like I eat there once a week or anything, but I do enjoy going on special occasions and date nights.
This Olive Garden tiramisu recipe combines my love for tiramisu and the Italian restaurant.
It’s super easy to make — whip up a batch when you’ve got a craving but don’t feel like leaving the house!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Mascarpone Cheese – Creamy, mild, and a little bit sweet, mascarpone is perfect for this tiramisu Olive Garden recipe.
If you can’t find it, a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream is a good substitute!
- Granulated Sugar – Needed for the mascarpone custard layer. The sweetness balances out the intensity of the espresso.
- Egg Yolks – Yup, all you need are the yolks. Save those whites for breakfast tomorrow! For a lighter custard, use a custard powder or pudding mix instead.
- Heavy Cream – The final creamy component of the custard.
I don’t recommend substituting it with milk… but you could use half & half in a crunch, though the texture won’t be as creamy.
- Espresso Powder – You should be able to find espresso powder at the supermarket, but if you can’t you can make a pot of strongly brewed coffee instead.
Or, mix instant coffee with some hot water!
- Coffee Liqueur – Optional, but definitely adds another layer of coffee flavor.
That said, this is a no-bake recipe, so you will want to skip this ingredient if you plan to enjoy this Olive Garden tiramisu with kids.
For an alcohol-free version with plenty of flavor, use a coffee-flavored syrup instead!
- Ladyfingers – Form the bottom layer of this tiramisu by Olive Garden.
If you can’t find them, sponge cake or angel food cake cut into strips can be used as an alternative.
- Cocoa Powder – Opt for sweetened cocoa powder for your chocolate dusting, as unsweetened is too bitter.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Perfect Olive Garden Tiramisu Recipe
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
It will take a bit of forethought, but I can’t say enough good things about using room temperature ingredients to make my copycat Olive Garden tiramisu.
Room temp eggs and mascarpone will give you an extra creamy texture, and the sugar and egg yolk mixture will stabilize more easily.
The ladyfingers absorb coffee better, and the chilling step will take a little less time.
As you can see, it’s worth it!
- Work as quickly as possible.
Especially when it comes to dipping the ladyfingers in the espresso mixture! If you leave them in for too long they’ll absorb too much liquid and go soggy.
You want the cookies to be moist, not mushy for Olive Garden Tiramisu. Otherwise, the entire dessert will be filled with far too much liquid.
- Don’t rush the chilling time!
When making this tiramisu Olive Garden recipe, you must let the dessert chill for at least 4 hours, though longer is always preferable!
Time in the fridge not only helps the no bake dessert set, but it also allows the flavors to really meld together.
Be patient and aim to let it sit overnight. It’s definitely worth the wait!
Prep Ahead
- Make the espresso mixture so it has time to cool
- Separate the egg yolks
- Sift the cocoa powder to remove lumps
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them. With 3 sizes, there is a whisk for every job!
- Sieve – Great for straining liquid or sifting dry ingredients to prevent clumps. You can even use it to dust the cocoa powder over your Olive Garden tiramisu!
- 9×13 Baking Dish – This set is one of my favorites! It comes with a lid for easy storage and is great for casseroles too.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra ounce of sophistication, garnish your Olive Garden tiramisu with chocolate shavings or a few espresso beans.
I also love serving this in individual cups or glasses for a more elegant presentation when I have guests over. It feels so fancy!
You could also add a layer of chocolate ganache, or mix some cocoa powder into the mascarpone custard for a chocolaty twist.
If you are okay with using liqueur, I’ve also made it with Amaretto or Frangelico for a more unique flavor.
Storing and Freezing Tiramisu by Olive Garden
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and aim to eat them within about 2-3 days.
For longer storage, Olie Garden tiramisu freezes well! Tightly wrap individual servings in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
You could also freeze the entire pan if you’d like. Simply assemble the tiramisu in a freezer-safe container, wrap in plastic wrap aluminum foil, and freeze.
Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before eating, and top with cocoa powder just before serving.
Olive Garden Tiramisu FAQ
Does Olive Garden make its own tiramisu?
I looked into it and found that Olive Garden does not make its tiramisu in-house these days. They have expanded so much since the 1990s, so it makes sense that their chefs don’t have time to make all of the desserts on the menu.
Today, their desserts come from third-party vendors. All the more reason to make this copycat recipe — you’ll know exactly what’s in it!
Can I make copycat Olive Garden tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This Olive Garden tiramisu recipe is a great make-ahead dessert. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Why isn’t my tiramisu setting?
You likely didn’t chill it for long enough! Make sure to leave it to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
I prefer overnight chilling, but if you don’t have time, several hours in the refrigerator will work.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Olive Garden Copycat Recipes
Olive Garden Tiramisu
Donna Elick
Olive Garden Tiramisu is so easy to make at home! Use my copycat recipe to create an indulgent dessert that bursting with coffee flavor!
5 stars from 3 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Method No Bake
Servings 8 -10
Ingredients
Custard:
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Espresso Soak:
- 2 3/4 cups hot water
- ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur, optional
Other Ingredients:
- 18-22 ladyfingers
- sweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
Prepare the Mascarpone Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until they turn light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the egg mixture.
Add the mascarpone cheese to the mixture and fold gently until well combined and smooth. Avoid over-mixing.
Espresso Soak: Stir to combine the hot water and espresso powder, allow to cool. Combine the cooled espresso with the coffee liqueur in a shallow dish.
Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture. Do not soak them – just a quick dip is enough.
Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish or a similar-sized serving dish.
Repeat with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers on top of the previous layer. Spread the mascarpone custard over the ladyfingers in an even layer.
Chill and Serve: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Before serving, dust the top generously with sweetened cocoa powder. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Donna’s Notes
1. Storage Tips:
– Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days.
– For longer storage, tightly wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze. It can be frozen for up to one month.
2. Freezing Instructions:
– To freeze, assemble the tiramisu in a freezer-safe container. Wrap the container in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
– To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add the cocoa powder topping just before serving.
3. Substitutions:
– Mascarpone Cheese: If you can’t find mascarpone, a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream can be used as a substitute.
– Espresso Powder: Strongly brewed coffee or a mix of instant coffee and hot water can be used if espresso powder is not available.
– Egg Yolks: For a lighter custard, use a custard powder or pudding mix as an alternative.
– Ladyfingers: If you can’t find ladyfingers, sponge cake or angel food cake cut into strips can be used.
4. Tips for Making the Best Tiramisu:
– Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
– When dipping ladyfingers in the espresso mixture, do it quickly to prevent them from getting too soggy.
– For an alcohol-free version, skip the coffee liqueur or replace it with a coffee-flavored syrup.
5. Serving Suggestions:
– For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or a few coffee beans.
– Serve in individual cups or glasses for a more elegant presentation.
6. Make-Ahead Tip:
– Tiramisu is a great make-ahead dessert. It tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
7. Variations:
– Add a layer of chocolate ganache or mix some cocoa powder into the custard for a chocolatey twist.
– Experiment with different liqueurs like Amaretto or Frangelico for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 490cal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 191mg | Sodium: 79mg | Sugar: 15g | Fiber: 0.2g | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 2mg
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Originally published January 2024
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