If you adore the classic tiramisu but crave a playful twist packed with crunchy chocolate cookies and creamy decadence, this Oreo Tiramisu Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine velvety mascarpone layered perfectly with espresso-soaked Oreos, creating a luscious, no-bake dessert that’s as impressive as it is irresistible. It fuses Italian tradition with everyone’s favorite cookie for a show-stopping sweet that’s perfect for sharing or treating yourself when you want something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Oreo Tiramisu Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, from the rich mascarpone to the bold espresso soaking the cookies. Though simple, these components blend beautifully to create a dessert that’s both creamy and delightfully crunchy.
- 6 large egg yolks: Provide richness and help create the silky custard base.
- ½ cup superfine sugar: Sweetens the custard smoothly without graininess.
- 2 cups espresso powder: Adds a bold coffee flavor essential for that authentic tiramisu kick.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the creaminess with warm, sweet notes.
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temperature): The star ingredient for that signature luxurious texture.
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to medium peaks, it lightens the custard for a fluffy finish.
- 32 regular whole Oreo cookies: Act as the perfect coffee-soaked biscuit substitute, adding a playful crunch.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa (for dusting): Adds a bitter contrast and elegant finish on top.
How to Make Oreo Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Custard
Start by combining the egg yolks and superfine sugar in a glass bowl set over gently simmering water. Whisk continuously for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture reaches 160°F (70°C) and the sugar dissolves, creating a safe, smooth custard base that’s the heart of your dessert’s lusciousness.
Step 2: Whip the Mascarpone with Vanilla
Meanwhile, soften that mascarpone cheese by whipping it with the vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Then gently incorporate your warm custard mixture, folding to combine without deflating the rich texture you’ve just created.
Step 3: Whip the Cream and Combine
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to medium peaks. This means the cream holds its shape but is still soft enough to fold easily. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone custard mixture—this step is key to a light, airy tiramisu that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Quickly Dip the Oreos
Pour your espresso powder into a medium shallow bowl for easy dipping. Lightly dunk each Oreo cookie once on each side, just enough to absorb flavor but not enough to turn soggy and fall apart. Arrange the soaked Oreos in a single layer inside an 8-inch square pan to form the base layer.
Step 5: Layer Your Tiramisu
Spread half of your creamy custard over the first Oreo layer, then add another layer of dipped Oreos on top. Finish by evenly spreading the remaining custard mixture on top, creating those irresistible layers you’ll love digging into.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Cover your assembled Oreo Tiramisu Recipe with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This rest time allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set into the perfect sliceable texture.
Step 7: Finish with a Dusting of Cocoa
Right before serving, use a fine-mesh strainer to dust a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top. This not only adds a sophisticated look but balances sweetness with a touch of bittersweet depth.
How to Serve Oreo Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
A few Oreo crumbs scattered on top or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the presentation and add delightful texture contrasts. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkling of chocolate chips also work beautifully to give your tiramisu that extra pop of color and flavor interest.
Side Dishes
Since this Oreo Tiramisu Recipe is quite a rich dessert, pairing it with light fruit salads or citrus sorbets can keep things balanced. Alternatively, serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a bold red wine to complement the coffee and cocoa notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try making individual servings in clear glasses or mason jars so the beautiful layers are visible. You can also create Oreo tiramisu parfaits by layering broken cookie pieces with custard and cream for a playful and portable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Oreo Tiramisu Recipe will keep beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and the texture stays moist and dreamy, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for the best texture. If you need to freeze leftovers, cover tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, but expect the cookie layer to lose some crispness.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, just take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to let it soften slightly for the ultimate creamy experience.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought espresso instead of espresso powder?
For this Oreo Tiramisu Recipe, espresso powder works best because it dissolves quickly and delivers intense coffee flavor. Strong brewed espresso can be used but reduce the liquid when dipping Oreos to avoid sogginess.
Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?
The eggs are tempered by cooking gently over simmering water until they reach 160°F (70°C), which pasteurizes them and makes the custard safe while maintaining that silky texture.
Can I substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese?
While cream cheese can be used in a pinch, mascarpone has a unique creamy and slightly sweet flavor that’s essential to the authentic tiramisu experience, especially in this Oreo Tiramisu Recipe.
How long should I soak the Oreos in espresso?
Just a quick dip on each side is perfect—no more than a second or two per side. This prevents the Oreos from falling apart while still absorbing that rich coffee flavor.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
This classic Oreo Tiramisu Recipe relies on mascarpone and heavy cream, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream alternatives and egg replacers if needed, keeping in mind the texture and flavor will be different.
Final Thoughts
This Oreo Tiramisu Recipe is one of those delightful desserts that brings everyone together with smiles, sharing spoonfuls of creamy, coffee-infused goodness punctuated by crunchy Oreos. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight yet elegant enough for special occasions. If you love dessert adventures that combine tradition with a fun twist, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover it sooner!
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Oreo Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
A decadent and creamy Oreo Tiramisu that combines the classic Italian dessert with the beloved crunchy, chocolatey Oreo cookies. This no-bake tiramisu features layers of coffee-dipped Oreos and a luscious mascarpone custard, chilled to perfection and dusted with cocoa powder for an irresistible treat perfect for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Custard Cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- ½ cup superfine sugar
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Assembly
- 2 cups espresso powder (cooled to room temperature for dipping)
- 32 regular whole Oreo cookies (one 13.29 ounce/377 g package)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture: In a glass bowl, combine the 6 large egg yolks with ½ cup superfine sugar. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water without allowing the bottom of the bowl to touch the water, and whisk constantly for 8-10 minutes until the mixture reaches 160°F (70°C) and the sugar has fully dissolved. This step pasteurizes the eggs for safety. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip 16 ounces of room temperature mascarpone cheese with 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the warm egg yolk mixture until fully combined and set aside.
- Whip the Cream: In another bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until medium peaks form (soft, not stiff). Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone and egg yolk mixture, being careful not to overmix, so the custard stays light and airy.
- Dip Oreo Cookies: Pour the cooled espresso powder into a medium shallow bowl. Quickly dip each Oreo cookie once on each side—do not soak—to avoid sogginess or breaking. Immediately arrange a single layer of dipped Oreos in the bottom of an 8-inch square pan.
- Layer the Tiramisu: Spread half of the mascarpone custard cream over the first Oreo layer. Add another layer of dipped Oreos on top, followed by the remaining custard cream, spreading evenly to cover.
- Chill: Cover the assembled tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the custard to set.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh strainer. Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso or a strong coffee for dipping for the best flavor.
- Do not over-soak the Oreo cookies to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- The egg yolk mixture is heated gently to 160°F to safely consume due to pasteurization.
- This dessert is best made a day ahead to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Ensure mascarpone cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing and a creamy texture.
- Medium peaks in whipped cream mean the peaks stand but curl over slightly when you lift the whisk.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-American
