Easy Olive Garden Tiramisu Recipe – Perfect for Any Occasion

If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you’ve likely encountered their legendary tiramisu— a decadent dessert that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

This classic Italian treat, featuring delicate layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone filling, has become a signature offering at the restaurant.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, Olive Garden’s tiramisu is the perfect ending to any meal.

But did you know that you can easily recreate this iconic dessert at home? With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can bring the rich, velvety taste of Olive Garden’s tiramisu straight to your kitchen.

In this recipe guide, we’ll walk you through how to make this fan-favorite dessert from scratch, bringing the flavors of Italy right to your doorstep.

What Makes Olive Garden Tiramisu Special?

There’s something about Olive Garden’s tiramisu that sets it apart from many others. It’s not just a simple dessert— it’s an experience. The balance of flavors and textures makes each bite truly irresistible.

Here’s what makes their tiramisu stand out:

Perfectly Balanced Coffee and Cream Layers

Olive Garden’s tiramisu excels because of the balance between its coffee-soaked ladyfingers and the creamy mascarpone filling.

The ladyfingers are dipped just enough to absorb the coffee flavor without becoming overly soggy, creating the ideal texture. Meanwhile, the mascarpone filling is light yet rich, with a smooth, velvety finish that complements the coffee’s boldness.

The flavor profile is refined, neither too sweet nor too strong— it’s a beautiful harmony of bitter, creamy, and sweet.

Signature Mascarpone Cream

What sets Olive Garden’s tiramisu apart from others is the mascarpone cream filling. It’s rich but not heavy, with a silky texture that melts in your mouth.

This creamy layer is made from a combination of mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, and powdered sugar— a simple yet luxurious base that adds depth and sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors.

The addition of vanilla extract brings a hint of warmth to the mix, creating an even more decadent experience.

A Touch of Liquor for Extra Flavor

While some recipes skip it, Olive Garden adds a splash of Marsala wine or rum to the coffee mixture, giving their tiramisu an extra layer of complexity.

This subtle touch of liquor infuses the dessert with an additional depth of flavor, without overpowering the delicate balance of coffee and cream.

Presentation and Texture

Beyond flavor, Olive Garden’s tiramisu is known for its smooth, perfect layers. The dessert is carefully assembled to showcase its beautiful structure, with the lightness of the mascarpone filling and the boldness of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers clearly visible.

A dusting of cocoa powder on top adds the finishing touch, giving it an elegant appearance that’s just as satisfying to look at as it is to eat.

In essence, Olive Garden’s tiramisu is special because it nails the balance between rich flavors, smooth textures, and a bit of indulgence, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate the iconic Olive Garden tiramisu, you don’t need any fancy ingredients— just a handful of simple, quality components.

Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this delicious dessert:

For the Tiramisu Layers:

• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi Biscuits): These delicate cookies are key to tiramisu’s texture. They’re light, airy, and perfect for soaking up the coffee mixture without falling apart.
• Strong Brewed Coffee or Espresso: The coffee is the heart of this dessert, infusing the ladyfingers with rich flavor. You’ll want it freshly brewed and strong for the best results.
• Rum or Marsala Wine (Optional): While not essential, a splash of rum or Marsala wine adds an extra layer of depth to the coffee mixture, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a touch of sugar to sweeten the coffee mixture.

For the Creamy Filling:

• Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy Italian cheese is the cornerstone of tiramisu’s luxurious texture. It’s rich, smooth, and slightly tangy, perfectly complementing the coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
• Heavy Cream or Whipping Cream: Whipped cream adds the necessary lightness to the mascarpone, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Used to sweeten the cream filling without affecting its smoothness.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the cream, adding a warm, fragrant note.
• Egg Yolks (Optional): For a more traditional flavor, some tiramisu recipes include egg yolks to create a richer custard base. You can skip this step if you prefer a simpler version.

For the Final Touch:

• Cocoa Powder: Used to dust the top of the tiramisu for a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet and creamy layers.
• Chocolate Shavings (Optional): For a decorative touch, and extra flavor, chocolate shavings can be sprinkled on top before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Olive Garden’s tiramisu at home is simple— just follow these clear steps and you’ll be enjoying this delicious dessert in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture

Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee or espresso. You’ll need about 2 cups of coffee for the recipe. Once brewed, let the coffee cool slightly to prevent the ladyfingers from becoming too soggy.

If you’re using rum or Marsala wine, add a splash to the coffee mixture for an extra flavor boost. Set the coffee mixture aside.

Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will give the cream structure and lightness.

In another bowl, blend the mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, combining them until the filling is light, fluffy, and smooth.

Optional Step (Egg Yolk Version): If you’re using egg yolks for a richer custard flavor, whisk them with a small amount of sugar until they become pale and thick. Then, fold them into the mascarpone cream mixture before adding the whipped cream.

Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture. Do not soak them for too long— just a brief dip on each side is enough to absorb the coffee without making them too soggy. Lay the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar size.

Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula to create an even layer.

Repeat the process by dipping another layer of ladyfingers and layering them on top of the cream. Top with the remaining mascarpone cream mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Let the Tiramisu Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder to give it that signature look. If desired, sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the top for added flair and flavor. Slice the tiramisu into squares and serve chilled.

Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden-style tiramisu with a cup of coffee or as a delightful end to any meal!

Tips for the Perfect Olive Garden Tiramisu

To ensure your Olive Garden-inspired tiramisu turns out as delicious as the restaurant version, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

Use Fresh, Strong Coffee

The coffee flavor is the foundation of tiramisu. To achieve the rich, bold taste that Olive Garden’s tiramisu is known for, brew a fresh pot of strong coffee or espresso.

Avoid using instant coffee, as it lacks the depth of flavor needed for this dessert. The stronger the coffee, the more pronounced the flavor will be in the final dish.

Don’t Over-Dip the Ladyfingers

When dipping the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture, it’s essential to do so quickly. If you leave them in the coffee for too long, they’ll become too soggy and lose their structure.

A quick dip—about 1 to 2 seconds per side—is enough to achieve the perfect balance of softness and structure.

Use High-Quality Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone cheese is the key ingredient in the cream filling, so don’t skimp on quality. Look for authentic Italian mascarpone cheese, which will give your tiramisu that rich, smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor that’s characteristic of the dish. Avoid using cream cheese or other substitutes, as they won’t provide the same luxurious result.

Allow Enough Time to Set

Tiramisu needs time to fully set and develop its flavors. While 4 hours of chilling will do the trick, letting it sit overnight in the fridge will result in even better flavor.

The longer the dessert has to rest, the more the coffee and cream layers meld together, creating the perfect balance of flavors.

Customize the Liquor

While rum or Marsala wine is often used in tiramisu for a bit of extra flavor, you can experiment with other liquors, such as coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or amaretto, for a unique twist.

Just be mindful not to overpower the coffee flavor with too much alcohol.

Garnish for the Perfect Finish

A light dusting of cocoa powder is traditional, but feel free to add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or grated dark chocolate for extra texture and visual appeal.

These finishing touches enhance the presentation and flavor, making your tiramisu feel even more indulgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making tiramisu is relatively simple, there are a few pitfalls that could prevent you from achieving that perfect dessert.

Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Over-Soaking the Ladyfingers

It’s tempting to soak the ladyfingers for longer to make sure they’re fully saturated with coffee, but this is a mistake.

If they’re soaked for too long, they’ll become mushy and cause the tiramisu to lose its signature layered texture. Remember, a quick dip—just enough to moisten them—is all you need.

2. Skipping the Chilling Time

Tiramisu must be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, but ideally, you should let it sit overnight. Skipping the chilling time can result in a runny filling and less-than-ideal flavor.

The dessert needs time to set properly, allowing the layers to firm up and the flavors to fully develop.

3. Using Low-Fat Substitutes

While it may be tempting to use low-fat mascarpone or whipped cream to make the dessert lighter, this will affect the texture and richness of the tiramisu.

For the best result, stick with full-fat mascarpone and heavy cream, which provide the indulgent, creamy texture that makes tiramisu so delicious.

4. Using Too Much Alcohol

While adding liquor like Marsala wine or rum enhances the flavor, too much can easily overpower the delicate coffee and cream layers. A small splash is all you need to elevate the dessert without taking away from its signature taste.

5. Not Layering Properly

Tiramisu’s charm lies in its beautifully structured layers. If the layers of ladyfingers and cream are not assembled evenly, the dessert may lose its visual appeal and texture.

Be sure to spread the cream layer smoothly over the ladyfingers and make each layer even and consistent.

6. Not Using Fresh Ingredients

Mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and coffee should all be fresh to create the best flavor and texture. Using pre-packaged or stale ingredients can lead to a disappointing tiramisu.

Fresh ingredients ensure a light, creamy filling and rich coffee flavor that’s essential to a great tiramisu.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Olive Garden Tiramisu

Recreating the classic Olive Garden tiramisu at home is easier than you might think, and the results are truly worth it.

With its rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and smooth mascarpone cream, this dessert is sure to impress your friends and family.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, this recipe brings the same delicious flavor and elegance you’d expect from Olive Garden— but without leaving your kitchen.

By following the step-by-step instructions, using high-quality ingredients, and allowing enough time for the flavors to develop, you’ll enjoy a homemade tiramisu that rivals the restaurant’s version.

So go ahead, indulge in this irresistible dessert, and experience the joy of having Olive Garden tiramisu right at your fingertips!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this tiramisu recipe without eggs?

Yes, you can absolutely make a no-egg version of tiramisu. The traditional recipe uses egg yolks for a custard-like consistency, but you can skip them and still achieve a delicious, creamy filling.

Simply use mascarpone, whipped cream, and powdered sugar to create the filling.

2. How long should I let the tiramisu chill in the fridge?

For the best results, refrigerate your tiramisu for at least 4 hours. However, if you can let it chill overnight, the flavors will be even better, and the dessert will set to the perfect consistency.

3. Can I make Olive Garden tiramisu gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of tiramisu by substituting regular ladyfingers with gluten-free ladyfingers. Just make sure the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free, such as the mascarpone and whipped cream.

4. What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

While mascarpone cheese is the traditional choice for tiramisu, if you can’t find it, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream. The flavor and texture may not be exactly the same, but it will still create a creamy filling.

5. Can I freeze tiramisu?

Tiramisu can be frozen, but it’s best to consume it within a month. When freezing, make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To serve, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before enjoying.