If you’re a fan of classic Italian dessert tiramisu, get ready to fall in love with its liquid cousin: the tiramisu latte. This coffee captures the rich, creamy flavors of tiramisu and combines them with the comforting warmth of a latte.
A tiramisu latte is both a sweet treat and a caffeine boost. It’s perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a coffee novice, I’ve got a straightforward recipe. Here’s how you can make this delicious coffee drink in a few simple steps.
Ingredient Notes
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of making your tiramisu latte, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this drink so special:
- Espresso: The foundation of any latte, espresso gives it a robust coffee flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the tiramisu latte a rich and creamy texture, but you can use any milk or milk alternative based on your preference.
- Mascarpone Cheese: The star ingredient that gives tiramisu its signature creamy texture.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar sweetens the drink. Adjust the amount based on your taste.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
- Cocoa Powder: For that classic tiramisu finish, a dusting of cocoa powder on top is essential.
- Kahlua (optional): For an adult version of the tiramisu latte, a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlua adds a delicious twist.
Tiramisu Latte Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Bew Espresso
The first step is to brew a shot (or two) of espresso. Espresso is the foundation of any good latte, as it provides that rich coffee flavor. Plus, it pairs well with all the other sweet ingredients and balances them out.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a stovetop Moka pot or a French press to make strong coffee.
Pro tip: If you want a more intense coffee flavor, go for two shots of espresso.
2. Heat the Milk
Use a milk frother to froth the milk to get that foamy consistency typical of a latte. If you don’t have a milk frother, heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
You want to warm the milk until it’s hot but not boiling, which creates a smooth and creamy texture.
3. Mix in the Mascarpone and Sugar
While the milk is heating, take a separate bowl and whisk together the mascarpone cheese and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Mascarpone cheese is a key ingredient in traditional tiramisu, and it gives the latte a velvety richness that sets this drink apart from a regular latte.
Once the milk is hot, add the mascarpone mixture to the saucepan and stir until it’s fully combined and smooth. The heat will help melt the mascarpone, and you’ll have a rich, creamy milk base for your latte.
4. Add the Espresso
Pour the hot espresso into a large mug. The bold flavor of the espresso will serve as the backbone of your tiramisu latte.
5. Combine and Froth
Slowly pour the milk and mascarpone mixture into the mug with the espresso. This is where the flavors start to meld together.
If you’re using a frother, froth the combined mixture until it’s creamy and foamy. The frothing process improves the texture of the latte and helps mix the flavors thoroughly.
If you don’t have a frother, you can whisk the mixture vigorously or use an immersion blender to get a similar effect.
6. Flavor It Up
Add a dash of vanilla extract to the mug and stir gently. The vanilla extract adds a layer of depth and warmth to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste of the latte.
Note: Be careful not to add too much, as a little vanilla goes a long way.
7. Top It Off
To finish off your tiramisu latte, dust the top with cocoa powder. This adds a touch of bitterness that complements the sweetness of the drink but also mimics the classic topping of a traditional tiramisu.
If you’re making an adult version of the latte, you can add a splash of Kahlua before dusting it with cocoa powder. The coffee liqueur adds a rich, boozy element that pairs great with the espresso and mascarpone.
Check out more coffee recipes:
- 19 Best Summer Coffee Drinks
- Iced Coffee with Ice Cream Recipe
- Oreo Iced Coffee Recipe
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso Recipe
Variations
There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Non-Dairy Version: Substitute whole milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use a vegan cream cheese in place of mascarpone.
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind stevia is sweeter than sugar, so you’ll need to use less.
- Spiced Tiramisu Latte: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced twist. Sprinkle a small amount of your chosen spice into the milk mixture as it heats, or dust the top of the finished latte with the spice in addition to the cocoa powder.
- Iced Tiramisu Latte: Prepare the espresso and milk mixture as usual, then let it cool. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the cooled espresso over the ice, then add the cooled milk mixture.
- Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated espresso or coffee if you’re avoiding caffeine.
Tiramisu Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 shot Espresso (or 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee)
- 1 cup Whole milk (or any milk alternative)
- 1 tbsp Mascarpone cheese
- 1-2 tsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- 1 tbsp Kahlua (optional)
Instructions
- Brew a shot of espresso or a small cup of strong coffee.
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling.
- Whisk together mascarpone cheese and sugar in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the mascarpone mixture to the hot milk, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Pour the espresso into a large mug.
- Add the milk mixture to the espresso and froth until creamy.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Dust with cocoa powder and add a splash of Kahlua if using.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
- For a frothier latte, use a milk frother.
- Experiment with different types of milk to find your preferred taste and texture.
