Perfectly Creamy Tiramisu Latte

I’ve got to be honest with you right from the start: this tiramisu latte might be one of the coziest things I’ve ever made at home. Every time I sip it, I get that same little spark of joy I feel when I dig into a real slice of tiramisu—creamy, coffee-forward, a little sweet, and just indulgent enough to make an ordinary day feel like a treat.

Before you worry, no—you don’t need barista-level skills or a fancy espresso machine to pull this off. This is the kind of recipe where you and I are in the kitchen together, messing around with warm milk, espresso, mascarpone, and a cozy dusting of cocoa powder. It’s simple, comforting, and honestly? It tastes like a hug with caffeine.

What Is a Tiramisu Latte?

A tiramisu latte is exactly what it sounds like—your favorite latte infused with the flavors of classic tiramisu. Think espresso, vanilla, mascarpone, a touch of cocoa, and a hint of sweetness all frothed together into a silky drink. It’s warm, creamy, and tastes like a mashup of dessert and coffee in the best way possible.

Why This Recipe Feels Special

I think this recipe stands out because it hits that perfect balance between indulgent and doable. Sometimes dessert-inspired drinks are overly sweet or have too many steps, but this one gives you the tiramisu experience without feeling heavy or complicated. You get the layered flavors—coffee, cocoa, mascarpone cream—without the fuss of assembling a whole dessert.

Plus, making it at home means you can adjust everything to your taste: more espresso? do it. Less sweetness? easy. Extra creamy? I won’t stop you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You can make it with basic kitchen tools

• It tastes like tiramisu without being overly sweet

• It’s customizable—more coffee, more cream, your call

• It’s cozy enough for winter but fancy enough for guests

• It uses simple ingredients you probably already have

• It’s faster than brewing a dramatic apology text

Tools You’ll Need

• Milk frother or handheld whisk

Helps create that creamy foam layer. If you’ve got a frother, great. If not, a whisk and enthusiasm work too.

• Heat-safe mug

You want something roomy enough for the latte and foam.

• Small saucepan

For warming up the milk mixture gently without scorching it.

• Spoon

For stirring and scooping the mascarpone.

Ingredients (US + Metric)

• 1 shot espresso or 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee (60 ml)

Coffee is the backbone here. Strong coffee works perfectly if you don’t have espresso.

• 3/4 cup milk (180 ml)

Whole milk makes it creamy, but any milk works.

• 1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese (15 g)

This gives the drink that tiramisu creaminess.

• 1 tablespoon sugar or simple syrup (12 g)

Sweeten to taste. You’re in control here.

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (1.25 ml)

Adds warmth and depth.

• Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Finishes the drink with that classic tiramisu touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Froth the milk
2. Warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. You want it hot but not simmering. Remove from heat and froth using a frother or whisk until foamy. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—foam is forgiving.
3. Combine the mascarpone and sugar
4. In your mug, mix the mascarpone and sugar until smooth. If it looks slightly lumpy, keep stirring. It blends beautifully once the warm milk hits it.
5. Add vanilla
6. Stir in the vanilla. This honestly wakes up the whole drink.
7. Pour in the espresso
8. Add your espresso or strong coffee directly into the creamy mixture. You’ll see it swirl and melt together.
9. Add the frothed milk
10. Pour the milk in slowly, holding back the foam with a spoon. Once the mug is filled, spoon the foam on top.
11. Dust with cocoa
12. A little cocoa powder on top ties the whole tiramisu vibe together. It smells incredible.
13. Sip and enjoy
14. Take your first sip while it’s hot. Trust me, this one hits different.

Serving Ideas

• Pair it with biscotti or buttery shortbread

• Add whipped cream on top for extra richness

• Serve it in a clear glass mug so you can see the layers

• Enjoy it during brunch, dessert, or your “me time” moment

Variations & Customizations

• Ice it

Make the coffee cold, use cold milk, skip the saucepan, and shake everything in a jar.

• Mocha version

Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder when mixing mascarpone and sugar.

• Stronger coffee flavor

Double the espresso—always acceptable.

• No mascarpone?

Use half-and-half with a tiny pinch of cream cheese. Not traditional, but surprisingly good.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• You can mix the mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Milk and espresso should be made fresh for best flavor.

• Foam won’t hold if stored, so froth right before serving.

Pro Tips (Like I’m Whispering Them to You in the Kitchen)

• Don’t overheat the milk—it changes the flavor. Warm is enough.

• Mascarpone blends easier when it’s at room temperature.

• If your espresso tastes too bitter, add a pinch of salt. It sounds weird, but it works.

• Dust the cocoa lightly; too much can make the first sip chalky.

• Use fresh coffee. Old coffee tastes like regret.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Heating the milk too hot (it can curdle the mascarpone)

• Using too much cocoa on top

• Over-sweetening the drink

• Skipping the vanilla—it’s tiny but mighty

Recipe Details

Yield: 1 latte

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Total time: 10 minutes

Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)

Calories: 180

Fat: 9 g

Protein: 6 g

Carbs: 18 g

Sugar: 15 g

Caffeine: around 70–100 mg depending on coffee strength

If you make this tiramisu latte, I’d honestly love to hear how it went for you. Play around with it, tweak it, make it your own, then come back and tell me what you changed. And if you share it with someone else, even better—good drinks are meant to be passed around.