Olive Garden Tiramisu (Copycat)

When I think of having dessert in Italy, I think of tiramisu. Tiramisu literally translates to “pick me up” in Italian!

This dessert consists of coffee and amaretto soaked ladyfingers under a sweet and smooth custard, all dusted with earthy and chocolatey cocoa powder.

It truly is one of the most decadent and delicious desserts I have ever tasted. This recipe is the Olive Garden copycat. I think it’s just as pretty and tasty, if I do say so myself!

Tiramisu is quite the crowd-pleaser and would be the perfect dessert for an Italian-themed dinner. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For this recipe, you will need an 8″ x 8″ baking dish, a stand or hand mixer, a medium saucepan, and a small mixing bowl. 

What Is Mascarpone?

Mascarpone cheese is a triple cream cheese made from fresh cream. It’s sweeter and less dense than cream cheese, and it’s much smoother than ricotta. It is commonly used in many sweet and savory Italian dishes. 

Does Tiramisu Have Alcohol?

Yes, traditional tiramisu has alcohol, whether you are using amaretto or Kahlua, but it can be omitted if you want it to be alcohol-free.

What Is The Difference Between Caster Sugar And Granulated Sugar?

Caster sugar is a finer grain size than granulated sugar. It dissolves easier when making things like meringues, mouses, and desserts like tiramisu!

If you only have granulated sugar on hand, you can still use it for this recipe. However, you might have to whisk the egg yolks and sugar a bit longer than normal. 

What Coffee Should I Use?

When you are making tiramisu, you want to make sure that you are using a good quality espresso, since the flavor really comes through.

Go to any local coffee shop and have them grind up some fresh espresso beans for you to make at home if you can! Brewing a cup of espresso blend coffee will also work.

Where Do I Find Ladyfingers?

I bought my ladyfingers at my local grocery store, but they can be easily found at most grocery stores in the cookie section.

What Kind Of Cocoa Powder Is Best?

Anything from regular dutch processed cocoa to raw cacao will work for this recipe.

How To Make Olive Garden Tiramisu

Step 1

Assemble your ingredients.

To make the custard, fill a medium saucepan with 1.5 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer. 

Add the egg yolks and half of the caster sugar to a small mixing bowl. 

Step 2

Place the bowl over the simmering water, and whisk until it becomes light and fluffy, about 5-10 minutes. Be sure not to let the bowl actually touch the water or else the eggs will cook too much. 

Step 3

Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer if you do not have one), whisk the heavy whipping cream and the rest of the caster sugar until soft peaks start to form. Now add the mascarpone cheese and keep whisking until combined. 

Fold in the egg yolk and sugar mix into the mixture. Use a spatula and gently fold until you have a smooth custard. 

Step 4

Make the espresso/coffee and let cool. 

In a shallow bowl or container, pour in the cooled espresso, amaretto, and vanilla.

Dust an 8×8 baking dish with half of the cocoa powder. Now dip the ladyfingers in the espresso mixture and layer them in the dish. You can also brush the espresso on the ladyfingers with a brush if they are too soft and breaking. 

Step 5

Once you have two layers of ladyfingers in your dish, pour the custard on top. Dust with cocoa powder.

Step 6

Let the tiramisu set in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. 

Serve and enjoy!

Continue to Content

Olive Garden Tiramisu (Copycat)

Yield: 9

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

This iconic dessert from Olive Garden is going to a be surefire hit next time you have any friends or family over!

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Ingredients

For the custard

• 5 egg yolks
• ¾ cup caster sugar
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese

For the tiramisu

• 1 cup good quality espresso/coffee
• 2 tbsp amaretto
• 24 lady fingers
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

1. To make the custard, fill a medium saucepan with 1.5 inches of water. Bring the water to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer. 
2. Add the egg yolks and half of the caster sugar to a small mixing bowl. Place the bowl over the simmering water, and whisk until it becomes light and fluffy, about 5-10 minutes. Be sure not to let the bowl actually touch the water or else the eggs will cook too much. 
3. Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer if you do not have one), whisk the heavy whipping cream and the rest of the caster sugar until soft peaks start to form. Now add the mascarpone cheese and keep whisking until combined. 
4. Fold in the egg yolk and sugar mix into the mixture. Use a spatula and gently fold until you have a smooth custard. 
5. Make the espresso/coffee and let cool. 
6. In a shallow bowl or container, pour in the cooled espresso, amaretto, and vanilla.
7. Dust an 8x8 baking dish with half of the cocoa powder. Now dip the ladyfingers in the espresso mixture and layer them in the dish. You can also brush the espresso on the ladyfingers with a brush if they are too soft and breaking. 
8. Once you have two layers of ladyfingers in your dish, pour the custard on top. Dust with cocoa powder.
9. Let the tiramisu set in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. 

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 573Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 280mgSodium: 279mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 1gSugar: 20gProtein: 8g

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