Homemade Cheesecake Factory Tiramisu Recipe

Making The Cheesecake Factory Tiramisu at home might seem daunting at first, but worry not! I’ve tinkered with the ingredients, experimented with proportions, and adjusted techniques to recreate this iconic dessert in your kitchen.

How to make Cheesecake Factory Tiramisu

Cheesecake Factory Tiramisu is a dessert served at The Cheesecake Factory, inspired by the classic Italian tiramisu. It typically features layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese filling, whipped cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder on top. Unlike their signature cheesecakes, this dessert follows a more traditional tiramisu recipe, offering a rich, creamy, and coffee-flavored experience.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups of finely ground ladyfingers (about 20-25 ladyfingers)
• 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

For the filling:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 pound of mascarpone cheese at room temperature
• ¾ cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of strong brewed coffee or espresso cooled to room temperature
• ¼ cup of coffee-flavored liqueur (optional)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the garnish:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
• Chocolate curls or shavings for decoration
• Additional whipped cream optional

Instructions:

1. Preparing the crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the ground ladyfingers with melted butter and sugar until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes, then allow to cool while preparing the filling.

2. Making the filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
2. In another bowl, blend the mascarpone cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in the cooled coffee, coffee-flavored liqueur (if using), and vanilla extract into the mascarpone mixture.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
5. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth.
6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.

3. Baking:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until the center is just set and the top appears slightly glossy.
2. Turn off the oven, open the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.
3. Once cooled, remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

4. Finishing touches:

1. Before serving, dust the top of the cheesecake with unsweetened cocoa powder.
2. Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings and, if desired, additional whipped cream.

Tips for Perfect Tiramisu Cheesecake:

• Ensure all your ingredients, especially the mascarpone cheese and eggs, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth filling.
• Use strong brewed coffee or espresso for a rich coffee flavor that complements the creamy filling.
• Adding coffee-flavored liqueur enhances the tiramisu flavor, but you can omit it if preferred.
• To prevent cracks, avoid opening the oven door while the cheesecake is baking.
• Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven with the door slightly ajar helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.
• For a truly decadent experience, serve the cheesecake slices with a cup of espresso or your favorite coffee.

What to serve with

Pairing the right accompaniments with the Cheesecake Factory Tiramisu can elevate your dessert experience, turning a simple treat into a refined culinary delight.

1. Beverages:

• Espresso or Coffee: The rich bitterness of a freshly brewed espresso or a strong cup of coffee complements the sweet, creamy flavors of the Cheesecake Factory tiramisu, balancing its sweetness and enhancing the coffee notes in the dessert.
• Sweet Dessert Wines: A glass of Vin Santo, Moscato d’Asti, or a similar sweet dessert wine can be a delightful pairing. The wine’s sweetness and subtle fruity notes can accentuate the richness of the tiramisu without overwhelming it.
• Liqueur: For an after-dinner treat, consider serving small glasses of Amaretto, Tia Maria, or Baileys Irish Cream. These can harmonize with the tiramisu’s coffee and creamy flavors, offering a deeper complexity.

2. Light Bites:

In case you’re serving the tiramisu as part of a larger meal or gathering, consider these light accompaniments to keep the focus on the dessert:

• Fresh Fruit: Light, fresh fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or a citrus salad can cleanse the palate between bites of tiramisu, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy dessert.
• Nuts: A small bowl of toasted, lightly salted almonds or hazelnuts can provide a crunchy, nutty complement to the dessert’s flavors.
• Cheese Board: A well-curated selection of cheeses, particularly milder ones like Brie or soft goat cheese, can be an elegant precursor to the tiramisu, setting the stage without overwhelming the palate.

3. Aromatic Teas:

For non-coffee drinkers or those preferring a less intense accompanying beverage:

• Chamomile or Herbal Tea: Offers a soothing, gentle contrast to the rich layers of the tiramisu. Their light floral or herbal notes can complement the dessert without competing for attention.
• Black Tea: A strong black tea, perhaps with a hint of citrus, vanilla, or bergamot (like Earl Grey), can be a wonderful companion to the dessert, echoing some of its deep flavors.

4. Presentation Touches:

To make the dessert course truly memorable, consider these final touches:

• Fine China or Glassware: Serve the tiramisu and accompanying beverages in elegant china or glassware to elevate the dining experience.
• Garnishes: A sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder on the plate can add a visually appealing touch.
• Soft Lighting: If it’s an evening affair, soft, ambient lighting or candlelight can set the mood, making the dessert course a cozy and intimate experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Cheesecake Factory tiramisu at home can be a delightful endeavor, although sometimes, finding the exact ingredients can be challenging. Here are some handy substitutes for common tiramisu ingredients that can help you whip up this delightful dessert without a hitch:

1. Mascarpone Cheese:

• Cream Cheese Blend: Mix together 8 ounces of cream cheese (at room temperature) with a quarter cup of heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (also at room temperature). This blend mimics the creamy, rich texture and tangy taste of mascarpone.
• Sour Cream and Heavy Cream: Combine one cup of heavy cream with 1/3 cup of sour cream. This substitute is lighter but still provides a creamy texture with a bit of tang, similar to mascarpone.

2. Ladyfingers (Savoiardi):

• Sponge Cake or Angel Food Cake: Slice thinly and dry out slightly in a warm oven to replicate the texture of ladyfingers. This substitute provides a similar light, airy texture that soaks up coffee and liquors well.
• Homemade Ladyfingers: If you have the time, making your ladyfingers allows for a customized texture and sweetness level. Egg, sugar, flour, and a bit of baking powder can create an excellent alternative.

3. Espresso or Strong Coffee:

• Instant Espresso Powder: If you don’t have access to freshly brewed espresso, instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water can be an adequate substitute.
• Cold Brew Concentrate: Available in many markets, cold brew concentrate diluted with water provides a robust coffee flavor that doesn’t become too watery when added to the tiramisu.

4. Coffee Liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa):

• Amaretto, Brandy, or Dark Rum: While each has a distinct flavor profile, these alternatives can complement the coffee and creamy elements of tiramisu. Choose based on your flavor preference.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: For a non-alcoholic version, a mixture of vanilla extract and almond extract mixed into the coffee can mimic the complexity of a coffee liqueur.

5. Cocoa Powder:

• Finely Grated Chocolate: If cocoa powder is too intense or simply not on hand, finely grated bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate can be an excellent topping for tiramisu, adding texture and a slightly sweeter taste.

6. Eggs (in recipes calling for raw eggs):

• Whipped Cream: For those concerned about using raw eggs, substituting the egg layer with whipped cream mixed with a bit of vanilla and sugar can offer a similar light, airy texture. This also makes the recipe safer for those with compromised immune systems.

7. Sugar:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: For a subtly different sweet profile, honey or maple syrup can be used in place of sugar. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as these can be sweeter than granulated sugar.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Cheesecake Factory Tiramisu recipe promises to bring a slice of gourmet indulgence into your kitchen. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a creamy, coffee-infused treat. 

Pin Print

Cheesecake Factory Tiramisu

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 10 Minutes 10 Minutes Nutrition facts: 960 calories 68 grams fat

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups of finely ground ladyfingers 
• 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar

For the filling:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 pound of mascarpone cheese at room temperature
• ¾ cup of granulated sugar
• ½ cup of strong brewed coffee 
• ¼ cup of coffee-flavored liqueur (optional)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the garnish:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
• Chocolate curls or shavings for decoration
• Additional whipped cream optional

Instructions

1. Preparing the crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the ground ladyfingers with melted butter and sugar until well combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Bake for about 10 minutes, then allow to cool while preparing the filling.

2. Making the filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
2. In another bowl, blend the mascarpone cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Gradually mix in the cooled coffee, coffee-flavored liqueur (if using), and vanilla extract into the mascarpone mixture.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
5. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth.
6. Pour the filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.

3. Baking:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until the center is just set and the top appears slightly glossy.
2. Turn off the oven, open the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for about 1 hour to prevent cracking.
3. Once cooled, remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

4. Finishing touches:

1. Before serving, dust the top of the cheesecake with unsweetened cocoa powder.
2. Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings and, if desired, additional whipped cream.