I love creamy coffee drinks that taste like dessert, but what really wins me over in this recipe is the smooth combination of bitter coffee and the silky sweetness of mascarpone. It’s rich, refreshing, and just sweet enough to satisfy cravings without feeling heavy. This Iced Tiramisu Latte recipe is inspired by the rich Italian dessert tiramisu but reimagined as a refreshing iced coffee. The layers of espresso, milk, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder make it taste elegant yet approachable — the kind of drink that makes a regular day feel special.

I have made plenty of iced coffees over the years, but this one always feels like a small celebration in a glass. I use freshly brewed espresso, full-fat mascarpone, and a little condensed milk for that signature tiramisu flavor. Always fresh, always cold — it’s my secret weapon when I need a quick energy boost that feels indulgent.

You can serve this drink in tall glasses filled with ice, a light dusting of cocoa powder on top, and a few crushed ladyfingers for an elegant touch. Some even drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass for extra flavor, also with whipped cream on top if you want it extra decadent.

It’s Perfect For:

• Coffee lovers who enjoy dessert-like drinks
• Summer afternoons when you crave something chilled and creamy
• Brunch tables and afternoon get-togethers with friends
• Relaxing weekends when you want café vibes at home
• Impressing guests with a no-bake dessert drink

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 espresso shots (cooled)
• 1 cup milk (whole milk or oat milk works great)
• 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream (optional for topping)
• Ladyfinger crumbs or crushed biscuits (optional for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Espresso machine or coffee maker
• Mixing bowl and whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tall serving glasses
• Small saucepan (optional for heating condensed milk)
• Spoon for layering
• Fine mesh sieve for cocoa dusting

How to Make Iced Tiramisu Latte

Step 1

Brew and cool your coffee: Start by brewing a cup of strong coffee or two shots of espresso. Let it cool completely, or place it in the fridge for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the creamy mixture. This helps prevent melting the ice too quickly and keeps the drink smooth and cold.

Step 2

Make the tiramisu cream base: In a small bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a teaspoon of cocoa powder until creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen the texture. This mixture should resemble the sweet, creamy filling of classic tiramisu.

Step 3

Assemble the latte: Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour in the cooled coffee until each glass is about halfway full. Then, slowly pour the milk over the coffee to create a nice layered look. Spoon in generous dollops of the mascarpone cream mixture on top.

Step 4

Stir and finish: Stir gently to swirl the cream through the coffee — it should look like a marbled dessert drink. Dust the top with a bit of cocoa powder for that signature tiramisu touch. You can also top with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed ladyfingers for extra texture and a café-style presentation.

Step 5

Serve immediately: Enjoy your iced tiramisu latte with a straw or spoon — the first sip will be creamy, coffee-rich, and slightly sweet, just like a chilled tiramisu in a glass.

Tips for the Best Iced Tiramisu Latte

• Use bold espresso or concentrated coffee. Strong coffee is essential so it stands out against the creamy layers.
• Let the coffee cool completely. Adding it while hot melts the ice and makes your latte watery.
• Whisk the mascarpone well. It should be smooth and lump-free before combining with milk and vanilla.
• Balance sweetness carefully. Add condensed milk gradually until it matches your taste.
• Chill your glass beforehand. It helps the drink stay colder for longer, especially on warm days.
• Don’t skip the cocoa dusting. It gives that authentic tiramisu aroma and finishes the look beautifully.
• Serve immediately. This latte tastes best fresh before the ice dilutes the layers.

Optional Ingredients

• Coffee liqueur for a boozy version.
• Chocolate syrup for a mocha-style twist.
• Coconut cream for tropical flavor.
• Hazelnut syrup for a nutty aroma.
• Whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Crushed ladyfingers or biscotti as garnish.

How to Serve Iced Tiramisu Latte

I love serving my Iced Tiramisu Latte in clear tall glasses so the contrast between the espresso, milk, and cream is visible. It’s a drink that looks just as beautiful as it tastes. Fill the glass with ice, pour in your cooled coffee halfway, then gently add milk. The mascarpone cream goes on top for that layered café look.

To make it more authentic, I lightly dust the top with cocoa powder and sometimes add chocolate shavings. If I’m serving guests, I like to rest a ladyfinger on the rim of the glass — it looks adorable and makes the presentation extra fancy. You can even drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside of the glass before pouring the coffee for a dessert-like swirl.

If you’re hosting brunch or having friends over, you can make a small tray of these lattes and serve them alongside mini pastries or cookies. Everyone will think you spent hours on them, but it only takes a few minutes. It’s classy, creamy, and a guaranteed showstopper.

Is Iced Tiramisu Latte Healthy?

The Iced Tiramisu Latte is more of a treat than a health drink, but it can still fit into a balanced diet. Milk and mascarpone provide calcium and protein, while coffee gives a light caffeine boost. If you want a lighter version, swap condensed milk for honey or a few drops of stevia, and use low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives. You’ll still get the same creamy satisfaction with fewer calories.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegan Version: Swap mascarpone with coconut cream and use oat milk or almond milk. Add maple syrup for natural sweetness.
• Caramel Tiramisu Latte: Replace condensed milk with caramel sauce for a buttery-sweet twist that pairs perfectly with espresso.
• Mocha Latte Version: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a rich mocha flavor.
• Hazelnut Dream: Add a dash of hazelnut syrup or Nutella to make it taste like a Ferrero Rocher in latte form.
• Cinnamon Vanilla Latte: Sprinkle cinnamon and add a few drops of vanilla extract for a cozy, warm flavor.
• Frozen Tiramisu Frappe: Blend everything with ice for a thick, milkshake-style drink that’s great on hot days.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free condensed milk or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar while keeping it creamy.
• Protein Latte: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an energizing morning or post-workout option.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers, keep the coffee and mascarpone mixture in separate airtight containers in the fridge. It can stay fresh for up to 24 hours. Combine just before serving to keep the drink creamy and smooth.

Reheating isn’t common for iced drinks, but if you want a warm version, heat the coffee and milk mixture gently over low heat. Add the mascarpone cream after warming to prevent curdling. The result is a cozy, dessert-like hot tiramisu latte that tastes just as indulgent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Iced Tiramisu Latte

Can I make this without mascarpone cheese?
Yes, you can replace it with cream cheese blended with a bit of heavy cream or Greek yogurt. It won’t taste exactly the same but still gives a nice creamy texture.

How do I keep the layers from mixing too quickly?
Pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon and chill all ingredients before assembling. This helps maintain that pretty layered look longer.

Can I use cold brew instead of espresso?
Definitely! Cold brew works beautifully for this recipe. It has a smoother, less bitter flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness of condensed milk.

How do I make it dairy-free?
Use oat, soy, or coconut milk and replace mascarpone with coconut cream or cashew cream. Add a drop of vanilla for richness.

Iced Tiramisu Latte Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Drinks, DessertCuisine: Italian-InspiredDifficulty: Easy

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

This Iced Tiramisu Latte recipe blends espresso, mascarpone, milk, and cocoa into a creamy, refreshing coffee drink inspired by the classic Italian dessert. Perfect for summer days or an elegant brunch treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee or 2 espresso shots (cooled)

• 1 cup milk (whole milk or oat milk works great)

• 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese

• 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk (or to taste)

• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Ice cubes

• Whipped cream (optional for topping)

• Ladyfinger crumbs or crushed biscuits (optional for garnish)

Directions

• Brew and cool your coffee: Start by brewing a cup of strong coffee or two shots of espresso. Let it cool completely, or place it in the fridge for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the creamy mixture. This helps prevent melting the ice too quickly and keeps the drink smooth and cold.
• Make the tiramisu cream base: In a small bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a teaspoon of cocoa powder until creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen the texture. This mixture should resemble the sweet, creamy filling of classic tiramisu.
• Assemble the latte: Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes. Pour in the cooled coffee until each glass is about halfway full. Then, slowly pour the milk over the coffee to create a nice layered look. Spoon in generous dollops of the mascarpone cream mixture on top.
• Stir and finish: Stir gently to swirl the cream through the coffee — it should look like a marbled dessert drink. Dust the top with a bit of cocoa powder for that signature tiramisu touch. You can also top with whipped cream and sprinkle crushed ladyfingers for extra texture and a café-style presentation.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your iced tiramisu latte with a straw or spoon — the first sip will be creamy, coffee-rich, and slightly sweet, just like a chilled tiramisu in a glass.