Iced Tiramisu Latte: A Sweet Coffee Dessert Drink

Introduction

Imagine the creamy layers of mascarpone, the subtle sweetness of cocoa, and the bold kick of espresso that make tiramisu the ultimate Italian dessert. Now, picture those flavors transformed into a refreshing coffee drink that’s perfect for hot afternoons: the Iced Tiramisu Latte. With its velvety texture, indulgent flavor, and refreshing chill, this latte is like sipping on your favorite dessert in a glass.

The inspiration for this drink came to me during a summer dinner party when I wanted to serve tiramisu but didn’t have time to prepare it. Instead, I decided to recreate the flavors in a coffee drink. The result? A rich, creamy latte with the boldness of espresso, the sweetness of mascarpone, and a hint of cocoa to tie it all together. Served over ice, the Iced Tiramisu Latte became an instant hit, earning rave reviews from my guests.

What makes this latte so special is its ability to capture the essence of tiramisu while staying light and refreshing. It’s perfect for dessert lovers who want to enjoy a sweet, decadent treat without turning on the oven. Whether you’re enjoying it as a mid-day indulgence or serving it to guests, this latte will elevate any occasion.


The Perfect Drink for Sweet, Dessert-Loving Coffee Fans

The Iced Tiramisu Latte is perfect for those who love sweet, dessert-inspired coffee drinks. Its creamy, layered profile makes it ideal for special occasions, relaxing afternoons, or as a way to end a meal on a high note.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also made with simple, high-quality ingredients. Espresso provides a bold coffee base, mascarpone adds creaminess, and cocoa powder gives it a touch of chocolatey decadence. Combined with milk and sweetener, this latte is indulgent yet perfectly balanced.


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Why Tiramisu and Coffee Are a Perfect Match

The brilliance of this latte lies in how it captures the key elements of tiramisu and combines them with coffee to create a drink that’s both bold and creamy:

  • Espresso: Bold, rich, and slightly bitter, espresso is the backbone of tiramisu and the perfect base for this latte.
  • Mascarpone or Cream Cheese: Creamy, slightly tangy, and rich, mascarpone mimics the signature layer of tiramisu.
  • Cocoa Powder: Sweet and slightly bitter, cocoa adds a chocolatey depth that enhances the coffee’s boldness.
  • Vanilla and Sweetener: These ingredients add a touch of sweetness and warmth, tying the flavors together.

Together, these components create a latte that’s creamy yet refreshing, sweet yet bold—a drink that feels like a treat in every sip.


How to Make Iced Tiramisu Latte: The Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1–2 shots of espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee (chilled)
  • 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy, almond, oat, or coconut milk)
  • 2 tablespoons mascarpone or cream cheese (softened)
  • 1–2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (plus extra for garnish)
  • Ice cubes
  • Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
  • Garnish: cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Coffee:
    Brew 1–2 shots of espresso or prepare ½ cup of strong brewed coffee. Let it cool to room temperature or chill in the refrigerator.
  2. Blend the Mascarpone Mixture:
    In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone (or cream cheese), milk, sweetened condensed milk (or syrup), vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Combine the Latte:
    Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the chilled coffee over the ice, then add the mascarpone milk mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Serve and Garnish:
    Top the latte with whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or powdered sugar for a decorative finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
A: Yes! Cream cheese is a great substitute for mascarpone, though it’s slightly tangier. To mimic mascarpone’s flavor, you can mix cream cheese with a little heavy cream.

Q: Can I make this latte dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Use almond, oat, or coconut milk, and substitute the mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Q: Can I make this latte hot instead of iced?
A: Yes! Simply heat the mascarpone milk mixture before combining it with freshly brewed coffee for a warm Tiramisu Latte.


Variations

  • Tiramisu Mocha Latte: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or melted chocolate to the milk mixture for a chocolatey twist.
  • Spiked Tiramisu Latte: Add a splash of coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa, or a touch of amaretto for an adult-friendly version.
  • Tiramisu Affogato Latte: Add a scoop of vanilla gelato or mascarpone ice cream to the glass for a dessert-drink hybrid.
  • Coconut Tiramisu Latte: Use coconut milk and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical twist.
  • Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated coffee or espresso for a soothing evening treat.

When to Serve It

  • Afternoon Indulgence: Enjoy it as a sweet pick-me-up on a warm day.
  • After-Dinner Dessert: Serve it as a light, coffee-flavored alternative to traditional desserts.
  • Special Occasions: Share it with guests at brunches, gatherings, or celebrations.
  • Anytime Treat: Savor it whenever you’re craving a creamy, dessert-inspired coffee drink.

Occasions to Serve It

  • Hot summer afternoons
  • Elegant dinner parties
  • Coffee dates with friends
  • Anytime you’re in the mood for a sweet, refreshing treat

Conclusion

The Iced Tiramisu Latte isn’t just a drink—it’s a creamy, coffee-flavored dessert in a glass. With its bold espresso base, rich mascarpone cream, and sweet cocoa finish, this latte captures the essence of tiramisu in a refreshing, indulgent format.

The best part? It’s simple to make and endlessly customizable. From serving it hot to adding chocolate or even a splash of liqueur, you can tailor this latte to suit your tastes and occasion. So, grab your espresso, mascarpone, and cocoa, and whip up this sweet coffee dessert drink. Cheers to indulgent sips and Italian-inspired moments!

Julio A. Arco

M.Arch. Julio A. Arco is the founder of The Crafted Drink, a blog that blends design, wellness, and creativity into every sip. As an architect and lifestyle creative, Julio is passionate about turning beverages into moments of beauty and intention—from mocktails and smoothies to barista-worthy coffee and artisanal cocktails.

His work is inspired by leading voices in the drink world, including Liquor.com, Punch, Imbibe Magazine, Difford’s Guide, and The Spruce Eats.

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