What is the difference between cheesecake and tiramisu?

Cheesecake is a rich, dense dessert typically made with cream cheese, sugar, and eggs on a cookie or graham crust, then baked and chilled. Tiramisu, on the other hand, is a no-bake Italian dessert made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa. Tiramisu Cheesecake blends these two into a dessert that’s creamy, bold, and full of layered flavor.

What is tiramisu cheesecake?

Tiramisu Cheesecake is a fusion dessert combining the creamy texture of classic cheesecake with the bold flavors of tiramisu. It often features espresso, mascarpone, ladyfinger crust, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Think of it as the best of both worlds—sweet, rich, and beautifully balanced.

Does Costco have a tiramisu cheesecake?

Yes, Costco occasionally offers a Tiramisu Cheesecake as a seasonal item in their bakery section. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially during the holidays, but availability can vary by location.

Is Costco tiramisu cheesecake good?

Costco’s version of Tiramisu Cheesecake receives great reviews for being creamy, flavorful, and budget-friendly. While homemade versions typically offer more control over ingredients and freshness, Costco’s dessert is a convenient and delicious option for busy hosts.

Can you use Philadelphia cream cheese instead of mascarpone for tiramisu?

Yes, but with a caveat. Philadelphia cream cheese is tangier and firmer than mascarpone, so it slightly alters the traditional tiramisu flavor. For Tiramisu Cheesecake , using a 50/50 blend of mascarpone and cream cheese offers the best balance of taste and texture.

Why do Italians eat tiramisu?

Tiramisu has deep Italian roots and is often enjoyed during special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or even casual gatherings. It’s a comfort food with a sophisticated twist—symbolizing indulgence and tradition in Italian cuisine. Adding it to a cheesecake form makes it even more decadent.

Tiramisu Cheesecake – The Best Creamy Dessert Fusion You’ll Ever Try

Name: Tiramisu Cheesecake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-487094H35M5S
Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion
Ingredients: 20–25 ladyfingers (or graham crackers); 1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee; 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted; 24 oz cream cheese (full fat, softened); 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temp); 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup brewed espresso (cooled); 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional); Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting; Whipped cream or mascarpone whipped topping (optional)

Description

This Tiramisu Cheesecake recipe combines the bold flavors of espresso-soaked ladyfingers with the creamy richness of mascarpone and cream cheese for a stunning dessert fusion. Perfect for special occasions or make-ahead treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

20–25 ladyfingers (or graham crackers)
1/4 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

24 oz cream cheese (full fat, softened)
1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temp)
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup brewed espresso (cooled)
1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)

Topping:

Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Whipped cream or mascarpone whipped topping (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Make the crust: Crush ladyfingers or graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and 2 tbsp espresso. Press firmly into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool.
Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese and mascarpone until smooth. Add sugar, then eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla, espresso, and optional liqueur.
Pour filling over cooled crust. Wrap the pan in foil and place in a water bath.
Bake for 55–65 minutes until the center jiggles slightly. Let cool in the oven with the door cracked for 1 hour.
Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and top with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Swap mascarpone with full-fat cream cheese if needed.
For a no-bake version, omit the eggs and substitute with whipped cream.
You can freeze the entire cheesecake for up to 2 months, tightly wrapped.
Use decaf coffee and omit alcohol for a kid-friendly variation.
Mini cheesecakes? Use muffin pans and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes cook time
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion

Keywords: Tiramisu Cheesecake, mascarpone cheesecake, espresso cheesecake, Italian desserts, coffee-flavored cheesecake, creamy cheesecake recipe, baked tiramisu cake