Tiramisu (Light)
Light and flavorful tiramisu with reduced calorie pound cake, mascarpone, coffee, and cocoa, perfect for a creamy dessert that satisfies without guilt. Ideal for entertaining or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- With a serrated knife, cut the pound cake into 1/2-inch slices, either 6 lengthwise or 11 to 12 crosswise slices.
- In a large bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, light cream cheese, and confectioners sugar until blended.
- Beat in the Kahlua until smooth.
- Fold in the light whipped cream.
- Arrange half of the pound cake slices in an 11 x 7 x 2-inch baking pan, trimming slices to fit and filling gaps as needed.
- Brush the slices with 1/2 cup of brewed coffee.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the cake layer.
- Sift 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder over the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layering with remaining cake slices, coffee, cheese mixture, and finish by sifting 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free whipped cream and a low-calorie sweetener in place of confectioners sugar. If you can't find reduced-calorie pound cake, a regular pound cake works well too, but adjust the calorie count accordingly. Ensure the coffee is strong for that authentic tiramisu flavor. You can also swap Kahlua for another coffee liqueur or omit it entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
Serving Suggestions
Tiramisu is best served chilled, making it a perfect ending to a meal, especially after Italian recipes like My Favorite Pasta or Easy Manicotti With Cheese. You can garnish with chocolate shavings or additional cocoa powder for an extra touch. Pair with a shot of espresso or a glass of dessert wine for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert benefits from sitting overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped cream may change upon thawing. Simply serve chilled directly from the fridge for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tiramisu (Light) contains roughly 257 calories, with 2g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tiramisu in advance?
Yes, tiramisu can be made a day in advance, which enhances the flavors as it chills. Simply cover it with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and refrigerate. This time allows the cake to soak up the coffee and liqueur, resulting in a more flavorful dessert.
What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone cheese is unavailable, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts of cream cheese and sour cream. This mixture closely mimics the flavor and texture of mascarpone. Alternatively, ricotta cheese blended until smooth can be used, but it may slightly alter the final taste and texture.
Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?
Yes, to make a non-dairy version of tiramisu, use non-dairy cream cheese and coconut or almond-based whipped cream. Ensure your pound cake is dairy-free as well. This adaptation allows those with dairy sensitivities to enjoy a delicious dessert while maintaining the classic tiramisu flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).