Tiramisu is just such an amazing dessert! The classic version is delicious, but many varieties are developing and they are just so good! Today I’m going to show you how to make a super-tasty apple tiramisu the easy way!
Apple tiramisu
A delicious seasonal twist that feels like a mix between the Danish apple cake and the Italian tiramisu, this apple tiramisu comes together in just 30 minutes, great for a friends and family gathering, but also for busy weeknights. This is a no-bake recipe and the making process is really similar to the classic tiramisu.
More fruit desserts you will love:
- Raspberry tiramisu
- Blueberry buttermilk cake
- Apple pull apart bread
- Blueberry streusel muffins
- Mini lemon tarts in puff pastry
- Apple Danish recipe
- Apple cinnamon bread
- Vegan orange cranberry muffins
- Upside down apple cake
Apple filling is the thing for this apple tiramisu recipe, and it’s very easy to make as well. If you don’t know how to make it, or you just don’t want to, store bought apple pie filling will work just as well. In this case, make sure you go for the unsweetened variety, as sweetened ones may be just too sweet. You can always add more sugar if the mixture calls for it, it just depends on your taste.
How to make the best apple tiramisu?
This apple tiramisu is quite permissive and there’s no need for exact measurements. A little more or less than a cup of cream is just fine. Also, a bit more apple filling won’t hurt anyone! Depending on your taste, you can add more or less cinnamon or lemon juice than I did.
Mascarpone is the staple for tiramisu cake in general, but if you’re not a big fan of it, just replace it with cream cheese or simply skip it altogether.
To make an adult only version of this recipe, there are many liquor types you can use: Amaretto, apricot or other fruit liquor, Limoncello, anything that you can pair with apples. Just add a little to the sauce before dipping the ladyfingers.
Can you substitute apple filling?
You can also substitute the apples with other fruits. Fruit like peaches, apricots, pears, pineapples could be used for this recipe. As well as with apples, you can choose to add the fruit to the filling or leave them aside and just decorate the top of the cake.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought apple pie filling for this recipe. Just be sure to go for the unsweetened variety and adjust the sweetness according to your taste. You can also choose to add additional spices or flavors to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Experiment with different fruit combinations to create unique variations of this delicious dessert.
How important is the mascarpone in this apple tiramisu? Can it be substituted with something else?
Mascarpone cheese is an essential ingredient in traditional tiramisu, as it adds a creamy and rich texture to the dessert. However, if you are not a fan of mascarpone or cannot find it in your local store, you can substitute it with cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. Keep in mind that the taste and consistency may vary slightly, but it will still be a delicious dessert.
Is this apple tiramisu suitable for kids?
Yes, this recipe is great for kids! It doesn’t not contain any alcohol or coffee mixture so it is kid-friendly. The flavors and textures are also appealing to children, making it a great dessert option for the whole family.
Is it necessary to use ladyfingers or can I use a different type of cookie?
Traditionally, tiramisu is made with ladyfingers as they are a lighter and more delicate cookie that soak up the flavors of the dessert well. However, you can also use other types of cookies such as sponge cake or even graham crackers for a different twist on this classic dessert.
Just be sure to adjust the soaking time accordingly to prevent them from becoming too soft or mushy. Overall, the most important factor is to use a dry and sturdy cookie that can hold up to soaking in the sauce without breaking apart.
How long does this dessert need to chill before serving?
Ideally, this apple tiramisu should chill for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and for the dessert to set properly. However, if you are short on time, you can also serve it immediately after making it, although it may not have the same depth of flavor as when chilled. This dessert is best served cold, so make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge?
Yes, this dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent any odors from seeping into the dish. You may also need to add some additional whipped cream on top before serving if it has dried out slightly in the fridge.
Is there an alcohol version of this apple tiramisu?
Yes, you can easily make an adult alcohol or/and coffee infused version of this dessert by adding a splash of your favorite liquor to a coffee sauce before dipping in the ladyfingers. Popular choices include Amaretto, apricot or other fruit liqueur, Limoncello, brandy or even rum. Just be sure to taste as you go and adjust the amount according to your preference.
Can I use whipped cream instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can use whipped cream instead of mascarpone for a lighter and fluffier version of this dessert. Just make sure to whip the cream until stiff peaks form before folding it into the other ingredients. Keep in mind that the overall flavor and texture may be slightly different than using mascarpone, but it will still be a delicious treat.
Can I add chocolate to this dessert?
Absolutely! Chocolate makes everything better so you can add chocolate to this dessert in a variety of ways – from shaving some dark chocolate on top for decoration, to adding layers of melted chocolate between the ladyfingers and filling. You can also use cocoa powder to dust the top for a richer flavor. Get creative with different types of chocolates such as white, milk or dark chocolate to create your own unique twist on this dessert.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 9 slices/servings, depending on the size of your dish and how thick you layer the ladyfingers. You can easily double or triple the ingredients for a larger crowd, just make sure to use a bigger dish or multiple smaller ones to assemble the dessert.
Is this dessert suitable for people with dietary restrictions, such as being gluten-free or vegan?
This apple tiramisu can be easily adapted to suit different dietary restrictions. To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free ladyfingers or cookies and double check that all the other ingredients are also gluten-free. For a vegan version, you can substitute the dairy products with non-dairy alternatives such as coconut cream or dairy free cream cheese.
What is the best type of apple to use for this recipe?
The best type of apple to use for this recipe is a firm and red variety, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp. These apples have a balance of sweetness and tartness that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling in this dessert. Just make sure to remove any seeds or excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
Can I add nuts to the filling for some texture and crunch?
Yes, you can definitely add more nuts to the filling for a bit of texture and crunch. Chopped walnuts, pecans or almonds would work well in this dessert and add a nice contrast to the soft layers of ladyfingers and cream. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before serving for added visual appeal.
Which is your favorite tiramisu twist? Do you like fruit tiramisu or you just stick to the classic recipe? Please let us know in the comments section.
Tiramisu dessert recipe
Ingredients
For this delicious recipe you only need a handful of ingredients you probably have on hand if you love making desserts:
- red apples – if you choose juicy fruits you will not need to add more water when cooking the apples but if you’re fruit is dry, add a bit of water to help apples soften when cooking.
- lemon juice – fresh
- brown sugar
- cinnamon powder
- butter – unsalted
- vanilla pudding – I used the powder version and cooked it but you could make this recipe even easier by using pre made pudding.
- heavy whipping cream – I used the unsweetened version. If yours is sweetened, leave some of the sugar out.
- granulated sugar – most people use icing sugar for their whipped cream but I like using granulated sugar, I think it tastes much better, the granulated sugar incorporates better into the whipping cream than icing sugar.
- mascarpone
- homemade lady fingers
- caramel sauce
- milk
How do you make apple pie tiramisu?
- You’ll start by coring the apples and cutting into small cubes. Cook them in a saucepan over medium heat mixed with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter, until the apples are soft.
- Make the whipped cream by mixing sugar and whipping cream in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer. Stir in mascarpone and mix to incorporate.
- Mix vanilla pudding with apple filling then add 2/3 of the whipped cream. If you cook vanilla pudding, make sure it’s cold when adding the whipped cream.
- Mix milk and caramel sauce until the sauce is melted. Then dipladyfingers in this sauce and layer into a baking dish.
- Add a layer of vanilla pudding apple mix.
- Add another layer of ladyfingers, followed by a layer of vanilla pugging apple mix.
- Finish with a layer of whipped cream.
- Drizzle some caramel sauce, sprinkle crushed pecans and cinnamon
With its warm and comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and caramel paired with creamy mascarpone and soft ladyfingers, this tiramisu recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. I encourage you to try out this recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite variations, such as different types of apples or additional toppings.
Let me know in the comments which version was your favorite and share your photos with me on Instagram using #eazypeazydesserts
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Print the recipe card
Apple tiramisu recipe
Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 2 apples large
- 1/2 cup lemon juice fresh
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 cup butter
For the vanilla filling
- 1 pkt vanilla pudding replace with premade vanilla pudding
- milk as recommended on the vanilla package
For the tiramisu cake
- 22 ladyfingers
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce plus more for drizzling
- pecan nuts to decorate
- cinnamon powder to decorate
For the cream
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar Use 1/4 if apples are extra sweet
- 8 oz Mascarpone cheese
Instructions
- Cut the apples in half, core and dice them.
- Transfer to a saucepan, add lemon juice, brown sugar and cinnamon and mix.
- Turn the heat to medium than add butter and mix until the apples are soft. If needed, add a little bit of water to help apples soften. When done, set aside.
- Prepare the vanilla pudding as indicated on the package. If using the premade pudding, transfer to a large bowl. Cool before using in the next steps.
- In a mixing bowl beat whipping cream and sugar with a hand mixer, until the sugar is dissolved and the whipped cream forms peaks and is fluffy and smooth.
- Add mascarpone and mix to incorporate well.
- Mix the cooled vanilla pudding with the cooled apple filling.
- Add 2/3 of the whipped cream and mix to incorporate.
- Mix milk and caramel sauce until the sauce is melted.
- Dip ladyfingers into the sauce, on both sides, then add to the baking dish to form a layer.
- Layer half the vanilla pudding apple mix.
- Add another layer of ladyfingers, dipped in milk caramel sauce and top with another layer of vanilla pudding apple mix.
- Finish with a layer of whipped cream.
- Decorate with drizzled caramel sauce, pecans and cinnamon powder.
- This recipe can be served immediately but tastes better the next day or even after 2-3 days in the fridge.
Susan says
There is NOTHING in the ingredients about Whipping Cream, Mascarpone, Sugar, etc….Where IS the rest of the recipe???
petro says
Hi, Susan! Thanks for the heads up, not sure how to that section of the recipe card simply vanished. I just added the missing ingredients & measurements.