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Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu (Bold, Creamy, Condensed-Milk Dream)

Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu is a creamy, no-bake fusion dessert that combines bold Vietnamese coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and fluffy mascarpone cream layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers. This rich twist on classic tiramisu delivers deep coffee flavor with caramelized sweetness and silky texture, making it perfect for coffee lovers and elegant entertaining. Easy to prepare ahead and incredibly indulgent, Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu is a modern dessert that blends Italian tradition with Southeast Asian café culture for a stunning make-ahead treat.
Course Coffee Dessert, Dessert, Layered Dessert, Make-Ahead Dessert, No-Bake Dessert
Cuisine Asian Fusion Dessert, Fusion, Italian-Inspired, Modern Café Dessert, Vietnamese-Inspired
Keyword Asian fusion tiramisu, café style tiramisu, coffee lovers dessert, coffee tiramisu recipe, condensed milk tiramisu, creamy coffee dessert, easy tiramisu recipe, elegant no bake dessert, espresso layered dessert, fusion tiramisu, homemade tiramisu without eggs, make ahead tiramisu, mascarpone tiramisu, no bake coffee dessert, rich coffee mascarpone dessert, sweetened condensed milk dessert, Vietnamese coffee tiramisu, Vietnamese dessert recipe, Vietnamese iced coffee dessert, viral coffee dessert
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 35 minutes
Servings 9 servings
Calories 440kcal
Cost $18 for entire recipe

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 8×8 baking dish (or similar size)
  • Fine mesh sifter (for cocoa dusting)
  • Shallow bowl (for dipping ladyfingers)
  • Coffee brewer or Vietnamese phin filter
  • Offset spatula (optional, for smooth layers)

Ingredients

Coffee Soak

  • 2 cups strong Vietnamese coffee phin-brewed preferred
  • 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tbsp coffee liqueur optional
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Cream Layer

  • 16 oz mascarpone softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • Pinch salt

Assembly

  • 1 package ladyfingers savoiardi
  • Cocoa powder for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings optional

Instructions

Brew the coffee

  • Make strong Vietnamese coffee using a phin filter or espresso. Stir in condensed milk, vanilla, and liqueur. Let cool completely.

Make the cream

  • Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks.
  • In another bowl, mix mascarpone, condensed milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  • Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until fluffy.

Dip the ladyfingers

  • Quickly dip ladyfingers into the coffee mixture (1–2 seconds). Don’t soak too long.

Layer

  • Arrange dipped ladyfingers in a dish.
  • Spread half the cream.
  • Repeat layers.

Chill

  • Refrigerate at least 6 hours (overnight best).

Finish

  • Dust with cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings before serving.

Notes

  • Use strong Vietnamese coffee: Authentic phin-brewed coffee creates the bold flavor that defines Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu. Espresso works as a substitute, but the caramel depth from Vietnamese beans gives the best result.
  • Do not over-soak the ladyfingers: A quick dip keeps layers structured while still absorbing the coffee flavor. Over-soaking can make the tiramisu too soft.
  • Condensed milk adds signature sweetness: Replacing traditional sugar with sweetened condensed milk gives a creamy texture and classic Vietnamese iced coffee flavor.
  • Chill overnight for best texture: Extended chilling allows the mascarpone cream to set and the flavors to fully develop, creating a sliceable tiramisu.
  • Use cold heavy cream for proper whipping: Cold cream whips faster and creates a stable, fluffy mascarpone layer.
  • Mascarpone should be softened but not warm: This prevents lumps and keeps the filling smooth and airy.
  • Dust cocoa just before serving: This keeps the cocoa powder looking fresh and prevents moisture spots.
  • Customize flavors easily: Coconut, pandan, ube, chocolate, or salted caramel variations pair beautifully with Vietnamese coffee and perform well for SEO recipe series.
  • Make ahead for entertaining: Vietnamese Coffee Tiramisu is ideal for parties, holidays, and café-style dessert tables since it improves with time in the refrigerator.