If you’ve ever wished your morning coffee tasted more like dessert… this one’s for you. My Iced Tiramisu Latte is cold, creamy, and luxurious, yet shockingly easy to make. I’m talking under 10 minutes easy. This latte is layered with sweet vanilla, bold espresso, and a thick, dreamy mascarpone cold foam that tastes exactly like a spoonful of tiramisu cream. It’s everything I love about my favorite Italian dessert—but in sippable, iced form. I make this latte on repeat during the summer when I want something refreshing but still crave that rich, decadent tiramisu vibe.
You will become obsessed. I’m warning you now.
Ingredients:
Vanilla Simple Syrup
Sweet, smooth, and floral, vanilla syrup gives the latte its signature sweetness and brings out the creamy dessert-like flavor. You can use store-bought, but homemade is SO easy and adds a cozy, from-scratch touch.
Milk
Milk is the base of your latte—think of it like the cake layer in tiramisu. I like using whole milk or oat milk for the creamiest texture, but any milk works.
Espresso
You need that rich, bold coffee flavor to cut through the creaminess. Espresso gives intensity without watering things down like drip coffee would. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a strong coffee concentrate (like cold brew concentrate) works too.
Mascarpone Cheese
This is where the tiramisu magic happens. Mascarpone is light, buttery, and slightly sweet. When whipped into a cold foam, it mimics the iconic tiramisu filling perfectly. Don’t skip this!
Heavy Cream
This gives the cold foam its rich, luscious texture. When frothed with mascarpone, it turns into the dreamiest whipped topping—basically coffee cloud heaven.
Cocoa Powder
Just like the dusting on a tiramisu, cocoa powder finishes this latte off with a slightly bitter, chocolatey kick that balances all the sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Latte
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Tastes just like a coffee shop drink—but creamier and better.
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So easy to make at home (no fancy syrups or barista training required).
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Packed with real tiramisu flavor thanks to mascarpone and espresso.
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Customizable sweetness and milk options.
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Literally tastes like dessert in a cup.
What Is Tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a classic Italian no-bake dessert made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, sweet mascarpone cream, cocoa powder, and sometimes a splash of liqueur like Kahlúa or Marsala. It’s creamy, fluffy, rich, and just slightly bitter from the espresso and cocoa. Basically, it’s heaven in a pan. This latte is a chilled, coffee-forward spin on those exact flavors.
Check out my classic tiramisu recipe!!
Equipment Needed
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Espresso machine or Nespresso (or sub strong cold brew concentrate):
You need a bold coffee base to mimic the espresso flavor in classic tiramisu. -
Milk frother, handheld blender, or mason jar (for cold foam):
These tools help whip the mascarpone and cream into a thick, cloud-like foam. -
Glass or cup:
A clear glass shows off the beautiful layers of milk, espresso, and foam. -
Spoon and measuring tools:
Accurate measurements ensure your latte is perfectly balanced and sweet—not overpowering.
Latte Base:
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1 cup ice
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½ to 1 oz vanilla simple syrup (store-bought or homemade – see below!)
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6 oz milk of choice (I use whole milk or oat milk)
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2 shots freshly brewed espresso
Mascarpone Cold Foam:
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1 tbsp mascarpone cheese (cold, not room temp)
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2 tbsp heavy cream
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½ tbsp vanilla simple syrup
Topping:
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Cocoa powder, for dusting
Substitutions & Modifications
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No espresso machine?
Use strong cold brew concentrate or a stovetop Moka pot. You want that rich, espresso-like flavor. -
Dairy-free version:
Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and mascarpone for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious! -
Low-sugar option:
Use a sugar-free vanilla syrup to cut down on added sugar—there are lots of great store-bought ones that work beautifully. -
Want it hot instead of iced?
Totally doable! Just skip the ice, heat your milk, and pour the hot espresso on top. Froth your mascarpone cold foam as usual and top it off like a cozy latte. -
Switch up the flavor:
Not a vanilla fan? Try a caramel or hazelnut syrup instead—it changes the vibe but still plays beautifully with the mascarpone and espresso.
Iced Tiramisu Latte with Mascarpone Cold Foam (Easy & Creamy Recipe)
Ingredients
Latte Base
- 1 cup ice
- ½ to 1 oz vanilla simple syrup store-bought or homemade – see below!
- 6 oz milk choice I use whole milk or oat milk
- 2 shots freshly brewed espresso
Mascarpone Cold Foam
- 1 tbsp mascarpone cheese cold, not room temp
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ tbsp vanilla simple syrup
Topping
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Add Ice to a Glass:Fill a tall glass with ice (around 1 cup).
- Build the Latte Base:Pour in ½–1 oz vanilla simple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference), then 6 oz milk. Pour 2 shots of hot espresso over the milk and watch the dreamy swirls begin.
- Make the Mascarpone Cold Foam:In a small cup, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and ½ tbsp vanilla syrup. Use a handheld frother to whip until thick and creamy. You can also use a mini blender or shake it vigorously in a sealed mason jar.
- Top and Finish:Pour your mascarpone cold foam on top of the latte. Dust with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder.
- Sip and Enjoy:Stir it together or sip it as-is and enjoy all the layers.
Video
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Iced Tiramisu Latte
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Use cold mascarpone straight from the fridge.
If it’s too soft or room temp, it won’t whip up as thick and luscious. Keep it cold! -
Brew your espresso fresh.
Hot espresso poured over cold milk creates that dreamy swirling effect—and the flavor is so much bolder and smoother when fresh. -
Don’t skip the cocoa powder dusting.
It’s a tiny touch that adds that signature tiramisu vibe and a little bittersweet balance. -
Customize your sweetness.
Start with ½ oz vanilla syrup and taste—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in. -
Froth like you mean it.
The longer you froth, the thicker the cold foam gets. I go for about 30 seconds for ultra-thick, spoonable foam.
Storage Instructions
This latte is best made fresh, but here’s how you can prep ahead:
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Cold Foam: You can make the mascarpone cold foam a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Give it a quick stir or shake before using.
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Simple Syrup: Store homemade vanilla syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
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Espresso: If you’re using brewed espresso, use it immediately. But you can brew a batch of strong cold brew concentrate and store it for up to 5 days.
More of my recipes
Do you LOVE to Make Coffee at Home?! Check Out More of my Favs:Homemade Salted Caramel Latte (Iced or Hot!) with From-Scratch Syrup
Teddy Graham Latte (Hot or Iced!) – A Cozy Hug in a Cup
The Best Banana Bread Latte (Iced or Hot!) with Homemade Syrup
Conclusion
I’m calling it now—this is the best iced latte you’ll ever make at home. It’s easy, indulgent, and just fancy enough to feel like a treat. The mascarpone cold foam really takes things to the next level. It’s my go-to for slow mornings, content days, or whenever I want to feel like I’m sipping a $10 café drink… from my kitchen in sweatpants.
If you try this dreamy Iced Tiramisu Latte, tag me on Instagram or TikTok @munchiesbymallory—I need to see your creamy cold foam creations. 💛
And if you’re into cozy coffee recipes like this one, check out my Banana Bread Latte too!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does an iced tiramisu latte taste like?
It tastes rich, creamy, and lightly sweet with bold coffee flavor. The mascarpone cold foam mimics classic tiramisu filling, while the cocoa powder adds a subtle bittersweet finish.
2. Do I need an espresso machine to make this latte?
No. While espresso gives the best flavor, you can use strong coffee concentrate or cold brew concentrate as a substitute. Just make sure it is bold enough to balance the creaminess.
3. Can I make this latte dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free milk like oat or almond milk for the latte base. However, mascarpone and heavy cream are key to the tiramisu flavor, so the cold foam will taste different if replaced.
4. Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
Mascarpone is strongly recommended for the authentic tiramisu flavor. Cream cheese is tangier and thicker, which will change both the taste and texture of the cold foam.
5. How sweet is this iced tiramisu latte?
It is lightly sweet and customizable. Start with the lower amount of vanilla syrup, taste, and add more if needed. The cocoa powder also balances the sweetness.
6. Can I make the mascarpone cold foam ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the cold foam a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Stir or shake before using to bring back the creamy texture.
7. Why does my cold foam look thin?
This usually happens if the mascarpone is too warm. Use mascarpone straight from the fridge and froth longer for a thicker, spoonable foam.
8. What milk works best for this recipe?
Whole milk and oat milk give the creamiest results. You can use any milk you like, but thinner milks will result in a lighter latte.
9. Can I make this latte hot instead of iced?
This recipe is designed for iced coffee, but you can adapt it by warming the milk and skipping the ice. The mascarpone foam may melt faster on a hot drink.
10. How do I store leftover vanilla simple syrup?
Homemade vanilla simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to two weeks.
11. Is this latte very strong in coffee flavor?
It has a balanced coffee flavor. The espresso cuts through the sweetness and creaminess without overpowering the dessert-like elements.
12. Can I double the recipe for guests?
Yes. You can easily scale the ingredients to make multiple lattes. Prepare the cold foam in a larger batch and assemble each drink fresh for best results.
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