Healthy Tiramisu (Gluten-Free)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Total Time
5 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
230 kcal
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Course
Dessert
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Cuisine
Italian, American, International
Healthy Tiramisu (Gluten-Free)
Description
The Healthy Tiramisu recipe combines a custard made from mascarpone, Greek yogurt, milk, cornstarch, egg yolks, and honey, which is heated gently and thickened to create a creamy base. Egg whites are whipped separately and folded in to lighten the texture. This custard is layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, which may be regular or gluten-free, and optionally flavored with rum or Kahlua for added depth.
The ladyfingers are soaked in cooled espresso to impart a coffee flavor without becoming soggy. After assembling, the tiramisu is topped with cocoa powder. Chilling for at least five hours, and preferably longer, allows the custard to firm up and the flavors to integrate fully, resulting in a balanced dessert that is less heavy than traditional tiramisu.
The dessert suits those seeking a lighter take on tiramisu without sacrificing the characteristic creamy and coffee flavors. It can be made ahead, stored refrigerated for several days, or even frozen for longer storage if protected carefully. Substitutions such as arrowroot starch and gluten-free ladyfingers make it accessible for gluten-sensitive guests.
By incorporating yogurt, the dessert gains some tanginess and reduced fat content, while honey gently sweetens the custard. This approach balances nutrition with indulgence, making it a thoughtful option for a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Mascarpone-Yogurt Custard:
- 1 ½ cups milk I used skim
- 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot starch if gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 oz mascarpone
- 4 oz Greek yogurt ( like 2%) or you can substitute with 4oz of mascarpone
- 2 large egg separated
- 3 tablespoon honey or 2 - 3 tablespoon white sugar
Lady Fingers Layer:
- 2 cups espresso read notes below for other options, cold
- 7 oz lady fingers regular (this is my favorite) or gluten-free (these are the best gluten-free lady fingers)
- 1 tablespoon rum or Kahlua (optional)
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
Make Espresso:
- Make the espresso then set it aside to cool. TIP: pour it into a shallow baking dish so it cools faster.
Make Mascarpone-Yogurt Cream:
- In a medium-sized saucepan (no heat), add ½ cup of the milk & all of the cornstarch. Whisk until there are no clumps left and the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
- Place the saucepan on a burner over medium-high heat, then add the vanilla extract. Allow the milk to thicken, whisking often, until it’s bubbling and thick. This should take about 2 - 3 minutes. Keep your eye on it, it could happen quickly.
- Add the rest of the milk to the saucepan and whisk. Remove from heat.
Add Egg Yolks:
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and honey until they are fully combined and light and pale in color (about 1 minute).
- Slowly pour about ¼ cup of the milk mixture into the egg yolk and honey, whisking the entire time.
- Then, slowly pour that mixture back into the milk and whisk until everything is combined.
- Place the saucepan back on the burner over low-medium and heat for 1 - 2 minutes, whisking frequently until it’s a little thicker. If it clumps, it is the cornstarch. Remove from heat and whisk until combined. Set aside.
- Whisk in the mascarpone and greek yogurt until no clumps remain.
Add Egg Whites *if adding*
- Whisk egg whites in a large clean bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold them into the mascarpone cream gently. Adding egg whites is a perfect and authentic way to add volume and airy-ness while being low cal. You can omit them and use just the yolks, but it will be more custardy and less airy.
Assemble the Tiramisu:
- You can use an 8x8 pan, 8-inch circle pan, or oval. You can also stack it in a 9x5 loaf.
- VERY QUICKLY dip your lady fingers into the espresso. They soak up liquid very quickly, so you want to be swift. Layer them along the bottom, cutting them if needed to fit.
- Cover with half of the mascarpone pastry cream. Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers and the final half of the mascarpone. Gently spread to make sure everything is covered.
- Dust with cocoa powder with a colander or sifter.
- Let it chill for 5 hours (but really 12-24 is BEST). Enjoy!
Notes
- Chilling the tiramisu for at least 5 hours is essential for the custard to set and flavors to develop fully.
- Use arrowroot starch and gluten-free ladyfingers to make the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Espresso gives the strongest coffee flavor, but cold brew or brewed coffee can be used as alternatives.
- The tiramisu can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- You can freeze tiramisu in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and dust with cocoa powder.
- For a dairy variation, use mascarpone only if Greek yogurt is not available.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 230 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 230kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 116mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 135mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 140mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 404IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 114mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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