Traditional tiramisu is a classic, but these other ladyfinger desserts prove that the little cakes aren't a one-trick pony.
1/15
Earl Grey Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
Instead of dipping ladyfingers into coffee or espresso and topping the dessert with cocoa powder, Earl Grey tiramisu coats the rounded cookies in a sweetened tea mixture and mixes infused Earl Grey whipped cream into the traditional mascarpone cheese layer. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2/15
Easy Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
No one can resist this quick and easy tiramisu recipe. Make it ahead for added mealtime convenience. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
3/15
Pumpkin Charlotte
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe a while back and I just love it! I make it for my husband and his friends during hunting season and it's a big hit.
—Lorelle Edgcomb, Granville, Illinois
4/15
Matcha Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
The fresh and earthy flavor of matcha replaces coffee in this variation on the classic Italian dessert. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
5/15
Refrigerator Lime Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this for a Father's Day party, and it was a hit! I guarantee compliments when you serve this fantastic dessert. —Cher Anjema, Kleinburg, Ontario
6/15
Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding Torte
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a busy mom's twist on a favorite dessert—tiramisu. The dish is simple to assemble and perfect to make the day before you want to serve it. The hardest thing about this recipe is waiting for it to chill so you can eat it! —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
7/15
Mango Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
I love tiramisu, and I wanted to make one with summer flavors. I substituted Grand Marnier and Malibu rum for the usual coffee liqueur, giving the traditional dessert a tropical twist. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
8/15
Limoncello Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
We love everything about this wonderful dessert—from the light lemon flavor and creamy Mascarpone to the crunchy, crushed macaroon on top. We think you'll enjoy it too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
9/15
Tiramisu Cheesecake Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
Tiramisu didn't do it for me until I tried this recipe with its luscious layers of cheesecake. It's one of my favorite desserts to make this time of year. —Christie Nelson, Taylorville, Illinois
10/15
Pineapple Cheesecake
From the Recipe Creator:
A co-worker shared the recipe for this easy yet elegant dessert years ago, and our family has enjoyed it many times since. — Phoebe Carre, Mullica Hill, New Jersey.
11/15
White Chocolate-Strawberry Tiramisu
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a twist on a classic dessert that highlights another flavor combo my husband and I love: strawberries and white chocolate. Lighten it up if you'd like—I've had good luck with light nondairy whipped topping and reduced-fat cream cheese. —Anna Ginsberg, Chicago, Illinois
12/15
Italian Pineapple Trifle
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made this rich, tempting trifle every year for our family’s Christmas Eve celebrations. Now I make it to carry on her special tradition. It’s an easy, delicious no-bake dessert everyone will love. —Ann-Marie Milano, Milton, Massachusetts
13/15
Pineapple Breeze Torte
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely torte features ladyfingers, a creamy filling and a crushed pineapple topping. It's a special treat for my large family and a must at Christmas. —Barbara Joyner, Franklin, Virginia
14/15
Tiramisu Parfaits
From the Recipe Creator:
These are a long-time favorite dessert. I think they look so pretty with a drizzle of chocolate, sprinkle of mini chips or cocoa on top. —Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa
15/15
Breezy Lemon-Berry Dessert
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the combination of berries and lemon, and wanted to come up with a light, refreshing and tasty dessert that used them both. —Anna Ginsberg, Austin, Texas.
Ladyfinger Desserts FAQ
Can you eat ladyfingers plain?
You can eat ladyfingers plain, but they are quite dry and flavorless. This is intentional because they are meant to soak up liquid, become soft and take on the other flavors in the dessert. If you’d like to eat them plain, go for it, but I suggest a very quick dunk in coffee, tea or Italian hot chocolate, or at least spread a little jam on top.
How do you store ladyfingers?
Store leftover ladyfingers in an airtight food storage container or bag at room temperature for up to five days. To ensure homemade ladyfingers stay crisp, let them cool completely before storing, or the humidity will make them soggy. They can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Are ladyfingers the same as sponge cake?
Yes, ladyfingers are a type of sponge cake known as a biscuit cake. Biscuit (pronounced “bis-kwee”) cakes are a type of cake made by separately whipping egg whites and egg yolks with sugar, then folding them together with cake flour or cocoa powder and sometimes potato flour, corn flour or whole wheat flour. This creates a light texture with plenty of little air pockets throughout—like a sponge!
