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There’s something about winter that calls for desserts like Best 5-Layer Ultimate Coffee Tres Leches Tiramisu that feel like a warm hug. This fusion recipe combines the cozy comfort of coffee with the richness of tres leches and the elegance of tiramisu. It’s the perfect dessert for those long winter evenings when you want something special but comforting.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Our Best 5-Layer Ultimate Coffee Tres Leches Tiramisu
The magic happens when strong coffee meets three milks and creamy mascarpone. Each bite is a perfect balance of coffee-soaked cake, creamy filling, and rich milk sauce. Best of all? It’s a showstopper that’s actually simple to make.
This recipe has gone viral on TikTok for good reason – the dramatic pour-over of the three milks mixture creates that satisfying content that people love to watch (and make themselves!). Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with different coffee types and flavor additions.
Why This Recipe Works
- The intense flavor of Cuban coffee (cafecito) adds a bold twist to traditional tiramisu
- Three-milk soak creates an incredibly moist cake that’s not soggy
- No raw eggs required – perfect for serving at parties
- Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes better the next day
- Completely customizable for different holiday flavors
- Perfect for social media with dramatic pour-over moments
Key Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 package ladyfingers (24 cookies)
- 2 shots Cuban espresso (cafecito), cooled
- 1/4 cup rum (preferably Cuban-style, optional)
For the Tres Leches Mixture:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Mascarpone Layer:
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Chocolate-covered espresso beans
- Ground cinnamon
- Miami-inspired edible flowers (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
- Brew 2 shots of strong Cuban espresso
- Mix with rum if using
- Let cool completely
- Make the Tres Leches:
- Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream
- Add vanilla and cinnamon
- Chill until ready to use
- Create the Mascarpone Layer:
- Beat mascarpone until smooth
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form
- Fold together gently
- Assembly (TikTok-worthy moments!):
- Quick-dip ladyfingers in cafecito mixture
- Layer in 9×13 dish
- Slowly pour 1/3 of tres leches mixture (dramatic pour!)
- Spread 1/2 of mascarpone mixture
- Repeat layers
- Final layer: remaining mascarpone
- Dust with cocoa powder in decorative pattern
- Garnish with chocolate espresso beans
Common Questions
Q: Can I make Coffee Tres Leches Tiramisu alcohol-free? A: Absolutely! Simply omit the rum and add a splash more coffee.
Q: How far in advance can I make it? A: Up to 2 days ahead – it actually gets better with time!
Q: Can I freeze it? A: Not recommended, but it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips for Success
- Room temperature mascarpone is crucial for smooth mixing
- Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers – quick dip only!
- Let tres leches mixture slowly absorb (great for videos!)
- Chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight
- Use authentic Cuban coffee for best results
- Create visual appeal with contrasting layers
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) celebrations
- Ideal dessert for Miami holiday parties
- Great addition to coffee bars
- Beautiful centerpiece for holiday brunch
- Stunning finish to Cuban-inspired meals
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make up to 2 days ahead
- Store covered in refrigerator up to 5 days
- Do not freeze
- Add final garnishes just before serving
Variations
Holiday Twist:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Garnish with crushed candy canes
Tropical Miami:
- Add passion fruit puree to tres leches
- Garnish with fresh mango
Coconut Dream:
- Replace some cream with coconut milk
- Garnish with toasted coconut
Guava Delight:
- Layer with guava paste
- Garnish with cream cheese drizzle
Recipe Card
Cafecito Tres Leches Tiramisu
Ingredients
For the Coffee Mixture:
- 2 shots Cuban espresso (cafecito), freshly brewed
- ¼ cup Cuban-style rum (optional)
- 1 package (24 count) ladyfinger cookies
For the Tres Leches:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Mascarpone Layer:
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup cocoa powder for dusting
- 12 chocolate-covered espresso beans
- Ground cinnamon for dusting
- Edible flowers (optional)
- Prepare Coffee Mixture:
- Brew cafecito and let cool completely
- Mix with rum if using
- Set aside in a shallow dish
- Make Tres Leches:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream
- Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon
- Refrigerate until ready to use
- Make Mascarpone Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat mascarpone until smooth
- In separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone
- Assembly:
- Quick-dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture (2-3 seconds each)
- Layer in 9x13 dish
- Pour â…“ of tres leches mixture evenly
- Spread ½ of mascarpone mixture
- Repeat layers
- Top with remaining mascarpone
- Dust with cocoa powder
- Garnish with chocolate espresso beans
- Chill:
- Refrigerate minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight
- Add final garnishes before serving
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee Mixture:
- Brew cafecito and let cool completely
- Mix with rum if using
- Set aside in a shallow dish
- Make Tres Leches:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream
- Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon
- Refrigerate until ready to use
- Make Mascarpone Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat mascarpone until smooth
- In separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone
- Assembly:
- Quick-dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture (2-3 seconds each)
- Layer in 9x13 dish
- Pour â…“ of tres leches mixture evenly
- Spread ½ of mascarpone mixture
- Repeat layers
- Top with remaining mascarpone
- Dust with cocoa powder
- Garnish with chocolate espresso beans
- Chill:
- Refrigerate minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight
- Add final garnishes before serving
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- Klondike Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Philadelphia No Bake Cheesecake Filling Recipe
- Betty Crocker’s Russian Tea Cakes Recipe
- Copycat Doan’s Bakery Coconut Cake Recipe
