Claire Saffitz Makes Tiramisu Icebox Cake | What’s For Dessert

Claire Saffitz Makes Tiramisu Icebox Cake | What’s For Dessert
We’re back with another recipe from What’s For Dessert, and if there was one recipe in the book that Claire had to give the first prize blue ribbon, it would be this one: Tiramisu-y Icebox Cake. It takes the beloved Italian dessert and lightens it, spinning the classic flavors of tiramisu into a homey yet impressive icebox cake that you can make ahead of time. It’s an assemblage of mousse-y mascarpone and coffee filling, coffee- and kahlua-dipped ladyfingers, and a whipped cream and cocoa topping. The finished dessert is a shining example from WFD’s Chilled and Frozen Desserts chapter, which celebrates creamy, airy, and cold confections. To check out this recipe, other chilled desserts, and more desserts of every kind, pre-order What’s For Dessert here. It’s out 11/8!
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#Tiramisu #Cake #ClaireSaffitz
Special Equipment:
Metal loaf pan
(4 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches, measured across the top), hand mixer
Ingredients:
3⁄4 cup strong brewed coffee (6 oz / 170g)
1⁄4 cup Kahlúa (2.3 oz / 65g)
3 large egg yolks (1.6 oz / 45g), at room temperature
1⁄4 cup sugar (1.8 oz / 50g)
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt or 1⁄4 teaspoon Morton kosher salt
1 cup mascarpone cheese (8.5 oz / 240g), chilled
11⁄2 cups heavy cream (12.7 oz / 360g), chilled, divided
1 (7 oz / 200g) package ladyfingers or savoiardi
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for sprinkling
Video Breakdown0:00 Start0:01 How To Make Tiramisu-y Icebox Cake
Thanks for watching!
What's for Dessert by Claire Saffitz is out Nov. 8 and is available for preorder now through this link:
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Dessert Person Online: www.dessertperson.com/
Claire on Instagram: csaffitz?h...
Claire Merchandise: www.dessertperson.com/buystuff
Penguin Random House Books: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/
Dessert Person Cookbook
Photographer: Alex Lau
Food Stylist: Sue Li
Prop Stylist: Astrid Chastka
Video Series:
Producer/Director: Vincent Cross
Camera Operator: Calvin Robertson
Theme Song: Michael Guggino
Editor: Hal McFall
Animation Credits:
Character Designer/Animator: Jack Sherry
Character Rigger: Johara Dutton
Background/Prop Designer: M. Cody Wiley
Background Illustrator: Jagriti Khirwar

[@kalinkonrad1853]

The fact that her new book has no stand mixer is great. I am a poor graduate student who loves baking but doesn’t have the space or money for one! Thanks for looking out for people like me.

[@aewtx]

The stand mixer doesn't do anything special that you can't do with a regular electric hand mixer. It's just convenient.

[@dylanw8823]

Its too bad mascarpone and whipping cream is like $10 a container where I am. This would be a $30 dessert lol. Still worth it XD

[@lovingthelessloved3679]

@@aewtx as a disabled person, I can use a stand mixer but not a hand mixer. That one detail completely dictates weather or not I can make that recipe. Think outside your self and your abilities.

[@aewtx]

@@lovingthelessloved3679 Geez, aren't you a piece of work? First, it's how 99.9% of the world is. You think I'm gong to think of the outliers when I'm not even aware of their problem? I was trying to be kind by giving a suggestion. Second, who the fuck are you to think you're so special that everyone is going to think of you? I don't even know you. Let me guess, you're one of those entitled people who think just because you have a disability that everyone else has to conform to YOU. Piss off. And you're not even the OP! My suggestion wasn't even for you. Yeah, you definitely are one of those entitled people who think everyone should conform to you, even though we don't even know you exist. There are thousands of different disabilities. Is the world supposed to think of all of them in the event a random person with some unknown disability is reading this? We don't even know all of them. Are we supposed to never give any suggestions ever again, because of entitled people like you who think the world revolves around them? Here's a tip: The world does not revolve around you. PS. It still doesn't change what I said. The OP's issue was space and money, not a disability, which is what I was addressing. They still do the same job, the only difference being convenience. You can't hold a regular mixer? The stand mixer is convenient for you. It doesn't change the functions of the machine. Oh, and btw, it's WHETHER.

[@katekluttz8246]

@@lovingthelessloved3679 Fortunately Claire has given information in each recipe in this book how to adapt it for a stand mixer, so you're covered. As another person who can't afford a stand mixer, I'm very grateful to finally discover a dessert and baking book that doesn't take for granted that every home cook can afford a stand mixer.

[@stuck_around]

i literally have no other indication of the passing week until i see a vid from claire and suddenly my brain goes ITS 10AM THURSDAY

[@defaultuser1447]

Must have been tough last week 😉

[@stuck_around]

thx 4 the like :•) ❤️

[@kathleenmatthews4031]

I agree! 😂

[@freebird1567]

Oh honey, enjoy the videos but please find other things to enjoy. One a week is not enough.

[@marcamusprime9513]

Use a clock and calendar

[@lilgreengremgrem]

I adore that Vinny has made this recipe twice; that little interaction was everything!! I’m so incredibly excited for the new book and to play with all of Claire’s new recipes :D ❤️

[@DeffecX]

Never made a dessert in my life but this dessert is the one that's going make me start making them. Buying a hand mixer right now.

[@ap1673]

Digging my never-been-used hand mixer out of the back of my lowest cupboard in 5 4 3 2….

[@denisgoman4780]

omg have fun

[@Mister_kipling]

I cannot state enough how much I love this recipe!! I love how pillowy and decadent it looks. Btw if someone wants to omit the Kahlua for something non alcoholic, I recommend DaVinci Coffee Liqueur Syrup! Love from Ireland Claire ❤️ 🇮🇪 ☕️

[@millie35998]

Ladyfinger with the smiley face was hilarious. Whoever does that is awesome and it always makes me smile

[@camlock6319]

It needs to be a gif 🤣

[@jkniederberger5390]

I am so looking forward to this book's arrival! And can I say how refreshing it is to watch Claire carefully use and/or save as much of every ingredient as she can? One of my pet peeves is TV/KZbin cooks who leave so much of their batter or cream or whatever left behind. Thanks for what you do and how you do it Claire!

[@sharonmacmillan2269]

And reuses plastic bags

[@chelseataylor5244]

Just made this. I don’t cook or bake, this was actually my first time ever even whipping cream and it turned out delectable! I can say from a TRUE novice, this is a very doable, super delicious recipe!

[@dwaynezilla]

"Best recipe in the book" Considering the stuff Claire has said in all her videos, and the stuff she likes to make, that's also the stuff I like, so I better make this ASAP because _mmmm tiramisu_

[@PhatTrumpet2]

Claire! Your monologuing skills have come so far! No need for silly post-production edits. This one's all Claire all the time. So proud of you. (And your entire production team for knowing when to utilize restraint.)

[@purpledoctorfish2738]

I made 2 of these for Christmas dinner and they were a hit! I think this might be my new go-to desert recipe for special occasions, thanks Claire! For those having trouble with the mascarpone and cream mixture: It's very easy to over-whip! I lightly softened/combined mine a bit with a spatula first (instead of leaving it in a huge chunk like it appears she does in the video) before using the mixer. For me, it formed stiff peaks pretty much as soon as it was fully combined with the heavy cream which literally only took a few seconds with my hand mixer (not even close to the full 1 minute it states in the video). Also for the first one I made, I wasnt able to get the egg mixture to whip up like hers (i beat it for like 10 minutes and it just would not form those soft peaks like in the video), so I decided to roll with it anyway and it turned out just fine! The second one I made did whip up nicely, though, but like I said there was really no difference in the final results. This recipe is definitely worth a shot, hope these tips help! (Edit: missed a word)

[@chelseataylor5244]

You are so right about the mascarpone mixture! It felt like the second I touched it with the beaters it was done, and the egg mixture took so long, my husband yelled from the other room “your over whipping it!” But it turned out great thankfully 😅

[@alexanderibrahim5663]

Claire's brown butter pumpkin pie made me a hit at the office pot lucks now I might need to add this to the rotation as well. Looks delicious.

[@powderpink9019]

Heavy cream whipped with mascarpone (and powdered sugar to taste) is a classic filling for a cake in Poland (where i live). The cake itself is a very light sponge cake and it's so much fluffier and lighter than cakes with buttercream and it's not overly sweet 😀 Highly recommend

[@dorothynguyen6256]

Just made this tiramisu icebox cake for a family dinner. My mom said, “This is my favorite dessert you’ve made.” I followed the recipe exactly but I would recommend pouring in the hot sugar, vanilla, and instant coffee mixture SUPER slowly. I would actually wait a couple minutes for it to cool down slightly before pouring it into the eggs. Mine looked like it was going to curdle but I saved it somehow. Anyway, loved this recipe! Btw- does anyone ever feel a little empty inside when there isn’t a new video on Thursdays? I mean, I get the Claire has to rest but…cake. ;)

[@manuelprozzi2280]

Yes to the pouring very slowly; absolutely no to the waiting for a couple of minutes to cool down slightly. You are using that heat to pasteurise the eggs. What I can recommend is using room temperature eggs, it helped me a little but I'm not very clear on why. And practising the slow pouring beforehand, it should be varely a trickle, but constant. YOu should feel the bowl heating up considerably.

[@karenb8200]

What a fun dessert! That little sound affect when Claire said "mmm" in the taste verdict killed me, it was so dramatic.

[@kristinannnnxo]

i just love claire so much 😭😭😭 and EVERYTHING SHE DOES AGHHH i cannot wait for this new dessert book!!

[@waterbitten]

Cal's suggestion that you make the recipe strong enough to be a stand in for your morning coffee is unrecognized genius!

[@drakeface]

I like tiramisu, but my mom LOVES tiramisu, and I can't wait to make this for us. I also really appreciate the size--so many recipes build it in a 13"x9" which is just a lot!

[@noraokafor8668]

Claire, all my favorite desserts/ snack food for the past 7 episodes. Thank you for all the hardwork and thank you to the film crew/ team. Love you all! 💜

[@UnicornInvasion97]

I always look to see if you have a recipe when I want to make a dessert! The way you talk about dessert so comforting and you explain things so well. Thank you for sharing so much with us Claire! ❤

[@maryruthshanks3742]

Love your podcasts! Can’t wait to try this! Love Dessert Person cookbook! Preordering your next book!

[@megalodon970]

Made this yesterday and it was delicious! The unsweetened cream balances out all the sweetness in the cake so well. Thank you for your consistently amazing and thoughtful recipes

[@marianavasquez2638]

LOVEEE TIRAMISU! such an easy and delicious dessert

[@jennamilleryall]

I always make icebox cake for any friends who are “with child”. It’s so comforting and simply sweet; the flavors aren’t overpowering. I LOVE this version, I’m so excited to try it!

[@eulie303]

The cutest thing is Claire slicing her ladyfinger biscuits to fit. Knowing me I would have dipped them first and then just shoved the softened cookies in. I love making and eating tiramisu !

[@grahamg1018]

I made 1 for Thanksgiving. Got told by someone this was the best tiramisu they've ever had & 2 people scanned the recipe from the cookbook I brought. I'm now planning on making 2 for Christmas. Claire Saffitz, you've done it again

[@isabelespinosa3484]

Im currently living in a dorm and it makes me miss baking so much, so binging your baking videos is so great! Can't wait until I have access to a kitchen to make this!

[@jaime_lee_g]

This is one of my favorite desserts! I always get a slice when I'm at my local bakery. Love having an easy recipe that I can make at home now!

[@slyoung1213]

Made this today, waited the full 12 hours until set (very unlike me) and proceeded to devour half of it standing at the counter. Perfect amount of sweet and just decadent enough to prevent me from eating the entire thing at once. You're a genius, Claire - so glad I found your channel!

[@Adam-ox6zy]

Tiramisu is literally the alchemy of deserts

[@grahju11]

I love how effortlessly Claire is both poetic and cuttingly judgmental at the same time, all while talking about dessert 😍

[@rachel-roo82]

I made this today for my fiancés birthday. He adores tiramisu and I’m not usually a fan, but this was absolutely delicious!!!! I had three slices it was so good. Looking forward to the book since I only have a hand mixer!😅

[@lmr..]

My only physical cook book and I’m absolutely pre-ordering the next. This is right up my street. Love you Claire!

[@roxpr2000]

I made this two days ago and only just decorated and tried it tonight. It's incredible. It's like my ideal dessert, so light and creamy. And really, really tasty. Thank you so much for this recipe, Claire. It's a winner!

[@wrenjablonka6090]

i love the slightly different typography etc. in the videos for the recipes based on the new book! very cute style choices

[@monicaalpizar2626]

Claire, this such a great recipe! Have made this twice for my family since this video came out and I can’t wait to have the new book! ♥️

[@mauranearcand8838]

I have made this recipe twice aleready for different people, and it truly amazing. I like how convenient it is evereything is thought through to perfection. It’s an easy to make yet impressive and delicious dessert ! I am in love with it and can’t wait to try more recipes from the book !

[@dwaynezilla]

"very very light version of the classic tiramisu" Damn, Claire wasn't joking about the best recipe thing. Tiramisu _is_ often too heavy, too cold, too sweet, and/or too boozey! (like she said!) I think the best part about Claire's recipes are that they're basically the versions of the recipe that I want and all I have to do is copy, haha

[@lanawilliams6609]

Tiramisu is my favorite dessert. I definitely need to try this. Thanks Claire!!!!

[@didisinclair3605]

Just found the perfect dessert for my friend's birthday dinner!!!! Thanks, Claire!!!!

[@catherineanngavile320]

Just pre-ordered the book, Claire! Thank you for sharing your work, and your enthusiasm for dessert!

[@KatherineCooper]

Nothing says Thursday like a trip to the store to make dessert with Claire!

[@louiscisse]

I’ve always steered clear of tiramisu for the reasons you said in the video (soggy, raw alcohol flavour etc) but this looks SO. gooood!!!!

[@annamarierodriguez20]

I now make this every year for my husbands birthday. We LOVE it thank you!

[@julsc2106]

Watching Claire cook is the cleanest best pleasure

[@catherineanngavile320]

Thank you for a wonderful recipe, ClaIre! Made it for my husband's birthday, everyone loved it!

[@bdellovibrioo5242]

This not only looks super delicious, but also seems good for customizing. I could see a fruit variation working well, subbing fruit juices and syrups for the coffee-derived ingredients. I've always found mascarpone and pears to be a good combo for example.

[@chelseabuckley1795]

This Tiramisu is the best! It was delicious - I took notes from the video and made it! Cannot wait for Claire's new cookbook to come out!

[@jackiehiebert7064]

So delighted to hear that the recipes don’t require a stand mixer! Thank you.

[@aileentay5405]

Thank you so much for this recipe! ❤ Made it multiple times... So delicious

[@catapillargirl2021]

I love this! When i bake i like to make everything so although I appreciate the option to be quicker & use packaged lady fingers it would be cool if you offered an accompanying recipe to make our own. Great job considering washing bowls the least amount through steps. Thanks!

[@Croatilillious]

I didn't know you made a KZbin channel until recently. Binged the whole thing over a week lol.

[@puchunful]

Just another comment saying I made this a few nights ago (as a birthday cake). It was truly so easy and delicious. The bonus was having less to clean thanks to the flow of the recipe. Thanks Claire!

[@samanthakeeney4738]

This looks so good I can’t wait to try it 😍

[@daisypokhrel-duran1768]

I made this recipe this week and everyone loved it! This recipe was easy to make and packs lots of flavor. It has inspired me to make other recipes from the book!

[@AbbeyLove7]

You have quickly become one of my favorite KZbinrs! I wanna learn how to bake more things like this just praying for an upgrade in my kitchen to start trying all your recipes 🫶

[@williamfu01]

I made this yesterday and it’s divine! So good

[@bendyplate_]

My Italian grandmother made this recipe and it was actually the best tiramisu I’ve ever had holy moly

[@handlealreadytaken718]

Yeah it's a def fav! Second time making this it's turned into a go to. ❤

[@neshacruz6574]

Love this recipe! And I agree, cold desserts with coffee flavor is superior 🤍👏🏼

[@MsSherrydarling]

Yum! I think l found a great make ahead dessert for the holidays, thanks!

[@deschainsouls]

Just made this yesterday for Thanksgiving. So delicious--not too sweet (as Claire notes), but still clearly a dessert. Creamy, flavorful! We've already eaten a big portion of it! It's so good. Since it's just the two of us and very informal, I skipped the plastic wrap and final whipped cream layer. I served it directly from the container. Simple, perfect directions, and very fast (20 minutes tops). I will make this again and again. It's especially great for a holiday because it's so simple, yet special, which comes in handy when your main dishes take so much time to make.

[@Ash82Melb]

Mine didn’t set and I decided to forgo the whipped cream on top. Just sprinkled the cocoa directly onto the unstable slab. My guests loved it!!

[@Shexil]

This is a great variation of the original. I appreciated the super easy step of cooking the eggs. The whole recipe was a breeze to make. I did not add the outside layer of cream. You can just layer it like the original.

[@fionaroni]

this video deserves more views for how delicious this tiramisu, reminds me of a small italian deli in nyc that made homemade tiramisu! havent found anything in houston even close until now!

[@huv123]

A new book - so exciting! Already pre-ordered.

[@Sleeperhit11]

Tiramisu is my favorite dessert and i love making ice box cakes. This was a great marriage of the two that seems both approachable and impressive

[@czerniana]

Lol “it’s usually too….” And proceeds to list the things I love 🤣 tiramisu is my favorite, and I’m usually a very traditional person concerning it, but I think I’ll give this a try 😊

[@naurcho]

I've made this two times already! Admittedly I've never had tirimisu before making this version myself, and I didn't think I'd like it, but.. it's to die for. I make the coffee double strong with added espresso power in my soak and syrup. I prefer my stand mixer because my hand mixers beaters are rubberized and it doesn't whip up, but honestly so easy and rewarding to make.

[@paddybissett7288]

I can't wait for ur book I am so in love with ur book and live watching u and the way u break down the recipes

[@katehale8690]

I would love to see your take on a German chocolate cake it’s my favorite. Though they’re often way too sweet, so you can’t have more than a couple of bites before feeling sugar overload. Lover your videos

[@mitzibud6908]

Another awesome video!! Thank you!!

[@jenlove11]

I just made this. It’s so good you guys. ❤

[@karenbrooks3765]

My favourite dessert can't wait to try this. From Johannesburg in South Africa I love everything you do!

[@Anonymous-xd2ef]

This is beautiful and looks amazing! I'll have to give it a try

[@OfficialHavocOsiris]

As a tiramisu head, this recipe, however non-traditional it may be, melts my heart.

[@cris_j]

I have craved every single recipe from this book so far. Gonna have to buy it. There's nothing more I can say!

[@sockpant]

Making this rn!!! So excited to eat it

[@nnagle9224]

I always thought tira misu was complicated, but you make it seem manageable. Thanks for leveling the new book.

[@UnspeakMyMind]

My family loves this! I made ladyfingers myself and they were super saturated. Thanks for making this Italian dessert accessible. Italian desserts are the best, but a lot of their recipes are in Italian

[@Rodviet]

There’s no greater joy than seeing a new Claire video! Edit: oh noooo! I corrected a misspelling and now her like is gone 🥹

[@aliciaf1055]

A couple of years ago, for Christmas, my husband gave me 3 packs of savoiardi and a bottle of amaretto, to encourage me to make tiramisu more often. So I still have 1 1/2 packs left - and now I have a plan.

[@susantaylor5068]

Looks scrumptious Claire can’t wait to try it 😋

[@susantaylor5068]

Claire you are the 👸 of desserts Truly number one 👏

[@zacr4664]

For my soak I used cold brew, kahlua, and coffee extract. It was so good

[@chriscrew4478]

Much love for Vinnie and Clarie!! Also love watching her work but I don't bake much and more of a savory guy... that said.... this is getting made next week.... anyone making thier own lady fingers?

[@wyocoloexperience7025]

Wow, I love your channel, Claire. You make this look easy for beginners like me!

[@The_Techie_Chef]

Definitely gonna try this out. Normally when I make tiramisu I use amaretto instead of kahlua though.

[@noirprncess]

Love the size of this!

[@carialv]

I like the style and edit of this video and that they let us know first what level of difficulty and equipment needed

[@ericblack1127]

Good work. Enjoyed watching.

[@Laysea89]

Vinny is the luckiest dude! What an awesome job, hang out with your friend, learn about and eat delicious food..❤️❤️❤️

[@samanthagarner2926]

As someone without a stand mixer, I'm very excited about this book!

[@JomanaIbrahim-rw8ip]

FINALLY an icebox cake that seems delecious

[@bushratahan3095]

claire, i love you thank you. i love tiramisu and can't wait to try this out

[@nikkilovesrocks]

Basing my opinion from my experience with Claire's Raspberry Cheesecake recipe. I'm truly excited to make her version of this classic Tiramisu. When she puts her twist on a classic, the modifications are 100% needed for true enjoyment! My pallet agrees. Heaven forbid too Boozy, not for my liking either. Yummy cake to make! Thank You Claire 💖

[@MisssImss]

It depends on what region you're from in Italy, but the traditional recipe my family uses has Marsala (dessert wine), not rum. Adds a nice layer of complexity to the flavour without being too overpowering

[@LightsCameraCooking]

Your videos are so easy to understand ..its a blend of creativity with your passion to show us something new every time.. keep up the great work lk

[@teresavapor3278]

Thank you so much for sharing the hint about lightly misting the pan with water to help make the cling film adhere! I’ve really struggled with this….Claire to the rescue!

[@stevemosier]

Lady fingers dipped in moonlight! I am definitely making this recipe ASAP! 🙂

[@amberwol9330]

the attention to detail to the order of operations resulting is less cleaning is MUCH APPRECIATED #efficiency #workingsmarter

[@jmullen1584]

I cannot wait to make this next time I have company! Thank you.