Mango Tiramisu: Tropical Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert

If you love tiramisu but crave a fruity, tropical upgrade, Mango Tiramisu is your new go-to dessert. Combining the rich creaminess of mascarpone with juicy, ripe mangoes and delicate ladyfinger biscuits, this dessert is an effortless crowd-pleaser. Perfect for summer parties, brunches, or just treating yourself, this recipe is both elegant and approachable.

Why Mango Tiramisu?

Traditional tiramisu relies on coffee-soaked ladyfingers, but swapping coffee for mango puree introduces a refreshing, vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy mascarpone layer. The result is a dessert that’s light, fruity, and irresistibly indulgent. Plus, it’s visually stunning — those golden mango slices make it almost too pretty to eat.

Ingredients

• Mango Layer:
  • 2 cups ripe mango chunks
  • 1/2 cup mango puree
  • 2 tbsp sugar (optional, depending on mango sweetness)
• Mascarpone Cream:
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Assembly:
  • 20–24 ladyfinger biscuits
  • Additional mango slices for garnish
  • Cocoa powder for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Mango Puree:
   Blend 2 cups of fresh mango chunks with 1/2 cup mango puree until smooth. Taste and add sugar if needed. Set aside.
2. Whip Mascarpone Cream:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip until soft peaks form and the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
3. Prepare Ladyfingers:
   Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the mango puree, just long enough to coat without soaking them completely — they should retain a slight firmness to avoid becoming soggy.
4. Assemble the Tiramisu (First Layer):
   In a 9×9-inch dish or similar, arrange a layer of mango-soaked ladyfingers at the bottom. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
5. Add Mango Layer:
   Spoon half of the remaining mango puree over the mascarpone layer. Smooth gently with a spatula.
6. Repeat Layers:
   Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream, then top with the rest of the mango puree.
7. Chill:
   Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Just before serving, top with thin mango slices and a light dusting of cocoa powder if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips for Perfect Mango Tiramisu

• Choose Ripe Mangoes: The sweeter and juicier, the better. Varieties like Ataulfo or Alphonso are ideal.
• Avoid Over-Soaking Ladyfingers: Dip briefly to keep the dessert light and maintain structure.
• Chill for Flavor: Refrigeration allows the mascarpone and mango layers to firm up and meld for optimal taste.
• Optional Alcohol Boost: For a subtle adult twist, drizzle a tablespoon of rum or mango liqueur over the ladyfingers before assembly.

Variations

• Coconut Mango Tiramisu: Replace part of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical flair.
• Berry Mango Tiramisu: Layer with raspberries or blueberries for added color and flavor complexity.
• Mini Parfaits: Use small glasses or jars to make individual servings for parties — same recipe, elegant presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Mango Tiramisu is best served chilled with a light dusting of cocoa powder or grated white chocolate. Pair it with a tropical cocktail or sparkling water with lime slices for an elegant summer dessert experience. It also makes a stunning centerpiece for brunches, birthday parties, or holiday gatherings.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Tiramisu is an iconic Italian dessert whose name means “pick me up,” originally referring to its coffee content. Mango Tiramisu is a playful twist that brings tropical warmth to this classic treat. While traditional versions rely on espresso, fruit-based tiramisus have become increasingly popular worldwide, offering a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-bake and quick to assemble
• Rich, creamy, yet light and fruity
• Visually stunning for any occasion
• Flexible for variations and dietary preferences

Whether you are a dessert connoisseur or a casual cook, Mango Tiramisu offers a luxurious yet approachable recipe that’s sure to impress friends and family. The combination of tropical mango sweetness, velvety mascarpone, and delicate ladyfingers is unforgettable — a true modern classic.

Mango Tiramisu

A tropical twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining creamy mascarpone with juicy mangoes and delicate ladyfingers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Italian, Tropical

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Mango Layer

• 2 cups ripe mango chunks
• 0.5 cup mango puree
• 2 tbsp sugar optional

Mascarpone Cream

• 8 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Assembly

• 20-24 ladyfinger biscuits
• mango slices for garnish
• cocoa powder optional, for dusting

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• 9×9-inch dish
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Blend mango chunks and mango puree until smooth. Add sugar if desired.
2. Whip mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
3. Quickly dip ladyfingers into mango puree, do not soak.
4. Layer soaked ladyfingers in a 9×9-inch dish, spread half the mascarpone cream on top.
5. Add half of the remaining mango puree over mascarpone layer.
6. Repeat layers with remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone, and mango puree.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
8. Garnish with mango slices and cocoa powder before serving.

Notes

Best served chilled. Can be made a day ahead for optimal flavor.