This no-bake dessert is the perfect summer treat—layers of Italian ladyfingers dipped in milk and rolled in shredded coconut, topped with creamy vanilla and chocolate mascarpone. It's easy to make and beautiful enough to impress at any gathering.
When the weather heats up, the last thing anyone wants is to turn on the oven.
That’s why this no-bake Italian ladyfinger cake is a summer dream come true: Light, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant, it layers crisp savoiardi cookies coated in shredded coconut, with luscious mascarpone cream—infused with both chocolate and vanilla.
The result? A dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for any summer gathering or casual get-together.
Why You’ll Love It:
This no-bake cake is incredibly easy and versatile. You can double or halve the recipe to suit any occasion or crowd, and you can shape it as you wish on your serving plate.
Also, it comes together in no time—just whip up the cream and assemble the layers.
There is a little wait time for the cream to firm up in the refrigerator, which helps the cake keep its shape perfectly. Whether you shape it in a loaf pan, a round dish, or individual servings, it’s a beautiful and effortless dessert
To make this recipe, I use savoiardi cookies (Italian ladyfingers). These are crisp, dry cookies that differ from softer American-style ladyfingers by holding their shape better when soaked. They’re ideal for layered desserts because they absorb moisture without turning mushy. You can find savoiardi in most well-stocked grocery stores, Italian markets, or online.
For this recipe, I'm making a mascarpone cream with no eggs, made by folding lightly sweetened whipped cream with mascarpone cheese. It’s faster and easier to make than traditional custards or the traditional mascarpone cream for tiramisu. and it creates a silky, stable cream that holds up well in layered desserts.
If you prefer, you can swap it out for your favorite cream base: a chocolate and vanilla whipped cream, a classic crema pasticcera, or the traditional tiramisu cream with egg yolks and sugar. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.
Baking tips:
Add the mascarpone gradually to the whipped cream to keep the texture smooth and avoid lumps. Alternatively, soften the mascarpone separately before folding it in for easier blending.
Chill the cream mixture before assembling—the cold cream firms up and helps the dessert hold its shape, especially important when layering with cookies. A stable cream means your layers stay neat and the savoiardi stand beautifully without collapsing. On the other end, if the cream is too hard to pipe, give it a mix and/or let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. It will be easier to pipe after that.
Variations to try:
Make the entire cream chocolate or vanilla only, or alternate layers for a fun contrast.
Swap the milk soak for espresso to give it a classic tiramisu kick.
Add a dusting of cocoa powder, grated chocolate, or toasted coconut on top for extra flair.
Incorporate fresh berries or a lemon zest drizzle to brighten it up for summer.
How to store:
Keep the assembled cake refrigerated and covered with plastic wrap or a cake dome. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days to preserve the texture of the cookies and freshness of the cream.Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
This no-bake coconut and mascarpone cake is truly a summer winner—easy to make, endlessly versatile, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different flavors and soaking liquids, it’s guaranteed to be a showstopper on your dessert table.
Other Italian dessert recipes you might like:
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