Tiramisu Pancakes Recipe: Espresso-Kissed, Mascarpone-Layered Brunch Bliss

Before we get into the fluffiest, most indulgent brunch stack you’ll ever whip up, let me start by saying thank you. Truly. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime reader, I’m so grateful you’re here sharing this passion for unforgettable recipes with me. And today’s dish? Oh, it’s a keeper. These Tiramisu Pancakes are what happens when classic Italian dessert vibes crash the weekend brunch table—in the very best way.

Just imagine layers of pillowy pancakes infused with espresso, held together by silky mascarpone cream, and finished with that iconic dusting of cocoa powder. It’s breakfast with a flair for drama, dessert with a love for coffee. These pancakes aren’t just pretty—they’re next-level delicious. And if you’re like me, once you’ve tasted these, you’ll be making them for every brunch, birthday morning, or cozy Sunday from here on out.

What Are Tiramisu Pancakes?

Tiramisu Pancakes are a hybrid between two beloved culinary experiences—Italian tiramisu and American-style fluffy pancakes. They’re rich but not too heavy, sweet but with a grown-up edge thanks to espresso. Each pancake is layered with mascarpone cream, just like traditional tiramisu is layered with mascarpone between ladyfingers. You still get that soft, creamy contrast—just in a more brunchable format.

You make a stack of espresso-swirled pancakes and slather whipped mascarpone cream between each one, then dust the top with cocoa powder. You can even spike the cream with a little Baileys or coffee liqueur if you want to keep things classy and boozy. Serve it with a shot of espresso or a drizzle of melted chocolate—oh yes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are a hundred reasons to adore this stack, but here are the highlights:

It’s ridiculously fluffy and flavorful. The pancake batter is made with buttermilk and espresso, so you get that perfect tang and depth of flavor. They’re soft, buttery, and light enough to soak up all that mascarpone cream.

It’s brunch and dessert in one. Tiramisu Pancakes are fancy enough to impress at a special brunch, but indulgent enough to finish off a dinner party as a plated dessert. They’re multi-talented like that.

You can customize it endlessly. Add berries, spike the cream, drizzle with chocolate, or keep it kid-friendly and classic. Whether you go all-out or keep it simple, they’ll taste amazing.

It serves a crowd. This recipe makes about 16 pancakes, enough for 4 to 6 generous servings. Perfect for feeding your family or a hungry brunch crew.

What Do Tiramisu Pancakes Taste Like?

Think soft, slightly sweet pancakes with notes of coffee and cream. The espresso doesn’t overwhelm—it enhances. The mascarpone filling is whipped with vanilla and sugar until it’s airy but rich. Add a dusting of cocoa powder on top, and it’s a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and just a touch bitter from the coffee and cocoa.

They’re not too sweet, and that’s what makes them shine. These aren’t sugar bombs—they’re complex and grown-up, but still completely comforting. The smell when these are cooking alone is enough to make the whole house gather in the kitchen.

Recipe Benefits at a Glance

• Beautiful presentation for brunch, birthdays, or holidays
• Freezer-friendly pancakes and make-ahead cream
• Customizable to be alcohol-free, gluten-free, or dairy-free
• Combines comfort food with elegant dessert vibes
• Crowd-pleasing and incredibly satisfying

Ingredients for the Pancakes (Yields about 16 pancakes)

• 650g plain flour (approximately 5¼ cups)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1.1 liters buttermilk (about 4½ cups)
• 100ml whole milk (about ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
• 100ml cooled espresso or strong brewed coffee (about ⅓ cup plus 1 tablespoon)
• 4 large eggs
• 125g melted unsalted butter (around 9 tablespoons)
• 3½ tablespoons caster sugar

Ingredients for the Mascarpone Cream

• 500g mascarpone cheese
• 1½ cups heavy cream (also known as whipping cream)
• 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons Baileys or coffee liqueur (optional)

Garnishes and Extras

• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Additional espresso or chocolate sauce for drizzling (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• 2 large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Hand or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Non-stick frying pan or griddle
• Spatula
• Sifter for dusting cocoa

How to Make Tiramisu Pancakes – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

In a second bowl, whisk the buttermilk, whole milk, cooled espresso, eggs, and melted butter until fully combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—lumpy batter is better than overworked batter. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes while you heat the pan.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour in about ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Keep pancakes warm in a low oven or wrapped in foil as you cook the rest.

Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Cream

In one bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone in two batches. Add Baileys or coffee liqueur if using, and stir to combine. Keep cold until ready to assemble.

Step 4: Assemble the Pancake Stack

On a large serving plate or individual plates, begin stacking the pancakes with a generous spoonful of mascarpone cream between each one. Keep layering until you run out of pancakes or reach your desired height. Spread a thick layer of cream on top and dust with cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer or sifter.

Optional: Drizzle with more espresso or melted chocolate and garnish with fresh berries for extra flair.

What to Serve with Tiramisu Pancakes

To round out your brunch, serve these pancakes with:

• A strong espresso or cappuccino to double down on the coffee experience
• Crispy bacon or sausage for salty contrast
• A simple fruit salad to keep things light and fresh
• Champagne or mimosas if it’s a celebration kind of morning

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

• Let the batter rest. This relaxes the gluten and gives you extra tender pancakes.
• Cook on medium heat. Too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through.
• Use room temperature ingredients for best blending.
• Don’t overfill the pan. Work in batches for even cooking.
• Chill the mascarpone cream if you’re making ahead—cold cream spreads easier and holds better between warm pancakes.

Storage Instructions

In the fridge: Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mascarpone cream should be stored separately and also used within 2 to 3 days.

In the freezer: Pancakes freeze beautifully. Layer parchment paper between them and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven.

Assembly tip: Only layer what you’ll serve immediately. Store pancakes and cream separately and build fresh stacks when ready to serve.

General Variations and Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Let the batter rest a little longer to hydrate the alternative flours.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free milk and butter alternatives, and a vegan cream cheese-style substitute for mascarpone.
• Kid-friendly: Skip the coffee liqueur and use extra vanilla or a splash of chocolate syrup in the cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the pancakes in advance?
Yes, you can make them a day ahead and store in the fridge, then reheat and assemble when ready.

Do I have to use espresso?
No. Strong brewed coffee or even decaf will work. Just keep the coffee flavor present for that tiramisu effect.

Can I substitute mascarpone?
If mascarpone is unavailable, a mix of softened cream cheese and heavy cream can work in a pinch, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Is the liqueur necessary?
Not at all! It adds a lovely flavor for adults but is entirely optional.

Can I turn this into a layered dessert instead of pancakes?
Absolutely! You could layer the pancakes in a baking dish with the cream and chill them like a traditional tiramisu cake.

Final Thoughts

This Tiramisu Pancakes recipe is pure indulgence—yet shockingly simple to make. Every layer is a mix of creamy, fluffy, espresso-kissed flavor that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique. Whether you’re surprising someone for a birthday breakfast or just elevating your Sunday morning, these pancakes are a guaranteed showstopper.

And if you loved this mashup of dessert and brunch, I’ve got a few more recipes you might want to bookmark:

• Chocolate Éclair Cake (No Bake): Dreamy layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and chocolate ganache—no oven required.
• OMG Soft Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies: Unbelievably gooey, bakery-style cookies you’ll make on repeat.
• PB&J Cupcakes Recipe: Childhood nostalgia meets modern cupcake magic.

Leave a Review & Share Your Stack!

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a review and share your pancake photos on Pinterest or tag me in your brunch masterpieces. Your creativity makes this space so special.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 1/6 of recipe)

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugars: 15g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg

Print