Ah, tiramisú. A classic Italian dessert that’s popular all around the world — and today, we’ve got a recipe that you can make at home for a fresh, fun twist on this staple!

This Tiramisú Bread Pudding is absolutely sure to be a crowd-pleaser! It’s a game-changing recipe that’s so much easier to make than the original but tastes just as good!

tiramisú bread pudding with a large portion missing

History of tiramisú

This popular Italian dessert, made of ladyfingers drenched in espresso and a delicious whipped topping containing mascarpone, originated in Treviso, in Italy, in the 1800s. They say it was created by the mistress of a “house of pleasure” in Treviso and later this history was hidden in popular retellings.

Tiramisú is renowned across the world as a super-delicious dessert. It takes a lot of work to make, though, in its original form, and we love this tiramisú bread pudding because it keeps the flavors of the original while really simplifying the process of making it!

What does tiramisú mean

Tiramisú is a great name for a dessert soaked in espresso. The Italian word literally means “pull me up” because this dessert is a perfect pick-me-up, thanks to the espresso that soaks through the ladyfingers in the original recipe.

Another interpretation of tiramisú could be “cheer me up.” You all know the feeling — it’s the end of a great meal and you’re satisfied but maybe your stomach feels a little heavy, weighed down with all the delicious food you’ve eaten. So you have a little tiramisú and it wakes you up, brings a smile to your face. We think this is totally clever and apt!

What is mascarpone

Mascarpone is a super-delicious cheese made from heavy cream and citric (tartaric) acid. It comes from Italy, tastes like clotted cream but even sweeter, and is made by heating up the heavy cream and adding the acid to solidify the cream. It’s super-spreadable and so delicious.

Mascarpone cheese is perfect for tiramisú because its natural sweetness counteracts the bitterness of the espresso and gives it a soft, pillowy texture.

How to make tiramisú Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding

1. Slice brioche loaf into 8-10 slices, then layer in a 12 inch round oven-safe baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and espresso powder.
3. Pour over the brioche slices until all the brioche is covered in the custard.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
5. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes.
6. Note: Bake the base without the mascarpone topping!
Mascarpone Whip
1. In a bowl of an electric mixer or stand mixer add heavy cream, mascarpone, sugar, espresso, and vanilla.
2. Beat together until medium peaks form. It will be nice and fluffy!
3. Once the base has cooled completely, spread whipped topping evenly.
4. Dust with plenty of cocoa powder and enjoy! This is served room temperature or cool.

How to store tiramisú Bread Pudding leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for up to three days, and you can pull them out and enjoy them for a bright pick-me-up at any point during that time!