40+ Best Ladyfinger Desserts From Tiramisu and Beyond

My guide to the best ladyfinger desserts is made up of a wide range of easy ladyfinger dessert recipe ideas designed to fit every taste.

I chose these dessert recipes based on their creativity, easy-to-follow instructions, and delicious and visually appealing presentation. I constantly update the list with new recipes, so you're guaranteed to find the best ladyfinger desserts around!

When thinking of ladyfingers, tiramisu is the dessert that most often comes to mind. However, there is a wide range of recipes with ladyfingers that you can greatly enjoy. On this list, you’ll find several easy ladyfinger desserts that are quick and enjoyable to make, regardless of whether you have limited experience in the kitchen or you’re just looking for a simple way to use your ladyfingers. 

Katalin's Key Take on How to use ladyfingers in desserts

Ladyfingers (also known as savoiardi in Italy or boudoirs in France) are sweet, slender little sponge cakes with a low-density, light, and airy texture. Because they are quite dry, they absorb moisture well, so they are traditionally used in cream-based desserts like tiramisu, where they are dipped in coffee and absorb the moisture and flavor to become deliciously fluffy and moist.

You can buy ladyfingers at the store, but they are also super easy to make yourself; try my homemade ladyfingers recipe and see! The meringue-based batter comes together in 10 minutes, and then it hardly takes any time to bake. They can be ready in under 30 minutes!

When dipping them in coffee, alcohol, or other liquids, it's important not to soak them for too long so they don't become soggy. A quick dip on either side is enough for them to absorb enough moisture to soften and achieve that delicious, moist texture.

You can also use them as decoration, as seen in the famous Charlotte Cake, which features them around the edge. Their structure and elegant shape make a visual and culinary statement. Here are the best desserts with ladyfingers that you can try making at home.

Best Ladyfinger Dessert Recipes

1. Authentic Italian Tiramisu

This recipe offers a luxurious treat that's easy to make with simple ingredients. It even features soft and golden homemade ladyfingers to help you create the best-tasting classic tiramisu. The sponge-like ladyfingers are soaked in coffee and layered with velvety mascarpone cream in one of the best desserts with ladyfingers you’ll ever make.

2. Strawberry Charlotte Cake

A delicious border of ladyfingers surrounds a rich vanilla creme mousseline in my Strawberry Charlotte cake recipe. To that end, this no-bake recipe includes some of the best elements of both Tiramisu and Fraisier cake. It's a fruity and refreshing treat that is well-balanced in sweetness as well as indulgence. One of the easiest French pastries you will ever make.

3. Matcha Tiramisu

This unique spin on the classic Italian tiramisu swaps the usual ladyfinger coffee soak with high-quality matcha tea. The result is an earthy and pleasantly smooth dessert with a complex assortment of complementary flavors. It’s an absolute must-try for every green tea lover! 

4. Strawberry Tiramisu

Now, try a strawberry version of this classic ladyfinger dessert. Loaded with fresh berry flavor and whole juicy strawberries, it is a summer dessert to rule them all. The best thing about ladyfingers is that they absorb more flavor and moisture over time, so they genuinely taste better the next day. It's a dream for a busy host who wants to make as much in advance as possible.

5. Limoncello Tiramisu

Take a trip to the Italian Riviera with this boozy tiramisu laced with Limoncello. It might only be for adults, but you won't see anyone complaining that they have to hide it from the kids. The ladyfingers taste so good soaked in this lemon liqueur, and it gives the classic tiramisu a really fresh twist!

6. Tiramisu Brownies

Here's a ladyfinger dessert mash-up I know you'll love. A layer of fudgy, dense chocolate brownie topped with that deliciously soft tiramisu filling made from mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Finally, the top is dusted with cocoa powder for a double chocolate finish. The texture is out of this world, and you will definitely leave everyone wanting more.

7. Chocolate Tiramisu

And if you love chocolate and love tiramisu, why not combine them into a doubly decadent chocolate tiramisu! I never thought of trying this, and once I did, I haven't looked back. My recipe isn't too sweet and is perfectly balanced, with rich flavor and an amazing texture.

8. Mini Tiramisu Cups

If you’ve been on the hunt for the simplest way to make a tiramisu dessert, look no further. Only 15 minutes stand between you and this delicious no-bake recipe for tiramisu trifles. Ladyfingers go incredibly well with coffee desserts such as these.

9. Tiramisu Cheesecake

The crust of this cheesecake is made with a combination of Oreo cookies and crushed ladyfingers, providing a particularly satisfying crunch that complements the creamy and smooth espresso cheesecake filling. This is one of the ladyfinger dessert recipes that’s packed with rich espresso flavor, making it perfect for coffee lovers. 

10. Ladyfinger Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

An ice cream cake is a lovely frozen treat that brings extra sweetness to those warmer days. This recipe surrounds tasty strawberry ice cream with soft and sweet ladyfingers, then tops the fresh dessert with the perfect layer of homemade whipped topping. To that end, this ice cream cake belongs on the table at every gathering you host this summer. 

11. Chocolate Mousse Cake with Ladyfingers

This is another no-bake lady fingers dessert that comes together in no time, and the flavors pair together flawlessly. The rich chocolate mousse also serves as the perfect contrasting flavor for the light-tasting ladyfingers that beautifully line this dessert on all sides.

12. Traditional English Trifle

The ladyfingers in this trifle recipe are soaked in Sherry wine, adding a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the pudding and berries in this treat. Another unique aspect is that the recipe calls for crunchy ladyfingers rather than the traditional pillowy variety. However, if you only have soft ladyfingers on hand, the author suggests briefly toasting them in the oven to help them absorb the Sherry without losing their structure.

13. No-Churn Tiramisu Ice Cream

An easy no-churn ice cream recipe is a lifesaver, and now you can make an elegant tiramisu version complete with ladyfingers! The sweetened condensed milk means you do not need an ice cream machine, and you can simply mix the ingredients together and freeze. Dust with cocoa powder to get that classic finish, and enjoy!

14. Strawberries and cream icebox cake

There's nothing that says summer like strawberries and cream. The flavor combination works exceptionally well, with the juicy, sweet berries perfectly complementing the rich cream. I love an icebox cake, as it's another dessert that can be made in advance. This summer, ladyfinger dessert is perfect for parties in the sunshine.

15. Tiramisu Semifreddo

Semifreddo is a traditional Italian dessert that translates to "half frozen." This version of the staple doubles down on authentic Italian attributes with its delicious tiramisu flavoring. The result is an all-around fantastic Italian dessert, featuring ladyfingers similar to those in a tiramisu, paired with an ice cream cake.

16. Lemon Icebox Cake 

Lemon icebox cake is a light and refreshing dessert that's perfect for summer. Made with layers of delicate ladyfingers and tangy lemon mousse, this no-bake treat is sure to be a hit. You make the mousse with fresh lemon juice and zest, giving it even more brightness and fresh flavor. And, of course, no lemon dessert would be complete without a dollop of fresh whipped cream! 

17. Pumpkin Charlotte cake

Here's a fall dessert with ladyfingers you can make during the holiday season! If you love pumpkin pie but crave something a bit different, why not try a pumpkin charlotte cake instead? The pumpkin spice filling is incredibly creamy, and the ladyfingers around the side look remarkably professional, but are actually very easy to assemble.

18. Tiramisu Torte

This Tiramisu Torte is perfect for anyone looking for a simple and delicious ladyfingers dessert. Made with the rich flavors of amaretto, coffee, and chocolate, this satisfying cake is guaranteed to delight coffee lovers with a sweet tooth. It's also an easy recipe, making it perfect for beginners.

19. Peach Tiramisu

Peach tiramisu is another delicious summer variation of this Italian classic that you're sure to love. There are chunks of fresh summer peaches and peach curd for added flavor, which pair perfectly with the espresso-soaked ladyfingers and traditional mascarpone cream. You can use any variety of peaches, but I love the vibrant color contrast of the yellow peaches and their red skins against the creamy filling.

20. Zuppa Inglese

Experience the flavors and aromas of Italy with the Zuppa Inglese, a perfect ending to any meal or celebration. It starts by soaking ladyfingers in Alchermes, which infuses the dish with a unique and delightful flavor. Generous dollops of vanilla and chocolate pastry cream are layered between the soaked ladyfingers, creating a luxurious texture and taste.

Finally, the dessert is finished with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. This is a great example of authentic Italian recipes using ladyfingers.

21. No Bake Black Forest Parfait 

Made in individual cups, these Black Forest Parfaits are a delicious treat that features creamy chocolate pastry cream layered with Morello cherries and fresh whipped cream. This 30-minute recipe also includes delicate ladyfingers soaked in a cocoa powder kirsch mixture, giving them a deliciously rich flavor.

22. Summer Berry Trifle 

This trifle is a stunning dessert perfect for any summertime gathering. Layers of light and airy ladyfingers, fresh berries tossed in jam, and rich cream cheese create a wonderful assortment of harmonious textures and flavors in this layered dessert with ladyfingers.

Furthermore, when served in a large trifle dish, this recipe stands out as a visually stunning and impressive treat.

23. Dulce Frio

It’s similar to a Tres Leches Cake, but Dulce Trio is much simpler to make while remaining just as rich and delicious. The ladyfingers are also soaked in a rich sauce made with sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks. Then the simple dessert is topped with juicy peaches for a burst of fresh flavor.

24. Easy Raspberry Mousse

This easy dessert recipe features layers of juicy, fresh raspberries and light ladyfingers, topped with a smooth raspberry mousse. Served in cups, these individual ladyfinger desserts are both elegant and easy to make. In addition, the vibrant pink hue comes only from the fresh raspberries themselves, making this a natural and wholesome dish.

This is also one of the more elegant lady finger desserts, easy enough to whip up for a weeknight treat your whole family will love.

25. Peach Melba Trifle

A feast for the eyes and the taste buds awaits you, featuring layers of juicy peaches and tangy raspberry sauce in this vanilla pudding ladyfinger dessert. The bottom layer of ladyfingers soaks up all the delicious flavors, while the top is adorned with delicate meringue cookies for an added crunch. 

26. Mango Tiramisu 

This fruity dessert is perfect for anyone who loves the rich flavors of tiramisu but prefers something lighter and more tropical in taste. Coffee-soaked lady fingers serve as the base, similar to the classic tiramisu lady fingers, but instead of a heavy cream filling, this recipe uses a mix of mascarpone and sour cream.

27. Chocolate Charlotte Cake 

Layers of delicate ladyfingers dipped in dark chocolate surround a luscious, rich chocolate mousse filling in this chocolate ladyfinger dessert. Due to its elegant appearance, this Charlotte cake is ideal for serving at special occasions and gatherings. Plus, it's a surprisingly simple ladyfinger cake recipe, making it an ideal dessert for all skill sets. 

28. Coffee caramel Latte Parfait

How cute are these coffee parfaits? Serve them after a dinner party instead of plain coffee and watch as everyone devours them. The whipped cream is infused with caramel latte instant coffee, and the ladyfingers are soaked in espresso, so you get a double hit of flavor as well as the super creamy texture.

29. Berry Tiramisu Trifle 

Made with a generous amount of juicy blackberries and blueberries and sweetened with natural honey, this trifle also features layers of light and fluffy mascarpone cream. Meanwhile, ladyfingers soak up the delicious berry juice, adding a soft and spongy texture to the trifle's irresistible layers.

30. Caramel Apple Tiramisu

Layers of ladyfingers pair with a delicious apple pie filling to create a unique and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dessert. The tiramisu is then topped with a generous drizzle of caramel and chopped toasted walnuts, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.

31. Lemon Charlotte Cake 

Delicate ladyfingers surround a sweet and creamy mascarpone filling, providing a perfect balance of textures in this stunning dessert. At the same time, the cake is brushed with a citrusy simple syrup that enhances the lemon flavor, creating a bright and tangy taste. Finally, beautifully piped whipped cream adds a light and airy finish.

32. Mango Cheesecake Charlotte 

A Charlotte Cheesecake is one of the more creative no-bake desserts with ladyfingers, and this fruity, creamy recipe particularly hits all the right notes. Lined with ladyfingers and pieces of chopped mango right in the filling, this especially fun dessert is a simple summery delight.

33. Blackberry Tiramisu icebox cake

Icebox cakes are so easy. It's simply a little mixing, whipping, layering, and chilling for a day or overnight, and you have the perfect ladyfingers dessert for a hot summer day. Blackberries have the most amazing jammy flavor, and work really well against the cold cream and soaked sponge fingers.

34. Lemon Blueberry Tiramisu

A tiramisu with lemon and blueberry is a light and refreshing way to use ladyfingers, bursting with berry flavor and the zingy taste of citrus. It works really well as a spring or summer dessert, or even after a BBQ!

35. Lemon meringue trifle

This ladyfinger dessert recipe serves a crowd, and it's a real showstopper! Ladyfingers soaked in Limoncello, layered with lemon filling, and topped with clouds of torched Italian meringue. It's a triple hit of lemon flavor, and the meringue perfectly counteracts the sweet yet tangy citrus.

36. Dulce de Leche Tiramisu

I love the beautiful piped decoration on top of this ladyfinger dessert. Ladyfingers, coffee syrup, and the dulce de leche mascarpone cream are a truly dreamy pairing, and the stability of the dulce de leche will also help the dessert maintain its shape.

37. Raspberry Ombre Cheesecake Charlotte

How pretty is this dessert! While creating the ombre effect may require several different bowls with colors for the filling, it is well worth it. The nice gradient from white to pink looks even better with the vibrant whole raspberries on top.

38. Pumpkin Tiramisu

Who wouldn't love a tiramisu loaded with pumpkin spice and fall flavor? The chocolate topping tastes even better paired with the pumpkin filling, and the coffee-soaked ladyfingers add that classic kick. The best thing is that the eggs in this mascarpone filling are cooked, making it suitable for elderly and pregnant individuals.

39. Raspberry Tiramisu

There are whole raspberries in the filling for this tiramisu as well as studded on top, so you get a double hit of fruity flavor against your soft and fluffy ladyfingers and rich mascarpone filling. It will work at any time of year, and it tastes super decadent.

40. Earl Grey Tiramisu

Instead of coffee, soak your ladyfingers in tea for a refined and elegant twist! The vanilla-infused mascarpone cream filling tastes divine alongside it, and it has a more delicate flavor profile than the traditional version of this dessert.

41. Blueberry and Black Tea Tiramisu

Here's another tea-infused ladyfingers dessert recipe that you can impress anyone with. Serve it at tea time in the British style, or save it for after dinner. The blueberry flavor really shines against the black tea, and the ladyfingers have the most amazing soft texture. Surely, it's a winner!