Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that is made up of layers of coffee-soaked savoiardi (ladyfingers) biscuits, sweet mascarpone cream, cocoa powder, and other ingredients. The light, crisp savoiardi biscuits are essential for soaking up the coffee liquid and providing structure between the creamy layers. However, savoiardi biscuits may not always be easy to find or on hand. Luckily, there are several substitutes that can be used in tiramisu in place of traditional savoiardi biscuits.
Quick Answer for Substitute
The best substitutes for savoiardi biscuits in tiramisu are:
- Ladyfingers/boudoir biscuits
- Sponge cake
- Angel food cake
- Pound cake
- Sugar cookies
- Graham crackers
- Tea biscuits
- Slice white bread
Substitutes Explained in Detail
Ladyfingers/Boudoir Biscuits
Ladyfingers, also sometimes called boudoir biscuits, are the biscuits that are the most similar to savoiardi. They are dry, crisp, egg-based biscuits that are shaped into an oblong “finger” shape. Ladyfingers can be swapped into tiramisu in a 1:1 ratio for savoiardi, soak up coffee and liqueurs well, and provide the authentic layered texture.
Sponge Cake
Sponge cake is a light and airy cake made with eggs, sugar, and flour. It shares a similar delicate, porous texture with savoiardi biscuits. Cut sponge cake into 1-2 inch pieces and use them as a stand-in for the ladyfingers. Sponge cake may need to soak a bit longer than biscuits to fully absorb the coffee.
Angel Food Cake
Like sponge cake, angel food cake is light, airy, and soaks up liquid well. It’s made without butter or oil, giving it a dry, slightly porous consistency that works for tiramisu. Cut angel food cake into cubes or strips before adding to the tiramisu.
Pound Cake
Pound cake is denser than sponge or angel food cake, but when cut into thin slices, it can substitute nicely for ladyfingers. It’s best to use a basic pound cake recipe and avoid those with lots of add-ins. Allow plenty of time for the pound cake to absorb the coffee mixture.
Sugar Cookies
Crisp, dry sugar cookies can be another great stand-in for savoiardi biscuits. Use a basic sugar cookie recipe without too much sugar or flavorings added. Cut cookies into strips or rectangles before layering into the tiramisu. Allow time for thorough soaking.
Graham Crackers
Graham crackers bring a toasty, nutty flavor to tiramisu that complements the coffee. Break them into 1-2 inch pieces and layer them in the dessert alternately with the mascarpone filling. Their sturdy texture holds up well after soaking in the coffee mixture.
Tea Biscuits
Plain tea biscuits (or crackers, depending on where you live) work similarly to graham crackers in tiramisu. They have a neutral flavor, crisp bite, and sturdy structure. Break into pieces and soak as you would savoiardi ladyfingers.
White Bread
In a pinch, plain white sandwich bread can be substituted for ladyfingers. Trim off the crust, cut into 1 inch cubes, and layer into the tiramisu. White bread doesn’t have the same structural integrity as crispy biscuits, so be gentle when assembling the dessert.
Tips for Using Substitutes
When using a substitute for savoiardi biscuits in tiramisu, keep these tips in mind:
- Cut dense cake or bread substitutes into thin, 1-2 inch pieces so they easily soak up liquid.
- Allow extra time (20-30 minutes or more) for softer substitutes to fully absorb the coffee mixture.
- Gently press down each layer of cake/cookies between mascarpone fillings so the tiramisu firms up.
- Use a little more coffee mixture than usual since biscuit substitutes may absorb more liquid.
- Chill the assembled tiramisu for at least 4-6 hours before serving if using softer substitutes.
- Dust with an extra layer of cocoa powder before serving to help hold structure.
Substitute Options Comparison Table
| Substitute | Texture | Flavor | Soaking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ladyfingers | Very similar | Neutral | Same as savoiardi |
| Sponge Cake | Light and airy | Neutral to lightly sweet | 10-15 minutes |
| Angel Food Cake | Light and airy | Neutral | 10-15 minutes |
| Pound Cake | Dense and moist | Sweet, rich | 15-20 minutes |
| Sugar Cookies | Crisp, sturdy | Sweet | 10 minutes |
| Graham Crackers | Crisp, grainy | Nutty | 10 minutes |
| Tea Biscuits | Crisp | Neutral | 10 minutes |
| White Bread | Soft, spongy | Neutral | 15-20 minutes |
Conclusion
While savoiardi ladyfingers may be the traditional choice, there are many excellent stand-ins that can be used when baking tiramisu. Ladyfingers, sponge cake, angel food cake, graham crackers, sugar cookies, tea biscuits, and white bread can all substitute for savoiardi in a pinch. Just remember to cut denser options into small pieces, allow plenty of time for thorough soaking, press layers gently together, and chill thoroughly before serving your tiramisu for best results and texture. With the right substitutions and techniques, you can still enjoy fabulous coffee-and-cream tiramisu even without ladyfingers.