Trend Insights: Tiramisu Takes Off

Our panel of experts weighs in on further opportunities with the iconic layered dessert on modern menus. See Tiramisu Takes Off for the full article.

Being a beloved, timeless flavor makes tiramisu adaptable. It’s natural that consumers are looking for as many ways as possible to enjoy it, and creative chefs are answering the call. Create tableside theater for a new experience; expand tiramisu’s flavor system through formats like parfaits and cold-brew builds; add unexpected elements like citrus, fruit purées and nuts. Tiramisu easily spans dayparts and formats.

—Rob Corliss, Chef/Founder, All Things Epicurean (ATE)

Tiramisu relies on the can’t miss coffee-cookie-cream flavor system and is nearly impossible to mess up, tying into the next-wave coffee trend while leaning into elevated comfort. Plus, it’s a back-of-house dream: prepped ahead, it sits and gets tastier, delivering predictable and consistent results. It’s easily scalable, Instagram-worthy, and crosses dayparts, easily transforming for dessert, brunch or beverage menus.

—Liz Moskow, Principal, Bread & Circus

Look to all of the flavor innovation levers tiramisu offers to either reinvent it as a dessert or shift it into a beverage or a cocktail.

—Adam Moore, Chef/President, Flashpoint Innovation

“Concept-themed” tiramisu offers endless flavor possibilities. Take inspiration from the many flavors that pair naturally with coffee, including coconut or orange. Swap the traditional coffee-infused ladyfinger soak for alternatives featuring spirits such as ouzo, banana whiskey or Grand Marnier. Or create a truly decadent version with a Cognac-spiked coffee spread, layers of chocolate and salted caramel, and finished with a gold flake garnish.

—Kathy Casey, Owner, Chef and Mixologist, Kathy Casey Food Studios – Liquid Kitchen