If you aren't a purist for whom tiramisu is exclusively made with ladyfingers and are open to experimenting with ladyfinger substitutes, here is an excellent guide to tiramisu sponge finger variations.
What can you use instead of ladyfingers in tiramisu? This question often arises while making an authentic tiramisu, speculoos tiramisu, or tiramisu torte. But first and foremost, what are ladyfingers?
What are lady fingers?
Ladyfingers, or Savoiardi biscuits, are Italian sponge biscuits known for their elongated shape. Made with eggs, sugar, and type "0" wheat flour, they create the perfect base for tiramisu.
If you search the Internet, you will be surprised at the countless names of fancy-sounding cookies: from ladyfinger biscuits, tiramisu biscuits, lady finger cookies, to tiramisu lady fingers, sponge finger biscuits, tiramisu sponge fingers, boudoir finger biscuits, Naples biscuits, biscuits à la cuillère in French, and simply tiramisu fingers.
Sardinian and Sicilian versions differ from the classic. Sardinian Savoiardi, or Pistoccheddus, are larger, flatter, and harder, ideal for vertical tiramisu. Sicilian Savoiardi have a rustic look and a firmer texture due to higher baking temperatures.
Substitute for ladyfingers
But how can lady finger cookies be replaced to make a tiramisu dessert? Let's find out the best substitutes.
1. Pavesini biscuits
Pavesini cookies are the most common ladyfinger biscuit alternatives. They are low in calories (only nine calories per piece), small, thin, generously sprinkled with sugar, and easy to handle.
Pavesini biscuits were patented in 1948 to differentiate their appearance from classic ladyfingers. The texture of Pavesini cookies is less consistent than that of Savoiardi fingers. Therefore, this alternative should be brushed with coffee instead of dipped.
Tiramisu with Pavesini (Tiramisù con i Pavesini in Italian) is the most popular variant of classic tiramisu, especially if made in cups or glasses. However, dipped in coffee, they tend to "dissolve," creating deconstructed tiramisu.
2. Oro Saiwa cookies
Known since the 1950s, Oro Saiwa cookies or dry biscuits make a great ladyfinger substitute. Due to their neutral flavor, they don't interfere with the bitterness of the coffee and cocoa and the sweetness of the mascarpone cream and also provide the dessert with a pleasant texture.
Thanks to their rectangular shape, Oro Saiwa cookies allow the creation of Tile tiramisu with Saiwa Gold or Mattonella tiramisu in Italian.
As a result, the dessert will be a little less thick (the cookies are thin) and spongy, equally soft, and less caloric.
To make a single-portion tiramisu with Oro Saiwa, quickly dip two cookies in cold coffee, spread one layer of cream, and sandwich two biscuits.
3. Digestive cookies
Who knew that biscuits designed by two Scottish doctors to aid digestion would be used to make tiramisu? The digestive cookies are well known for making cheesecake, but you can experiment with them in tiramisu.
4. Pan di Stelle, or star bread
You will love a modern twist on tiramisu with these famous cocoa and hazelnut biscuits launched by Mulino Bianco. Pan di Stelle biscuits beautifully balance the bitterness of the coffee and the fatty flavor of the mascarpone cream.
5. Shortbread cookies
Shortbread cookies are another good alternative to classic ladyfingers. Due to their simple taste and high "porosity," they are perfect for dipping in coffee.
Dip them in cold or warm coffee for better soaking, and make a cookie layer at the bottom of your dish.
If you have chocolate shortbread or shortbread with dark chocolate chips, their use will elevate the flavor profile of tiramisu. In addition, the cookies' bittersweetness will greatly balance the sweetness of the biscuit base.
6. Margherite cookies
Also known as Biscotti Margherita in Italian, Margherite cookies are a great ladyfingers alternative.
They have a dense texture compared to spongy ladyfingers, so it takes up to 10 seconds to soak them in coffee to get the same effect. Ensure the cookie outsides become soft to the touch while the insides stay dry.
7. Cat's tongues
Italian Lingue di Gatto or French Langues de Chat, made with simple ingredients such as flour, egg whites, butter, sugar, and vanillin, can also be used to prepare tiramisu.
The only downside of these cookies is that they don't soak very well, resulting in dry tiramisu. That is why many consider them not a good ladyfinger substitute.
8. Gingerbread cookies
Classic gingerbread cookies are another perfect substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu. Give your Christmas dessert a delicious twist with gingerbread tiramisu.
9. Speculoos cookies
From Biscoff and Lotus cookies to speculaas and speculoos cookies, these European delicacies make the best base or layer for speculoos tiramisu. Soaked with coffee or milk and layered with Biscoff-flavored whipped cream, they make a heavenly tiramisu treat.
10. Amaretti cookies
These classic Italian cookies are an excellent alternative to the authentic ladyfingers to make easy tiramisu cups.
Break the cookies, brush them with cold coffee, flavored with Grand Marnier, and alternate with the tiramisu cream. Finish the dessert with amaretti cookie crumbs and cocoa powder.
11. Biscotti al cacao, or cocoa biscuits
This Italian shortbread - soft cocoa biscuits - is a great alternative to classic ladyfingers. Dip biscotti al cacao in cold espresso coffee and alternate layers of biscuits with mascarpone cream.
Or soak the cocoa biscuits in strawberry syrup, bringing a tangy taste to the tiramisu layer. You can also use crushed cookies with dried fruit to create a tiramisu base.
12. Biscotti integrali, or wholemeal biscuits
Biscotti integrali, known in English as wholemeal biscuits, are a healthy and delicious ladyfinger substitute. Made with wholemeal flour, butter, muscovado sugar, eggs, and lemon zest, they bring a beautiful flavor and rustic look to the tiramisu dessert.
13. Graham crackers
If you have a lazy weekend in mind and a delicious snack on hand, try to make a tiramisu with graham crackers.
They have the perfect shape for creating that signature rectangular dish. Just make sure they soak the right amount of coffee.
Graham crackers should get moist on the outside with a dry center inside. Alternate layers of crackers and cream until the dish is filled. Chill for 3-4 hours, and sprinkle with cocoa powder.
14. Cantucci
In Italy, all cookies are called "biscotti." A single cookie is called biscotto, whereas those in the plural are called cantucci.
Cantucci is the next ladyfinger substitute on the list. Twice-baked cookies are mainly used to make individually served tiramisu - a spooned dessert in cups.
Due to their compact texture, dip cantucci a little longer than ladyfingers, but make sure they aren't soft. Then, remove them, crumble them, and layer them with cream.
15. Pink champagne biscuits
Known as Biscuit Rose de Reims or Champagne biscuits, these are traditional French biscuits invented in 1960.
Pink champagne biscuits are best enjoyed when dunked in champagne, but they offer endless possibilities for ladyfinger desserts, from Chocolate Charlotte cake and Fraisier to crinkle cookies and tiramisu.
Champagne biscuits beautifully pair with lychee, like in this Lychee Cake. So, why not try making tiramisu with pink biscuits? Traditionally, biscuits are soaked in cold coffee or milk, but this is a coffee-free option.
A romantic tiramisu for two made with renowned Biscuits de Reims and served with bubbly champagne is best for your St. Valentine's Day.
16. Sponge cake
Another excellent ladyfinger alternative is a classic Italian sponge cake. Who doesn't like a simple and quick dessert?
Sponge cake allows for the preparation of cake-style tiramisu. Slice your sponge into two or three layers, soak it with strong coffee, and build your tiramisu alternating with the cream.
Refrigerate the dessert for 12 hours, and sprinkle with cocoa powder before serving.
17. Pound cake
Pound cake, like a classic sponge cake, is the perfect ladyfinger substitute for tiramisu lovers. Use it to make a traditional dessert base or a "naked" tiramisu.
Start with placing cake layers on a plate and brushing them with cold coffee on both sides. Then spread half of the mascarpone cream and cover with another cake layer. Finish off with cream and cocoa powder.
18. Angel food cake
Another great choice to make tiramisu is to use angel food cake. Instead of using ladyfingers, get a store-bought angel food cake.
Its cake layers, generously soaked with coffee, get a beautiful flavor and look when sliced. Spread tiramisu cream between layers and finish with a drizzle of the fudge ice cream topping.
19. Panettone
Panettone and tiramisu... Combining two delicious desserts is great, especially when you have a few leftover panettone slices.
The sweet, fruity notes of panettone perfectly complement the creamy, luscious layer in tiramisu.
Start with thinly sliced panettone and brush it with cold coffee. Then, layer on tiramisu cream and create another panettone and cream layer.
Finally, chill tiramisu with panettone (tiramisù con panettone in Italian) for 3-4 hours before finishing with grated dark chocolate.
20. Pandoro
Using a leftover pandoro is another great idea for making tiramisu during Christmas time.
To prevent pandoro slices from soaking in too much coffee, let them dry at room temperature for a few hours. Get creative and add grated dark chocolate, dried fruit, fresh berries, or a few slices of orange.
But why limit yourself to leftovers? Use a fresh pandoro for making a decadent tiramisu with pandoro (tiramisù con il pandoro in Italian).
21. Madeleines
Treat your guests to Italian tiramisu with French madeleines from beautiful Lorraine. Create individual or shared desserts, and put an extra twist by adding bergamot-flavored madeleines.
Start by dipping the madeleines in cold coffee for 1-2 seconds. Place them on the first cream layer and top with cream to cover them. Chill the dessert for 4 hours, and sprinkle with unsweetened cocoa powder before serving.
22. Financiers
Classic or pistachio financiers, made individually or baked as a cake base, are another good substitute for ladyfingers.
Alternate sponge cakes with mascarpone cream, like the madeleines above, or break financiers to make tiramisu in jars.
23. Brownies
Tiramisu brownie (tiramisù brownie in Italian) is a one-of-a-kind dessert in which the richness of Italian tiramisu is paired with the deliciousness of American brownies. The chocolate goodness can be easily made within an hour.
24. Granola
Granola? You read it right. Granola mixed with dried fruit makes a tasty tiramisu base. You can also use this healthy mixture to make individually served tiramisu.
25. Macarons
French macarons can be used to make single portions of tiramisu - tiramisu in jars. Made without coffee, the dessert is kid-friendly.
Crush macarons with your hands and place them at the base of the jars. Then, make a layer of cream and crumble another layer of macarons. Finish with cream and cocoa powder.
26. Wafers
Using chocolate or vanilla wafers to replace ladyfingers seems like a last-resort idea. However, using individual wafer cones looks intriguing.
In 15 minutes, you can whip up the mascarpone cream and fill cones (or crunchy waffle bowls), making your kids' party a delicious adventure.
27. Waffels
Homemade or store-bought waffles can be used to make so-called tiramisu baskets or cestini tiramisù in Italian.
Top the waffles with mascarpone cream, sprinkle them with bitter cocoa, and decorate them with whipped cream. If you feel more adventurous, you can try using waffles to replace ladyfingers in classic tiramisu.
Conclusion
If you are up for baking, find an easy recipe for homemade ladyfingers to make them from scratch. It takes a few minutes to whip them up in a stand mixer, pipe them with a piping bag on a baking tray, and bake them.
But if you are short on time or store-bought lady fingers aren't available, pick one of the substitutes above. Your next tiramisu promises to be the best.
FAQ
If you travel to Italy, you will find dozens of brands making ladyfingers: from lactose- and gluten-free ladyfingers to vegan and eggless, and those made organically with honey and without palm oil. If you live in the United States, choose brands like Forno Bonomi, Balocco, or Matilde Vicenzi. They produce crispy ladyfingers, not cake-style ones.
While Italian ladyfingers and American Vienna Fingers have similarly round-ended finger-like shapes, they differ. Ladyfingers are light and airy cookies compared to dense Vienna Fingers sandwiched as two with vanilla cream.
You can buy ladyfingers in the bakery section of a grocery store but rarely in the bread, cookie, or snack aisles. You can also purchase ladyfinger biscuits online on Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Whole Foods, etc.
Martina says
Pictures would be nice to go with the lady finger substitutes.
Irina says
Hello Martina, I tried to link each ladyfinger substitute. If you press the links, you will be directed to the Amazon store.