Celia (on_est_gourmands) adapted by JojoM

Layers of coffee-soaked petit beurre biscuits, silky white-chocolate custard, and glossy dark ganache—a no-bake French tiramisu-style cake that thrills.
There’s something irresistibly charming about European refrigerator cakes—no oven, no stress, just pure creamy indulgence layered with nostalgia. This Petit Beurre Coffee & Chocolate Cake (inspired by French home kitchens 🇫🇷) combines crisp coffee-dipped biscuits, smooth white-chocolate custard, and a glossy dark ganache. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting, perfect for when you want a show-stopping finish without turning on the oven.
If tiramisu and pastry cream had a love child, this would be it! Instead of mascarpone, the creamy filling is a white-chocolate custard made from egg yolks, sugar, and milk—silky like crème pâtissière but light and spreadable. The petit beurre biscuits, with their buttery snap, are dipped quickly in espresso to form tender layers that meld beautifully after a chill in the fridge.
Once it’s set, a dark chocolate ganache is poured on top—smooth, shiny, and slightly bitter to balance the sweet custard. Each slice reveals neat layers that hold perfectly, like a French café dessert with Italian soul.
In France, petit beurre biscuits are a pantry staple, often transformed into “gâteaux de famille”—the kind of desserts that don’t need fancy equipment or baking skill, just patience and love. This recipe captures that simplicity while elevating it with a touch of chocolate craftsmanship.
Whether you serve it at a dinner party or as a cozy afternoon treat, it’s guaranteed to make everyone ask for the recipe.
Cut into neat squares or slices, dust lightly with cocoa powder, and serve cold with a small espresso or glass of dessert wine. For an extra flourish, add a few coffee beans or chocolate curls on top just before serving.
This No-Bake Petit Beurre Tiramisu is proof that you don’t need an oven to create a bakery-worthy dessert. Each bite is creamy, coffee-kissed, and utterly addictive. Keep this recipe in your back pocket for holidays, birthdays, or anytime you need something elegant yet effortless.
It’s the kind of dessert that whispers je t’aime with every spoonful. ❤️🇫🇷
Source: Celia (on_est_gourmands) · Adapted by JojoM
Layers of coffee-soaked petit beurre biscuits, silky white-chocolate custard, and glossy dark ganache—a no-bake French tiramisu-style cake that thrills.

Dip biscuits briefly—1 to 2 seconds—in coffee to avoid soggy layers.
Chill at least 4 hours (overnight best) so the layers set cleanly for slicing.
For stronger flavour, use espresso; for milder, dilute with hot water.
Warm the knife under hot water and wipe between cuts for neat slices.
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In a bowl, whisk yolks with sugar until pale and lightly foamy. Whisk in sifted cornflour until smooth.
Heat milk with vanilla in a saucepan to steaming. Slowly whisk hot milk into yolk mixture.
Return to the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until thick and bubbling; cook 1–2 minutes to set the starch.
Off the heat, whisk in white chocolate until melted and smooth, then the butter. Press cling film onto the surface and cool to room temp.
Line a 20cm square tin with cling film or baking parchment, leaving overhang.
Briefly dip biscuits in cooled coffee and arrange a snug layer in the tin.
Spread on a third of the custard. Repeat layers—coffee biscuits then custard—until used, finishing with custard. Cover and chill 4 hours or overnight.
Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Bring cream just to a simmer and pour over chocolate; rest 1–2 minutes.
Stir gently from the centre until glossy and smooth; whisk in butter.
Pour ganache over the chilled cake, level with an offset spatula, and chill 30 minutes to set. Lift out, slice, and serve.
10/8/2025
In Brazil we call this pavê—this version with ganache is next-level.
10/8/2025
Confirmed—the custard cooks like a classic pastry cream. Silky and stable!
10/8/2025
Great tip on alternating the biscuit sides—made the layers look super neat.
10/8/2025
French tiramisu vibes! Set perfectly after an overnight chill—so easy to slice cleanly.
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Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Daniele Resconi (adapted by JojoM)