Is tiramisu safe if you have an egg allergy?
Avoid
Classic tiramisu is made with raw egg yolks whisked into the mascarpone cream. It is unsafe for anyone with an egg allergy at any severity.
Why this verdict
- Raw egg yolks are whipped with sugar to form the base of the mascarpone cream.
- Some recipes also beat the egg whites separately and fold them in — both yolk and white are used.
- The eggs are uncooked — they are not pasteurised in the traditional recipe.
Watch out for
- Restaurant tiramisu served in a glass — still contains the same egg filling.
- Tiramisu flavoured ice creams or cakes — egg is usually in the flavour base.
- Egg-free 'tiramisu' versions that use double cream — safe for egg allergy but confirm the substitution.
Safer alternatives
- Panna cotta (cream-set dessert, egg-free) — but contains milk
- Chocolate mousse — confirm if egg-free version is available
- Affogato (espresso over ice cream) — confirm ice cream is egg-free
What to ask staff
- Is the tiramisu made with raw egg?
- Do you have an egg-free version made with whipped cream instead?
Frequently asked
Can you get egg-free tiramisu?
Yes — some restaurants substitute whipped cream or aquafaba for the egg component. Ask specifically whether eggs are used, as the cream-only version tastes similar and is not always labelled separately.