This Store-Bought Dessert Rivals the Homemade Stuff I Ate While Living in Tuscany

That’s where Aldi comes in. I recently saw on Reddit that the budget grocer had brought back its Specially Selected Tiramisu. One thread titled “Don’t Walk RUN to Aldis!!! [sic]” even proclaimed it was “better than restaurant tiramisu.” 

I had to see if the frozen dessert could actually clear that very high bar. I got my hands on the dessert the very next day and waited patiently for it to thaw so I could get a taste (more on that below).

It appears it’s unofficially Italian week at Aldi. Many shoppers have recently spotted the return of some Italian favorites, including the beloved Specially Selected Tiramisu. It’s “imported from Italy,” according to the box, and weighs an impressive 17.6 ounces. While it’s not exactly Costco size, it’s more than enough for six people.

The tiramisu has all the delicious layers you’d come to expect from the classic dessert: a base made with savoiardi biscuits (also known as ladyfingers) soaked in instant coffee and marsala wine, plus a light and fluffy mascarpone cheese layer (mixed with nonfat milk, sugar, egg, cream, and whey protein concentrate), all dusted with cocoa powder. 

You can find it in Aldi’s freezer section for $7.59. After thawing it in the refrigerator for about six hours, it’s ready to serve. If you happen to have any leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

I studied abroad in Siena, Italy, in college, where I had many a tiramisu, (including ones made by my host mom), so I have high standards. And Aldi didn’t disappoint in the slightest. Visually, the tiramisu is stunning. I could clearly see the layers and loved the elegant piping on top. It also sliced like a dream, with the distinctive layers remaining intact. 

The flavor is spot-on, too. My pet peeve with tiramisu is when you can’t taste the espresso, but here the coffee is prominent. The mascarpone layer is light and airy, and has a sweet, ever-so-slightly tangy flavor. It’s got just the right amount of cocoa dusted on top that adds that chocolaty finish. The ladyfingers at the bottom were also soaked in just the right amount of espresso so they still hold up and slice easily but aren’t soggy and fall apart. I was impressed and would happily buy it again.

Lizzy, a lifestyle editor at our sister site Apartment Therapy, mostly agreed: “I just wish it had a bit more ladyfingers, but I’m pleasantly surprised by how good it tastes!” Sofia, lifestyle and special features editor at Apartment Therapy, was a big fan of the flavor too, adding, “You can really taste the booze in it. I’d totally have another scoop.” 

Find it in stores: Aldi Specially Selected Tiramisu, $7.59 for 17.6 ounces at Aldi

What’s your favorite Aldi dessert? Let us know in the comments.