Description
This classic Italian Tiramisu recipe features a rich and creamy mascarpone mixture layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfectly balanced with sweetness and a smooth texture, it’s an indulgent dessert that brings authentic Italian flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Mascarpone Cream
- 16 oz Mascarpone cheese (450g), cold from the fridge
- 4 egg yolks
- ⅔ cup granulated or caster sugar (133g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream, chilled (360g) OR 4 egg whites
Assembly
- 30–36 ladyfingers
- 1 ½ cup strong black coffee, room temperature (360g)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder to dust
Instructions
- Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar until light and fluffy. Add the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and salt, and gently combine until smooth.
- Whip the Cream or Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form. Alternatively, if using egg whites, beat them until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream or egg whites into the mascarpone mixture to create a light and airy cream.
- Soak the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip ladyfingers into the room temperature strong black coffee, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Layer them in a rectangular dish to form the first layer.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Before serving, sift 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder generously over the top layer to finish the classic tiramisu look and add a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cream.
Notes
- Use cold mascarpone and heavy cream for better texture in the cream mixture.
- Quickly dipping the ladyfingers prevents them from becoming overly soggy while still absorbing the coffee flavor.
- For a safer option, you may use pasteurized eggs or omit raw egg yolks and whites, but this may alter the texture slightly.
- Allowing the tiramisu to chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
Keywords: Tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, coffee dessert, classic tiramisu, no-bake dessert