Best Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe

Introduction

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert known for its creamy texture and rich coffee flavor. This classic recipe combines mascarpone cheese, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder to create an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 16 oz mascarpone cheese (450g), cold
• 4 egg yolks
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar (133g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (360g), chilled
• 30-36 ladyfingers
• 1 1/2 cups strong black coffee, room temperature (360g)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the room-temperature coffee, being careful not to soak them. Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Step 4: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Then, add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top, followed by the remaining cream mixture.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly brewed strong coffee or espresso for the best flavor, and let it cool completely before dipping the ladyfingers.
• For a boozy twist, add 2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur or rum to the coffee before dipping.
• Ensure the heavy cream is well chilled to achieve stiff peaks when whipping, which helps create a light, airy texture.
• Substitute the cocoa powder dusting with shaved dark chocolate for a different presentation.

Storage

Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed within this time for optimal freshness. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge and dust with cocoa powder if needed. There is no need to reheat; tiramisu is traditionally served chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, tiramisu actually tastes better after resting for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften perfectly.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in tiramisu?

Using fresh, high-quality eggs reduces the risk, but if you’re concerned, you can use pasteurized eggs or look for recipes that cook the yolks gently before mixing.

Best Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe

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5 from 114 reviews

This classic Italian Tiramisu recipe features creamy mascarpone layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s a no-bake dessert that combines rich flavors and a smooth texture, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mascarpone Mixture

• 16 oz mascarpone cheese (450g), cold
• 4 egg yolks
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar (133g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Whipped Cream

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (360g), chilled

Assembly

• 30–36 ladyfingers
• 1 1/2 cups strong black coffee, room temperature (360g)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the mixture together until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will give the dessert a light and airy texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture carefully to keep the mixture fluffy and smooth.
3. Soak Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the room temperature strong black coffee. Ensure each ladyfinger is dipped briefly to avoid sogginess but fully infused with coffee flavor.
4. Layer Ladyfingers and Cream: Arrange half of the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a suitable baking dish. Spread half of the mascarpone and whipped cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat the process with the remaining dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining cream mixture.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly. Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder for a classic finish.

Notes

• Ensure coffee is cooled to room temperature before dipping ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
• Use fresh egg yolks and consume the dessert within 24 hours if not using pasteurized eggs, as it is a no-bake recipe that contains raw eggs.
• For a variation, you can sprinkle some coffee liqueur mixed with coffee during the ladyfinger soaking step.
• Chilling overnight helps enhance the flavors and texture of the tiramisu.

Keywords: Tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, coffee dessert, no bake dessert, classic tiramisu