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 for a timeless treat that’s 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
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture.
- Step 3: Dip each ladyfinger in the cooled coffee for a quick moment and arrange half in a layer at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Step 4: Spread half of the cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with remaining cream.
- Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder.
Tips & Variations
- Use strong espresso or cold brew coffee for a more intense coffee flavor.
- For a boozy twist, add 2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the coffee before dipping the ladyfingers.
- Chill the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream well beforehand to help achieve the perfect texture.
- If eggs concern you, use pasteurized eggs or an eggless tiramisu recipe variant.
- Dust with dark cocoa powder for a slightly bitter contrast or use shaved bittersweet chocolate for decoration.
Storage
Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve to maintain texture and flavor. Leftovers can be gently reheated at room temperature for a short time but are best enjoyed cold.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make tiramisu without raw eggs?
Yes, you can use pasteurized egg yolks or substitute with whipped cream and mascarpone alone to avoid raw eggs while still achieving a creamy texture.
How long should tiramisu chill before serving?
It’s best to refrigerate tiramisu for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling allows flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.
PrintBest Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
Discover the BEST Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe, a luscious, creamy dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream. This timeless treat blends smooth mascarpone cheese with whipped cream and delicate egg yolks, all infused with the bold flavor of strong black coffee and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking an authentic Italian experience, this easy-to-make tiramisu requires chilling time but minimal active preparation, ensuring a delightful ending to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Dairy and Eggs
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese (450g), cold
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (360g), chilled
Sweeteners and Flavors
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (133g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Main Components
- 30–36 ladyfingers
- 1 1/2 cups strong black coffee, room temperature (360g)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the mascarpone mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Whip the heavy cream: In a separate bowl, use a mixer to whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should be able to hold its shape firmly when the beaters are lifted.
- Fold the whipped cream into mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Be careful to maintain the airiness of the whipped cream by folding slowly and not stirring vigorously.
- Soak and layer ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled strong black coffee, just enough to moisten without becoming soggy. Arrange half of the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of your baking dish.
- Add the first cream layer: Spread half of the mascarpone and cream mixture evenly over the layer of ladyfingers, smoothing the surface gently with a spatula.
- Create the second layer: Repeat the soaking process with the remaining ladyfingers and place them over the first cream layer. Top with the remaining mascarpone mixture, spreading it gently to cover completely.
- Chill the tiramisu: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Serve and dust: Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder for a classic finish and a slight chocolate bitterness that complements the sweetness and coffee flavors.
Notes
- Use room temperature mascarpone before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Dip ladyfingers quickly to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- For extra flavor, use coffee liqueur or amaretto in the coffee dipping liquid.
- Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor melding.
- Contains raw egg yolks; use pasteurized eggs for increased safety if desired.
Keywords: classic tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone tiramisu, no-bake tiramisu, coffee tiramisu
