Description
This Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe is a luscious and creamy no-bake dessert featuring layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder and optionally garnished with dark chocolate shavings. Perfect for an elegant finish to any meal, this traditional Italian treat is best prepared in advance to let its flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Mascarpone Cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
Coffee Mixture
- 2 cups strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled)
- 1/2 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
Main
- 2 packages (about 7 ounces) ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Egg Yolk Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture is thick and pale, indicating it is well aerated and creamy.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, meaning the cream holds firm peaks when the whisk is lifted.
- Smooth Mascarpone Cheese: In another bowl, gently mix the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Combine Mixtures: Fold the mascarpone cheese into the egg yolk mixture gently to combine, then carefully fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and homogeneous.
- Prepare Coffee Soak: In a shallow dish, mix the cooled espresso with coffee liqueur if using. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this mixture ensuring they are soaked but not soggy, absorbing enough liquid without disintegrating.
- Layer the Tiramisu: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers and smooth with a spatula. Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Chill: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Optionally, garnish with dark chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur and use pure espresso or strong coffee to retain authentic flavor.
- Use espresso or very strong coffee to ensure the dessert has a rich coffee flavor.
- Tiramisu is best made a day ahead as chilling intensifies the flavors and improves texture.
