Classic Italian Tiramisu: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 24 ladyfingers
  • 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well blended.
  2. Whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Boil gently for 1 minute, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Cover tightly and chill in refrigerator 1 hour.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form. Whisk mascarpone into yolk mixture until smooth.
  4. In a small shallow dish, add brewed coffee. Dip each ladyfinger into coffee for only 5 seconds. Letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart. Place the soaked ladyfinger on the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish, breaking them in half if necessary in order to fit the bottom.
  5. Spread half of mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers, then half of whipped cream over that. Repeat layers and sprinkle with cocoa. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours, until set.
  6. Before serving, dust the top with additional cocoa. To make the cocoa dusting easy, use a small, fine sieve to sprinkle the cocoa evenly.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowls - You'll need a few mixing bowls of different sizes to prepare various components of the tiramisu.
  • Whisk - A whisk will be used to mix and blend ingredients together smoothly.
  • Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan will be used to cook the egg yolk and sugar mixture.
  • Electric mixer - An electric mixer or stand mixer will be useful to whip the cream and achieve stiff peaks.
  • Spatula - A spatula is needed to fold and combine the mascarpone cheese with the other ingredients.
  • 9x13 inch dish - A rectangular dish of this size will be used to assemble and layer the tiramisu.
  • Small shallow dish - A small shallow dish is needed to hold the brewed coffee for dipping the ladyfingers.
  • Fine sieve - A fine sieve will be used to dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder.

Recipe variations

  • Use different flavors of ladyfingers such as chocolate or almond.
  • Add a layer of fruit such as sliced strawberries or raspberries between the ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
  • Experiment with different liqueurs to soak the ladyfingers, such as amaretto, rum, or Kahlua.
  • Add a layer of chocolate ganache or chocolate shavings between the layers.
  • Replace the cocoa powder with grated dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mascarpone mixture for a hint of spice.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free ladyfingers or substituting them with gluten-free almond cookies.
  • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mascarpone cheese.
  • Add a layer of caramel or salted caramel sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
  • Top the tiramisu with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for garnish.

Recipe overview

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that combines espresso-dipped ladyfingers and a creamy light mascarpone cream. This recipe is a straightforward and traditional version of the delightful dessert. The preparation is simple, but it does require a few hours of chilling for the flavors to meld together. The ladyfingers will be dipped in a rich and strong coffee mixture and layered with a mascarpone cream mix. The dish is then dusted with cocoa powder for that final touch. When you take a bite, you will experience a burst of coffee flavor followed by the creamy and smooth mascarpone cream. This Tiramisu recipe is sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party.

Common questions

  1. Can I use something instead of coffee?
    Yes, you can substitute coffee with an equal amount of espresso or even a coffee-flavored liqueur like Kahlua.
  2. Can I use something instead of mascarpone cheese?
    While mascarpone is the traditional cheese used in tiramisu, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture.
  3. How long should I let the tiramisu chill before serving?
    It is recommended to refrigerate the tiramisu for 2 to 3 hours, or even overnight, to allow it to set and the flavors to meld together.
  4. Can I make tiramisu ahead of time?
    Yes, tiramisu can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, many people find that tiramisu tastes even better after it has been chilled overnight.
  5. Can I freeze tiramisu?
    It is not recommended to freeze tiramisu as it may affect the texture and quality of the dessert.
  6. What can I use instead of ladyfingers?
    If you cannot find ladyfingers, you can use sponge cake or even regular shortbread cookies as a substitute.
  7. Is tiramisu safe to eat for children or pregnant women?
    Tiramisu typically contains raw eggs, which may pose a risk for children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Consider using pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute if you have concerns about consuming raw eggs.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for whisking and mixing the egg yolks, sugar, and other ingredients.
  • Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan for cooking the egg yolk and sugar mixture.
  • Whisk - A kitchen utensil with wire loops used for whisking and blending ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer - A handheld or stand mixer for beating the cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  • Spatula - A flat, flexible utensil used for folding and spreading the mascarpone mixture.
  • 9x13 inch Dish - A rectangular baking dish for layering the ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
  • Small Shallow Dish - A dish for dipping the ladyfingers in brewed coffee.
  • Sieve - A fine mesh tool used for dusting the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder.
  • Refrigerator - An appliance used for chilling and setting the tiramisu before serving.

Origin stories

Tiramisu, the much-loved Italian dessert, has a history that's hard to pin down, with various Italian regions fiercely claiming it as their own. It's most traditionally associated with the region of Veneto, where it is said to have been created as a pick-me-up for Venetian lovers, hence the dessert's name, "tiramisu", which translates to "pick me up". Despite its romantic story, the dessert in its current form is a relatively modern invention, likely dating back to the 1960s when it was served in a restaurant in Treviso. The blend of coffee and mascarpone cheese was seen as a delightful indulgence and soon swept across the country, eventually becoming a worldwide sensation. Today, this delightful dessert is a staple of Italian cuisine, and its creamy, coffee-infused taste continues to be a delight for lovers, and non-lovers alike, all around the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.