Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
Introduction
Classic Italian Tiramisu is a luscious dessert that combines coffee-soaked ladyfinger biscuits with a rich mascarpone cream. This no-bake treat is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a sweet moment at home.
Ingredients
- Ladyfinger biscuits (about 24 pieces)
- 250g mascarpone cheese
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 100g sugar
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy.
- Step 3: Add mascarpone cheese to the yolk mixture and gently fold until smooth.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then carefully fold them into the mascarpone mixture.
- Step 5: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee, ensuring they soak but do not get soggy.
- Step 6: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in a serving dish.
- Step 7: Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Step 8: Repeat with another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
- Step 9: Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 10: Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly brewed espresso for a stronger coffee flavor.
- Substitute raw eggs with pasteurized eggs or egg substitute for safety.
- For an adult twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur or Marsala wine to the coffee.
- Make individual servings in glass cups for an elegant presentation.
Storage
Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed within this time for optimal freshness. When ready to serve, you can add a fresh dusting of cocoa powder. Do not freeze, as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make tiramisu without raw eggs?
Yes, you can substitute raw eggs with pasteurized eggs or use whipped cream instead of egg whites to maintain a safe and delicious texture.
How long should tiramisu be chilled before serving?
For the best flavor and texture, chill tiramisu for at least 4 hours, though overnight refrigeration is ideal to allow the flavors to meld.
PrintClassic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
This Classic Italian Tiramisu recipe features delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in rich coffee, layered with a creamy mascarpone mixture made of eggs and sugar, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. It is a quintessential Italian dessert known for its luscious texture and bold coffee flavor, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a delightful treat at home.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Tiramisu:
- 24 ladyfinger biscuits
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee Soak: Brew one cup of strong coffee and allow it to cool completely. This will be used to soak the ladyfinger biscuits to infuse them with coffee flavor without making them soggy.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and thick, creating the base for a rich, creamy texture.
- Incorporate Mascarpone: Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the egg yolk mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring the combination is well blended but still light.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture to add airiness and lightness to the cream.
- Assemble Layers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the cooled coffee, soaking just enough to moisten without becoming soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked biscuits at the bottom of your serving dish.
- Add Cream Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the layer of ladyfingers, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers on top of the cream, then cover with the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top evenly.
- Chill: Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Finish with Cocoa Powder: Just before serving, generously sift cocoa powder over the top layer for a classic finish and added richness.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs to minimize health risks as the recipe uses raw eggs.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit any liqueurs traditionally added to coffee soaking liquids.
- The mascarpone cheese should be at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cream mixture.
- Ladyfingers absorb coffee quickly, so do not soak them for too long to prevent sogginess.
- The dessert improves in flavor after chilling overnight.
Keywords: Tiramisu, Italian dessert, coffee dessert, mascarpone, ladyfinger dessert, no bake dessert
