Ah, classic Tiramisu — the luscious Italian dessert with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa. Here’s a traditional recipe that’s elegant yet simple to make!
☕🍰 Classic Tiramisu
🕒 Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling)
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
🍮 Texture: Silky, creamy with a bold coffee flavor and cocoa finish
🧂 Ingredients:
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6 large egg yolks
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temp)
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1 1/2 cups heavy cream
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2 cups strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
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1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlua or Marsala wine)
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24–30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
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Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
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Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the zabaglione cream base:
In a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler), whisk egg yolks and sugar together until pale and thick (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat.
2. Add mascarpone:
Whisk mascarpone into the egg yolk mixture until smooth and creamy.
3. Whip the cream:
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until combined and smooth.
4. Prepare coffee mixture:
Combine espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish.
5. Assemble tiramisu:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture (do NOT soak, just a quick dip).
Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in your serving dish (about 8×8 inches or similar).
6. Layer cream:
Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
7. Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld.
8. Serve:
Just before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
🔄 Tips & Variations:
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For a no-raw-egg version, use whipped cream and mascarpone only or purchase pasteurized eggs.
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Substitute coffee liqueur with amaretto or omit alcohol entirely.
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Use chocolate-covered ladyfingers for an extra chocolatey twist.
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Make individual servings in glasses or jars for parties.