Description
This classic Italian tiramisu recipe combines creamy mascarpone cheese, rich egg yolks, and espresso-soaked ladyfingers to create an indulgent and perfectly balanced dessert. Light, airy, and full of coffee flavor with a dusting of cocoa powder, this homemade tiramisu is ideal for any celebration or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz Mascarpone cheese (450g), cold from the fridge (recommend Galbani)
- 4 egg yolks
- 2/3 cup granulated or caster sugar (133g)*
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream, chilled (360g) OR 4 egg whites
Assembly
- 30-36 ladyfingers*
- 1 1/2 cup strong black coffee, room temperature (360g)*
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder to dust
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks, 2/3 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk or beat the mixture well until it becomes pale and creamy, around 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. If using egg whites instead of cream, whip them separately until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream or egg whites into the egg yolk mixture along with the mascarpone, mixing carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.
- Prepare Coffee Soak: Pour the strong black coffee into a shallow dish and let it cool to room temperature. The coffee should be bold and freshly brewed for best flavor.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee, making sure not to soak it too long to avoid sogginess. The ladyfingers should be moist but still firm enough to hold their shape.
- Layer the Tiramisu: Arrange a single layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers evenly in the bottom of a serving dish or individual glasses. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture gently over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then top evenly with the remaining cream mixture.
- Chill: Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set to a creamy, sliceable texture.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or espresso beans for added elegance.
Notes
- This tiramisu recipe is a comprehensive guide to making an authentic Italian dessert that is creamy, light, and perfectly sweetened.
- Use fresh, high-quality mascarpone cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- If using egg whites, divide the sugar into two portions and fold accordingly for better stability.
- Ensure coffee is at room temperature before dipping ladyfingers to avoid over-moistening.
- Allow sufficient chilling time to achieve the best texture and flavor integration.
- This dessert is best served within 2 days of preparation to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
