Description
A quick and easy classic Italian tiramisu recipe featuring creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for beginners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, separated, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) strong brewed espresso or very strong coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
- About 24 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Brew 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) of strong espresso or coffee. Let it cool to room temperature, then stir in 2 tbsp (30 ml) of dark rum or coffee liqueur if using. Pour into a shallow dish for easy dipping.
- Carefully separate 3 large eggs, placing yolks and whites into separate bowls. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks with 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar until pale and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gently fold 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese into the yolk mixture until smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- In another bowl, whip 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold heavy cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture gently, then fold in the whipped cream to keep the cream fluffy and airy.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee soak for 1-2 seconds (do not soak too long). Arrange about 12 ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Dip the remaining ladyfingers and arrange on top of the cream layer. Spread the rest of the mascarpone cream over the second layer.
- Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Just before serving, sift a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top.
Notes
Use fresh eggs and room-temperature mascarpone for best texture. Dip ladyfingers quickly (1-2 seconds) to avoid sogginess. Chill overnight for firmer texture or at least 4 hours for softer texture. Dust cocoa powder just before serving. Variations include fruit toppings, chocolate additions, and alcohol-free versions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of reci
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: tiramisu, classic tiramisu, easy tiramisu, homemade dessert, mascarpone dessert, coffee dessert, Italian dessert