Description
This Best Classic Italian Tiramisu recipe is an indulgent no-bake dessert made with creamy mascarpone cheese, delicate ladyfingers soaked in strong coffee, and lightly whipped cream for a luscious texture. It layers a smooth mascarpone mixture with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and finishes with a dusting of cocoa powder, delivering a rich yet balanced flavor perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Mascarpone Mixture
- 16 oz Mascarpone cheese
- 4 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or 4 egg whites)
Other
- ~30 ladyfingers
- 1 1/2 cups strong black coffee
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Brew Coffee: Brew 1 1/2 cups of strong black coffee and set aside to cool completely to prevent sogginess in ladyfingers.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks and 3/4 cup sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy, indicating the sugar is well dissolved and the eggs are aerated.
- Add Mascarpone: Gently fold in 16 oz of cold mascarpone cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and thick, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Whip Cream or Egg Whites: Whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream (or alternatively 4 egg whites) until soft peaks form, then carefully fold into the mascarpone mixture to add lightness and volume.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee, just enough to absorb some coffee without becoming soggy, and arrange half in a layer in a baking dish.
- Layer Tiramisu: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers, then repeat the soaking and layering process with remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and set. Before serving, dust the top generously with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with egg whites whipped to soft peaks.
- Use freshly brewed strong coffee or espresso for authentic flavor; avoid instant coffee for best results.
- Do not soak ladyfingers for too long to maintain their texture and prevent a soggy dessert.
- This tiramisu requires refrigeration for proper setting; best served chilled.
- Cocoa powder dusting adds a classic bitter contrast, but you can also use shaved dark chocolate if desired.
