Classic Italian Tiramisu recipe – the authentic, no-bake dessert with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and velvety mascarpone cream:
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese, room temp
- 1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled
- 2 tbsp Marsala wine (or dark rum/Kahlúa)
- 24-30 Savoiardi ladyfingers
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cream:
- Beat egg yolks and sugar with a mixer until pale and thick (about 5 mins)
- Add mascarpone and mix just until combined (don’t overmix)
- In another bowl, whip egg whites to stiff peaks
- Gently fold whites into mascarpone mixture
- Make the Coffee Dip:
- Combine cooled espresso and Marsala in a shallow dish
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger (1-2 seconds per side) – they should be moist but not soggy
- Assemble:
- In an 8×8″ dish (or individual glasses), layer dipped ladyfingers
- Spread half the mascarpone cream over ladyfingers
- Repeat with second layer of dipped ladyfingers and remaining cream
- Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours (best overnight)
- Serve:
- Dust generously with cocoa powder using a fine sieve
- Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired
Pro Tips for Authentic Tiramisu:
✓ Use fresh, room temperature ingredients for smoothest cream
✓ Traditional recipes use raw eggs – for safety, use pasteurized eggs
✓ The dessert should rest to allow flavors to meld and texture to set
✓ Substitute alcohol with 1 tsp vanilla extract if preferred
Variations:
• Chocolate Tiramisu: Add cocoa powder to the cream
• Fruit Tiramisu: Layer with berries between cream
• Winter Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon to coffee
This elegant dessert literally means “pick me up” – the perfect balance of coffee, creamy sweetness, and delicate texture that makes it Italy’s most famous dessert! ☕🇮🇹