Classic Tiramisu Recipe

Why You’ll Love Tiramisu 💕☕

If you’ve followed me for enough time, you already know that Italian cuisine has a huge impact on me, and I have tons of Italian recipes on my blog, starting from classic desserts like chocolate panna cotta, Torta Della Nonna, and main dishes like pesto pasta and gnocchi with tomato sauce, to the most famous Italian dish—lasagna. Here just a few reasons to love authentic tiramisu recipe:

• Trusted by millions: This classic tiramisu recipe has over 7 million views and has been tested by tens of thousands of happy home bakers—proven to be a crowd favorite!
• Easy to make: With no baking required and simple steps, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Making it not just delicious, but also an easy tiramisu recipe.
• Authentic flavors: Creamy mascarpone, rich espresso, and delicate ladyfingers create a true Italian dessert experience.
• Elegant yet versatile: Whether it’s a dinner party, birthday, or a cozy night in, this dessert fits any occasion.
• Impressive presentation: Looks fancy, tastes divine, and requires minimal effort.

What Is Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a coffee flavored traditional Italian dessert (no-bake). This dessert is made of savoiardi cookies (also known as ladyfingers) dipped in coffee, mascarpone and cream custard, eggs and cocoa powder. The meaning of the word tiramisu is “pick me up” or “cheer me up”.

Ingredients Needed For Tiramisu

1. Egg Yolks – These create the rich, custard-like base for the mascarpone filling, adding creaminess and depth to the dessert.
2. Sugar – Sweetens the mascarpone mixture and helps the egg yolks achieve a smooth, silky texture when whipped.
3. Heavy Cream – Whipped to stiff peaks, it adds lightness and airiness to the mascarpone mixture, creating a velvety texture.
4. Mascarpone Cheese – The star of the filling, mascarpone is a creamy Italian cheese that gives tiramisu its signature rich and smooth consistency.
5. Vanilla Extract – Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the flavor of the mascarpone cream.
6. Espresso – Strongly brewed coffee is used to soak the ladyfingers, infusing the dessert with a deep, bold coffee flavor.
7. Savoiardi Biscuits (Ladyfingers) – These sponge-like biscuits absorb the espresso without getting too soggy, providing the base layers of the tiramisu.
8. Coffee Liqueur, Marsala, or Brandy – A touch of alcohol adds complexity to the coffee syrup, elevating the flavors of the dessert.
9. Cocoa Powder – Dusted on top before serving, it gives a slightly bitter contrast that complements the sweetness of the mascarpone filling.

This is just a short review of the ingredients; for the complete recipe, including quantities, scroll down to the recipe card 👇

How to Make The Best Tiramisu

Making tiramisu is easier than you think, with these few tips, you will master your tiramisu:

1. Prepare the coffee syrup: Brew espresso, mix with liqueur (optional), and let it cool in a large dish—perfect for soaking the ladyfingers.

2. Make the creamy filling: Whisk egg yolks and sugar over a bain-marie until thickened, then cool. Add mascarpone and vanilla for smoothness, and fold in whipped cream for a light, airy texture.

3. Layer the tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers in coffee syrup for 1–2 seconds and arrange in a 9×13 dish. Spread half the cream on top, repeat layers, and finish with a creamy layer.

4. Refrigerate and finish: Chill for at least 6 hours, then dust with cocoa powder before serving.

What are LadyFingers?

Ladyfingers, also known as savoiardi in Italian, are light, airy, sponge-like biscuits with a slightly crisp exterior. They are often used in desserts like tiramisu and trifle because of their ability to absorb liquids without falling apart. Ladyfingers are typically made from a batter of eggs, sugar, and flour, giving them a subtle sweetness and a delicate texture. When soaked in espresso or syrup, they soften and create the perfect base for layered desserts like tiramisu, adding both structure and flavor.

What is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone cheese is a velvety and indulgent Italian dairy product that adds a luxurious touch to a variety of dishes. Known for its smooth texture and rich flavor, mascarpone is a triple-cream cheese made from cow’s milk. With a fat content of around 40% or more, it boasts a high creaminess, making it a delightful addition to both sweet and savory recipes. Unlike cream cheese, mascarpone has a milder taste, offering a subtle sweetness and a hint of tanginess. It excels in desserts like Tiramisu, where its creamy consistency creates a decadent filling. Beyond sweets, mascarpone contributes a luscious richness to savory dishes such as pasta sauces and risottos. Its versatility, coupled with a delicate flavor profile, makes mascarpone a prized ingredient in the culinary world, elevating a wide range of dishes with its sumptuous texture and distinctive taste.

Tiramisu – Egg Vhites vs Heavy Cream

There are two main approaches to making tiramisu: using egg whites or heavy cream.

The egg whites version is more traditional in Italy. Beaten egg whites are folded into the mascarpone mixture, giving the tiramisu a lighter, airier texture. The advantage of this method is that it stays true to the authentic recipe, resulting in a delicate and less rich dessert. However, this version involves using raw egg whites, which can be a concern for food safety unless pasteurized eggs are used.

The heavy cream version is more popular outside of Italy, as it provides a richer, creamier filling. This method offers more stability, especially when the tiramisu needs to hold its shape for longer. However, it creates a denser dessert compared to the egg white version.

If using egg whites: whisk 4 egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture in place of the heavy cream. This method produces a more classic tiramisu, but it’s important to use fresh or pasteurized eggs for safety.

Are Raw Eggs Safe To Use In Tiramisu?

Raw eggs are traditionally used in tiramisu, particularly in the authentic Italian version. However, the safety of raw eggs depends on the quality and handling. There is a small risk of contamination with salmonella when consuming raw eggs, which can be dangerous, especially for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, or individuals with weakened immune systems.

To reduce this risk, you can use pasteurized eggs, which have been heated to a safe temperature to kill harmful bacteria without cooking the eggs. Another option is to temper the egg yolks (which is I usually do) by whisking them over a bain-marie (water bath) until they reach a safe temperature of 154-158°F (68-70°C). This step pasteurizes the eggs, making them safer to consume.

What Can You Use Instead Of Mascarpone?

Mascarpone is a kind of high fat cream cheese with a slightly sweet taste. There is no other cheese that tastes exactly like mascarpone cheese. Although regular full fat cream cheese has a sour taste, this is the closest replacement. If you are sing cream cheese instead of mascarpone don’t expect to have the same taste, but it will be good enough for some people.    

What Type Of Coffee Is Best For Tiramisu?

Ideally, use a strong, high-quality espresso for the most authentic flavor. However, if you don’t have an espresso maker, you can use strongly brewed coffee as a substitute. You can customize the coffee strength to your liking, but a robust and aromatic brew will enhance the overall taste of the Tiramisu.

What Alcohol (Liquor) Is Used In Tiramisu?

The alcohol commonly used in tiramisu can vary based on personal preference, but the most traditional options include:

1. Coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa) – Enhances the coffee flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
2. Marsala wine – A fortified Italian wine that gives tiramisu a rich, slightly sweet depth.
3. Brandy – Adds warmth and a strong flavor, complementing the coffee and mascarpone.
4. Dark rum – Offers a bold, rich taste with hints of caramel and spice.

You can also experiment with other liqueurs like amaretto or Baileys for a unique twist. Typically, 2-3 tablespoons of alcohol are mixed into the espresso used to soak the ladyfingers, giving the dessert a mild boozy kick. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can simply omit the alcohol.

Can I Substitute The Alcohol In Tiramisu?

Yes, you can simply omit the alcohol in tiramisu without any substitutes. The dessert will still have the classic rich flavor from the espresso, mascarpone, and ladyfingers. Skipping the alcohol makes it suitable for all ages and preferences, while still maintaining the delicious essence of traditional tiramisu.

How To Store Tiramisu

Refrigerate: Cover the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Freeze: Place in an airtight container or wrap individual servings and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Common Tiramisu Questions

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