Italian desserts do not get much better than Tiramisu. And with our easiest Italian Tiramisu recipe, you’ll have a low effort, high reward dessert for your next gathering.
Why You Need Our Recipe
- Satisfy your dessert cravings: This Tiramisu recipe offers a delightful balance of flavours and textures, combining the sweetness of Mascarpone with the boldness of coffee-soaked ladyfingers. It’s the perfect dessert to satisfy your cravings for a decadent and indulgent treat.
- Impressive yet easy: Impress your guests with this homemade Tiramisu that looks and tastes like it’s straight from an Italian bakery. Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, allowing even novice bakers to create a showstopping dessert.
- Versatile crowd-pleaser: Tiramisu is a versatile dessert that appeals to a wide range of palates. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
About Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic coffee-flavoured dessert that originates in Veneto, Italy. Actually, tiramisu in Italian means “cheer me up” and it sure is a fitting name for this dish.
Earliest mentions of this dessert date to the late 1960s. As a matter of fact, the obituary for local restaurateur Ado Campeol report that he invented Tiramisu at his restaurant Le Beccherie in Treviso.
Presently, it is made and enjoyed all around the world. And adaptations of the original recipe include cheesecakes, panettone and gelato.
Star Ingredient
Mascarpone
Mascarpone is a popular Italian cheese that is renowned for its creamy texture and subtle flavour. This cheese has gained popularity worldwide and is used in a wide range of culinary applications, from savoury dishes to sweet desserts.
READ MORE: Why Mascarpone is the ultimate Italian dessert cheese →
Other Ingredients
- Egg Yolks, large
- Sugar
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Italian Ladyfingers Biscuits (known as Savoiardi)
- Espresso, cold (or other strong coffee)
- Coffee-Flavoured Liqueur (e.g. Kahlua)
- Unsweetened Cocoa, for dusting
Scroll to the bottom to find the full list of ingredients and detailed recipe.
Prepping Tips
To ensure your Tiramisu turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Brew strong coffee: Prepare a robust espresso or strong coffee to infuse the ladyfingers with rich flavour. Alternatively, you can use instant coffee dissolved in hot water.
- Bring Mascarpone to room temperature before mixing: This will help it mix in easier. Take it out of the refrigerator as you gather ingredients to make the recipe.
- Allow time for melding: Tiramisu is best when it has time to chill and allow the flavours to meld together. Prepare it a day in advance if possible, or at least 4-6 hours before serving.
Complete Recipe Steps
- Combine egg yolks and sugar in a double boiler, over boiling water using a whisk. Reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. This is your sabayon, remove from the heat and continue to whip yolks until thick and lemon-coloured.
- Allow to cool briefly before adding room temperature Mascarpone to whipped yolks. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the Mascarpone sabayon mixture.
- Mix the cold espresso with the coffee liquor and dip the ladyfingers into the mixture just long enough to get them wet. It is very important to not soak them!
- Arrange the ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish or glass container. Spoon half the Mascarpone cream filling over the ladyfinger biscuits.
- Repeat process with another layer of ladyfingers. Add another layer of Tiramisu cream. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Finally, dust your Tiramisu with cocoa just before serving.
How to Serve Tiramisu
To serve the Tiramisu, slice it into squares and carefully transfer each portion onto dessert plates.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated chocolate for an extra touch of elegance. Tiramisu pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.
Recipe FAQs
There are some of the most frequently asked questions about this amazing dish.
Can I use something other than ladyfingers?
If you cannot find ladyfingers, you can substitute them with sponge cake or even shortbread cookies. However, keep in mind that ladyfingers provide the ideal texture and flavour for authentic Tiramisu.
Can I make Tiramisu without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can omit the coffee liqueur from the coffee soak and still achieve a delicious Tiramisu. The coffee flavour will still infuse the ladyfingers beautifully.
How long can I store Tiramisu?
Tiramisu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it is recommended to consume it within the first 1-2 days.
Printable Recipe Card
With this homemade Tiramisu recipe, you have the power to create an irresistible Italian dessert that will amaze and delight everyone who takes a bite. Embrace the magic of Mascarpone, coffee and cocoa as they come together in perfect harmony.
So, grab your apron, gather the ingredients, and embark on a delightful journey to create a Tiramisu that will be remembered long after the last spoonful is devoured.
Easiest Italian Tiramisu
Equipment
- Double boiler
- Wire whisk
- Electric mixer
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks large
- 100 g caster sugar
- 250 g Mascarpone cheese
- 237 ml heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup espresso coffee cold
- ½ cup coffee flavoured liqueur e.g Kahlua
- 30 Italian Savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits
- 1 tbsp unsweeted cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Combine egg yolks and sugar in a double boiler, over boiling water using a whisk. Reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly with a wire whisk. This is your sabayon, remove from the heat and continue to whip yolks until thick and lemon-coloured.6 egg yolks, 100 g caster sugar
- Allow to cool briefly before adding room temperature Mascarpone to whipped yolks. Mix until well combined.250 g Mascarpone cheese
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Then, gently fold the whipped cream into the Mascarpone sabayon mixture.237 ml heavy whipping cream
- Mix the cold espresso with the coffee liquor and dip the ladyfingers into the mixture just long enough to get them wet. It is very important to not soak them!1 cup espresso coffee, ½ cup coffee flavoured liqueur, 30 Italian Savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits
- Arrange the ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish or glass container. Spoon half the Mascarpone cream filling over the ladyfinger biscuits.
- Repeat process with another layer of ladyfingers. Add another layer of Tiramisu cream. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Finally, dust your Tiramisu with cocoa just before serving.1 tbsp unsweeted cocoa powder
Notes
- Brew strong coffee: Prepare a robust espresso or strong coffee to infuse the ladyfingers with rich flavour. Alternatively, you can use instant coffee dissolved in hot water.
- Bring Mascarpone to room temperature before mixing: This will help it mix in easier. Take it out of the refrigerator as you gather ingredients to make the recipe.
- Allow time for melding: Tiramisu is best when it has time to chill and allow the flavours to meld together. Prepare it a day in advance if possible, or at least 4-6 hours before serving.
