Tiramisu: The Classic Italian Pick-Me-Up

Servings: 8 Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A decadent Italian dessert with layers of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa for the perfect finishing touch.
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Tiramisu



There’s something magical about tiramisu, isn’t there?

This iconic Italian dessert is like a love letter to indulgence, with layers of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a delicate dusting of cocoa.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy date night or impressing guests at a dinner party, tiramisu is a dessert that always gets people talking—and coming back for seconds.


How to Make It


Brew and cool the coffee: Start by brewing 2 cups of strong espresso or coffee. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature. For a touch of indulgence, you can mix in a splash of your favorite liqueur, like Kahlúa or Amaretto, at this stage.

Prepare the mascarpone filling: Separate the eggs and beat the yolks with sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. Add vanilla extract and mascarpone cheese, whisking until smooth. In another bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture. This step ensures your filling is light and airy.

Dip the ladyfingers: Pour the cooled coffee into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger, one at a time, into the coffee, making sure they absorb just enough to soften but don’t become soggy. Arrange them in a single layer in your dish.

Layer the dessert: Spread a generous layer of mascarpone filling over the first layer of ladyfingers. Repeat the process, creating alternating layers of soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a smooth layer of cream on top.

Dust with cocoa and chill: Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder evenly. Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is best to allow the flavors to fully meld together.


Pro Tips for Tiramisu


  1. Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers! A quick dip ensures they stay firm enough to hold their shape while absorbing the coffee.
  2. Use fresh mascarpone: This is the star of the dish, so make sure it’s top quality.
  3. Chill it overnight: Patience pays off! Letting tiramisu sit overnight deepens the flavors and perfects the texture.
  4. Add a splash of liqueur: For an adult twist, mix a bit of Kahlúa or Amaretto into the espresso.


Storage Tips


  • Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: While tiramisu can be frozen, the texture may slightly change. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tiramisu: The Classic Italian Pick-Me-Up

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Rest Time 4 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 8 Calories: 280

Description

Tiramisu is the ultimate indulgence—a luxurious dessert that combines bold coffee flavors with velvety mascarpone cream, tender ladyfingers, and a rich cocoa topping.

This no-bake classic is perfect for any occasion, from dinner parties to a cozy treat at home. With its beautiful layers and melt-in-your-mouth texture, tiramisu is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coffee: Brew 2 cups of strong coffee and let it cool.
  2. Separate the eggs: Beat egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick. Mix in vanilla and mascarpone until smooth.
  3. Whip the egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the mascarpone mixture.
  4. Dip the ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee.
  5. Assemble the layers: In a dish, alternate layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture, ending with the cream.
  6. Chill and serve: Dust the top with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 280kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g24%
Total Carbohydrate 29g10%
Protein 5g10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • If you prefer a boozy tiramisu, add 2 tbsp of liqueur to the coffee.
  • Substitute ladyfingers with sponge cake for a softer texture.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.

Keywords: Tiramisu, Italian dessert, creamy layers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes, but mascarpone provides the authentic creamy flavor.

Can tiramisu be made alcohol-free?

Absolutely! Just skip the liqueur.

How long does tiramisu last in the fridge?

It’s best enjoyed within 3 days.

Can I freeze tiramisu?

Yes, but the texture may slightly change.

What can I use instead of ladyfingers?

Sponge cake or pound cake are great substitutes.

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