Irresistibly Smooth Classic Easy Tiramisu Recipe

Coffee lovers, this classic easy tiramisu recipe promises an Italian dessert that whispers pure indulgence.

Sweet mascarpone layers melt into delicate ladyfinger textures, creating a creamy symphony of flavors.

Rich espresso soaks through each tender bite, transporting you to a charming café in Rome.

Delicate chocolate dust adds a sophisticated finish to this timeless treat.

Elegant yet simple, the dessert requires minimal ingredients and zero advanced baking skills.

Smooth cream and robust coffee dance together in perfect harmony.

Each spoonful invites you to savor a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Tips for Rich Flavor and Light Texture

• Dip Ladyfingers Quickly: Briefly submerge ladyfingers in coffee to prevent them from becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect texture without falling apart.
• Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: Beat heavy cream until it forms firm, standing peaks for a light and airy mascarpone mixture that holds its shape beautifully.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow mascarpone and eggs to sit at room temperature for smoother blending and better incorporation of ingredients.
• Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Refrigerate tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors develop and develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.
• Dust with Cocoa Carefully: Sprinkle cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve just before serving for an elegant, even coating that looks professionally prepared.

Keep Tiramisu Fresh and Ready for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness, keeping the tiramisu covered with plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 1-2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Remove from freezer and let the tiramisu defrost slowly in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours before serving.
• Enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator and dust with fresh cocoa powder to revive its original appearance and taste.

What to Pair with Classic Tiramisu

• Pair this classic dessert with a smooth, dark roast espresso or a rich cappuccino to enhance the coffee undertones and create a complementary taste experience.
• Serve alongside a sweet Marsala wine or a crisp Vin Santo, which will beautifully echo the dessert's complex flavors and provide a delightful alcoholic counterpoint.
• Accompany the tiramisu with a small side of fresh raspberries or a light raspberry coulis to cut through the creamy richness and add a bright, tangy dimension to each bite.
• Finish the meal with a small glass of amaretto liqueur or a smooth sambuca, which will mirror the dessert's sweet profile and help cleanse the palate after this indulgent treat.

Fun Twists for Your Tiramisu

Gluten-Free Tiramisu: Replace traditional ladyfingers with gluten-free ladyfingers or almond flour sponge cake, ensuring the same delicate texture while accommodating celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.

Vegan Tiramisu: Swap mascarpone with cashew cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream, and select plant-based ladyfingers made from almond or soy flour to create a dairy-free alternative.

Low-Sugar Tiramisu: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free coffee liqueur, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the classic flavor profile for health-conscious dessert lovers.

Keto-Friendly Tiramisu: Create a low-carb version by using almond flour-based ladyfinger substitutes, replacing sugar with erythritol, and incorporating full-fat cream cheese with heavy cream to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

Tiramisu Questions You’ve Been Wondering About

• What are ladyfingers and can I substitute them?

Ladyfingers are light, sweet sponge cookies used in tiramisu. You can substitute with pound cake or similar dry, spongy biscuits, but traditional Italian tiramisu uses authentic ladyfingers for the best texture.

• Do I need an electric mixer to make tiramisu?

An electric mixer helps create smooth, fluffy whipped cream and ensures the mascarpone mixture is well-combined. However, you can use a whisk and some arm strength, though it will require more effort and time to achieve the right consistency.

• Is it safe to eat raw eggs in tiramisu?

This recipe doesn’t include raw eggs, which eliminates food safety concerns. The mascarpone and whipped cream provide the creamy texture without using uncooked eggs, making it safer and easier to prepare.

• Can I make tiramisu without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply replace the coffee liqueur with more coffee or skip it entirely. The coffee mixture will still provide rich flavor, and the dessert will taste delicious without the alcoholic component.

Why Classic Tiramisu Is a Forever Favorite

• Create a restaurant-quality dessert with minimal cooking skills needed.
• Prepare this classic Italian treat in just 20 minutes, with minimal hands-on time and no baking required.
• A crowd-pleasing dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
• Refrigerate overnight to develop rich, deep flavors, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining and advance preparation.

Ingredients That Bring Classic Tiramisu to Life

• Mascarpone Cheese: Soft Italian cheese that creates a rich, creamy base for the filling.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious texture and helps create fluffy filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle sweet flavor to enhance the cream mixture.

• Sugar: Sweetens the cream and balances the coffee's bitterness.

• Ladyfingers, Coffee Liqueur: Light spongy cookies perfect for absorbing coffee, with optional liqueur for extra depth.
• Cooled Coffee or Espresso: Provides intense coffee flavor for soaking ladyfingers.

• Cocoa Powder: Classic topping that adds rich chocolate notes and traditional tiramisu appearance.

How to Layer and Chill Tiramisu Effortlessly

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

• Grab mascarpone cheese
• Whip heavy cream
• Add sugar
• Blend vanilla extract

Gently fold ingredients together until silky smooth mixture forms.

Step 2: Create Coffee Bath

Pour freshly brewed espresso into shallow container

Mix with coffee liqueur for extra richness

Step 3: Build Dreamy Layers

Take ladyfingers and quickly dunk into coffee mixture

• Avoid soaking too long
• Ensure quick coating

Layer first batch of coffee-kissed ladyfingers across bottom of serving dish

Spread half of creamy mascarpone mixture evenly

• Dip additional ladyfingers
• Create second layer
• Cover with remaining mascarpone cream

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover dish with plastic wrap

Refrigerate minimum 4 hours

Overnight chilling recommended for deeper taste experience

Step 5: Final Elegant Touch

Retrieve tiramisu from refrigerator

Dust surface generously with cocoa powder

Use fine mesh sieve for elegant coating

Slice into beautiful portions

Serve chilled and enjoy luxurious dessert

Classic Easy Tiramisu Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent Italian classic tiramisu delights with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and silky mascarpone cream. Rich coffee and cocoa flavors blend perfectly, promising a luxurious dessert experience that whisks you straight to Italy’s charming cafes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
• 8 ounces (225 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled

Dairy and Cream Components:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream, cold
• ⅓ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlua)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Craft a silky mascarpone base by whisking the cheese until velvety smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until it forms elegant, stiff peaks that hold their shape perfectly.
3. Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the mascarpone, folding gently to maintain the airy texture and create a luxurious cream mixture.
4. Prepare a robust coffee bath by combining cooled espresso with coffee liqueur, creating a rich, aromatic liquid for soaking.
5. Swiftly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, allowing a quick two-second immersion to prevent oversaturation and maintain the cookie’s structural integrity.
6. Create the first layer by carefully positioning the coffee-kissed ladyfingers across the bottom of your serving dish, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Generously spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfinger foundation, using a spatula to distribute evenly and eliminate air pockets.
8. Repeat the layering process by adding another set of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream, smoothing the surface for a pristine finish.
9. Seal the dish with plastic wrap and allow the tiramisu to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours, ideally overnight, enabling the flavors to harmonize and the dessert to set.
10. Moments before serving, dust the surface with a delicate veil of cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve for an elegant, professional presentation.
11. Slice into refined portions and serve chilled, revealing the decadent layers of this classic Italian dessert.

Notes

• Choose ladyfingers with a sturdy texture to prevent them from disintegrating when dipped in coffee, ensuring a perfect layered structure.
• Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee at room temperature to maximize flavor absorption without making the dessert soggy.
• Whip cream to soft peaks for a lighter, more delicate mascarpone mixture that maintains its elegant texture and doesn’t become dense.
• Refrigerate tiramisu for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to develop and ingredients to meld, creating a harmonious and rich dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg