Heavenly Tiramisu Recipe

Divine Tiramisu Recipe: A Heavenly Treat Anyone Can Make

Creamy layers of decadence dance through this classic Italian tiramisu recipe, weaving rich espresso-soaked magic with delicate mascarpone.

Coffee lovers swoon over the deep, luxurious flavors that emerge from each perfectly balanced bite.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this dessert whispers romantic tales of Italian culinary tradition.

Soft mascarpone cheese blends seamlessly with robust espresso, creating a symphony of textures that melt on your tongue.

Each spoonful carries the essence of comfort and indulgence, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

Delicate ladyfingers absorb the intense coffee, building depth and complexity with every layer.

You’ll want to savor this timeless dessert that promises pure, unapologetic pleasure.

Serving Tiramisu Chilled for the Perfect Bite

  • Caffeine Lover's Dream: Serve this classic Italian dessert after a rich dinner party, paired with an espresso for an extra coffee kick.
  • Elegant Plating Technique: Dust the top with high-quality cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve for a professional restaurant-style presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the tiramisu with a sweet Marsala wine or a dessert Moscato to enhance the coffee and mascarpone flavors.
  • Garnish Glory: Sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings or add a small mint leaf on top for a beautiful and sophisticated final touch.

Store Tiramisu for Dessert That Lasts Days

  • Spread the coffee mixture in a wide, shallow container to help it cool faster and more evenly.
  • Allow the coffee to reach room temperature before dipping ladyfingers to prevent soggy texture and maintain crisp cookie structure.
  • Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the dessert stays fresh and develops deeper flavor profiles as ingredients meld together.
  • Prepare the entire dessert 6-8 hours before serving, which allows flavors to harmonize and mascarpone cream to set perfectly, creating a more cohesive and delicious final dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Tiramisu Recipe Starts with These Layered Ingredients

For Coffee Base:
  • Brewed Coffee: Rich, bold foundation that infuses classic tiramisu with deep coffee essence, choose a robust espresso or strong dark roast for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Optional boozy component that adds sophisticated warmth and complexity, enhances overall depth of the dessert.
  • Sugar: Balances coffee's bitterness and creates harmonious sweetness, use granulated white sugar for smooth dissolution.

Kitchen Tools to Build Tiramisu with Ease

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whipping cream and blending mascarpone.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for creating smooth, fluffy cream mixture.
  • Shallow bowl: Used for preparing coffee-liqueur dipping liquid.
  • 8×8 inch baking dish: Ideal for layering tiramisu ingredients.
  • Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Great for dusting cocoa powder evenly on top.
  • Spatula: Helps fold ingredients gently and spread layers smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.

Making Tiramisu That’s Light and Full of Flavor

  • Create Coffee Mixture

Mix brewed coffee with coffee liqueur in a shallow bowl, allowing the blend to cool completely.

  • Whip Mascarpone Cream

Beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy, then gently fold in mascarpone cheese until smooth and well-combined.

  • Prepare Egg Whites

In a separate clean bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.

  • Fold Mixture Together

Carefully fold whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, maintaining the delicate airiness of the cream.

  • Dip Ladyfingers

Quickly dunk ladyfingers into the coffee mixture, ensuring they’re moistened but not soggy.

  • Layer Dessert

Arrange the coffee-soaked ladyfingers in a rectangular dish, creating an even base layer.

  • Spread Cream

Cover ladyfingers with a generous layer of the mascarpone cream, spreading evenly.

  • Dust and Chill

Sprinkle cocoa powder over the top layer, then refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator, slice into portions, and serve chilled for a delightful Italian dessert experience.

Tips for Soaking and Layering Tiramisu the Right Way

  • Dip ladyfingers quickly to prevent them from becoming too soggy – aim for a brief 1-2 second dunk to maintain their delicate texture.
  • Ensure mascarpone is at room temperature before mixing to create a smooth, lump-free cream that blends perfectly with egg yolks and sugar.
  • Tiramisu tastes even better when refrigerated overnight, allowing flavors to meld and intensify – prepare a day in advance for maximum deliciousness.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free ladyfingers or replacing them with almond flour sponge cake for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Skip the coffee liqueur and use extra strong decaf coffee or chocolate syrup for a family-friendly dessert that everyone can enjoy.
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Heavenly Tiramisu Recipe

Heavenly Tiramisu Recipe


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4.5 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Heavenly Tiramisu invites coffee and mascarpone lovers on a delightful Italian culinary journey. Rich layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy custard blend seamlessly, promising an indulgent dessert experience you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (354 ml) strong brewed coffee (cooled)
  • 2 tbsps coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua, optional)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 g) mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 2430 ladyfingers (Savoiardi, firm and crisp)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Grated chocolate or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Coffee Mixture Preparation: Blend brewed coffee with coffee liqueur and sugar in a shallow container, allowing the liquid to reach room temperature and develop a harmonious flavor profile.
  2. Mascarpone Cream Crafting: Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a heat-resistant bowl until pale and creamy, then gently incorporate mascarpone cheese, ensuring a smooth and silky texture without overmixing.
  3. Egg White Transformation: In a separate pristine bowl, vigorously whip egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape when the whisk is lifted, signaling perfect meringue consistency.
  4. Cream Integration: Delicately fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, using a gentle sweeping motion to maintain the airy volume and prevent deflation of the delicate foam.
  5. Ladyfinger Soaking: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture, ensuring a quick submersion that moistens without saturating, preventing a soggy dessert foundation.
  6. Layer Assembly: Arrange the coffee-kissed ladyfingers in a precise, overlapping pattern across the bottom of a rectangular serving dish, creating an even base for the creamy layers.
  7. Cream Layering: Spread a generous portion of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, using an offset spatula to create a smooth, even surface that completely covers the cookie base.
  8. Repeated Layering: Continue alternating between dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, building multiple delicate strata that will contribute to the dessert’s complex texture.
  9. Final Dusting: Generously sift cocoa powder across the top layer, creating an elegant, bittersweet finish that adds visual appeal and a traditional tiramisu touch.
  10. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to achieve optimal consistency and depth of taste.

Notes

  • Use high-quality espresso or dark roast coffee for an authentic, rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the tiramisu.
  • Adjust the coffee liqueur amount based on personal preference or dietary restrictions; non-alcoholic versions can be made by substituting with extra coffee or vanilla extract.
  • Ensure coffee mixture is completely cooled before dipping ladyfingers to prevent soggy texture and maintain the dessert’s signature light, delicate structure.
  • Tiramisu tastes best when chilled for several hours or overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more intense, harmonious taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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