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
Store Tiramisu for Dessert That Lasts Days
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:Kitchen Tools to Build Tiramisu with Ease
Making Tiramisu That’s Light and Full of Flavor
Mix brewed coffee with coffee liqueur in a shallow bowl, allowing the blend to cool completely.
Beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy, then gently fold in mascarpone cheese until smooth and well-combined.
In a separate clean bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
Carefully fold whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, maintaining the delicate airiness of the cream.
Quickly dunk ladyfingers into the coffee mixture, ensuring they’re moistened but not soggy.
Arrange the coffee-soaked ladyfingers in a rectangular dish, creating an even base layer.
Cover ladyfingers with a generous layer of the mascarpone cream, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle cocoa powder over the top layer, then refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set.
Remove from refrigerator, slice into portions, and serve chilled for a delightful Italian dessert experience.
Tips for Soaking and Layering Tiramisu the Right Way
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Heavenly Tiramisu Recipe
- 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
- 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)
- 24–30 ladyfingers (Savoiardi, firm and crisp)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Grated chocolate or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ladyfinger Soaking: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture, ensuring a quick submersion that moistens without saturating, preventing a soggy dessert foundation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeated Layering: Continue alternating between dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, building multiple delicate strata that will contribute to the dessert’s complex texture.
- Final Dusting: Generously sift cocoa powder across the top layer, creating an elegant, bittersweet finish that adds visual appeal and a traditional tiramisu touch.
- 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
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, KY
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.