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)
- 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