Here’s a classic tiramisu recipe—the Italian dessert that’s creamy, coffee-soaked, and perfectly layered. This is the traditional style with mascarpone, espresso, and cocoa dusting.
☕🍰 Classic Tiramisu
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Coffee Soak
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso (or very strong coffee), cooled
- 2–3 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlúa)
Mascarpone Cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Layers
- 24–30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: shaved dark chocolate for topping
Instructions
1. Make the coffee soak
- Brew espresso/strong coffee and let it cool.
- Stir in coffee liqueur if using. Set aside.
2. Make the mascarpone cream
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar over a simmering water bath (double boiler) until thick and pale (about 5 minutes). Let cool slightly.
- Beat in mascarpone until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla to soft peaks.
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the tiramisu
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into coffee (don’t soak too long, they’ll get soggy).
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8 dish or similar.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and remaining mascarpone cream.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This lets flavors meld and the dessert set perfectly.
5. Serve
- Dust generously with cocoa powder before serving.
- Optionally add shaved dark chocolate or chocolate curls on top.
🔄 Variations
- Boozy: Add extra coffee liqueur to the mascarpone cream.
- Chocolate tiramisu: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or cocoa powder between layers.
- Fruit twist: Add raspberries or strawberries between layers for a fresh touch.
- Individual servings: Layer in small glasses or jars for elegant presentation.
I can also provide a quick 20-minute no-egg version, a lighter mascarpone version, or mini tiramisu cups for parties.
