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Classic Tiramisu is a timeless Italian dessert made with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Elegant yet easy to prepare, this no-bake dessert is perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or whenever you want a luxurious make-ahead treat with bold coffee flavor.
Ingredients List
- Ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Mascarpone cheese
- Large eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Strong brewed espresso (cooled)
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- Vanilla extract
- Optional: coffee liqueur or dark rum
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- 8×8-inch or similar baking dish
- Fine mesh sieve (for cocoa powder)
- Spatula
Classic Tiramisu
Description
This Classic Tiramisu is a delightful symphony of coffee, cream, and cocoa, creating a heavenly dessert that's both light and decadent. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Classic Tiramisu Ingredients
Instructions
Preparing the Coffee Mixture
-
Brew the Coffee
Brew a strong cup of espresso or coffee and let it cool to room temperature. You want it robust enough to hold its own against the creamy layers.For a twist, consider adding a splash of coffee liqueur to the mixture for extra depth. -
Sweeten the Coffee
Stir in sugar to taste while the coffee is still warm. This helps the sugar dissolve completely.Adjust the sweetness based on your preference; the mascarpone will balance it out.
Making the Mascarpone Filling
-
Whip the Egg Yolks
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy. This should take about 5 minutes.Use a hand mixer for ease; you want it to be thick enough to form ribbons. -
Fold in Mascarpone
Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese using a spatula until smooth. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.Make sure the mascarpone is at room temperature to avoid lumps. -
Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This adds lightness to your filling.Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for a few minutes before whipping for the best results. -
Combine the Mixtures
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, incorporating it until you see no streaks.This step is key; the lightness of the cream will make your tiramisu luscious.
Assembling the Tiramisu
-
Dip the Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they soak just enough without becoming soggy.A quick dip on each side is perfect; aim for about 1-2 seconds. -
Layer the Ingredients
In a 9x13 inch dish, start with a layer of dipped ladyfingers, then spread half of the mascarpone filling over them. Repeat with another layer.Don’t worry about perfection; rustic is charming!
Finishing Touches
-
Chill the Tiramisu
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.The longer, the better! Overnight chilling provides the best texture and flavor. -
Serve with Cocoa
Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder for that classic finish. You can also sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings for a touch of elegance.Use a fine mesh sieve for even distribution—presentation matters!
Note
- Use high-quality mascarpone cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
- Freshly brewed espresso is essential; let it cool before using.
- Consider adding a splash of coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) for extra depth.
- Use ladyfingers that are crisp and not too stale; they should soak up the coffee without falling apart.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mascarpone with whipped cream.
- Dust with cocoa powder just before serving for a beautiful finish.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you want to make it gluten-free, use gluten-free ladyfingers.
tiramisu, dessert, Italian, coffee, mascarpone