Name: Indulgent Traditional Italian Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 large Eggs (Ensure they’re fresh and high-quality.); 150-200 g Sugar (Adjust to taste.); 500 g Mascarpone Cheese (Cream cheese can substitute but may alter flavor.); 300 g Ladyfingers (Choose quality ones that absorb coffee well.); 250 ml Brewed Espresso or Instant Coffee (Adjust strength to preference.); 30 g Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dust on top for visual appeal and contrast.)

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Introduction

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that delights with its creamy texture and bold coffee flavor. This indulgent traditional recipe combines mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder for a treat you can’t resist. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a sweet, luxurious finish to your meal.

A round cake with three clear layers sits in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The top layer is thick and creamy white, covered evenly with a fine, dark brown cocoa powder dusting. Below the top, there are two alternating layers of the same creamy white filling and a light brown sponge, making three visible layers in total. The cake has a smooth, soft texture, with the cocoa powder also lightly scattered around the inside edge of the bowl. In the background, there are some round cream-filled cookies dusted with cocoa powder, and a silver fork rests near the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 large eggs (ensure they’re fresh and high-quality)
150-200 g sugar (adjust to taste)
500 g mascarpone cheese (cream cheese can substitute but may alter flavor)
300 g ladyfingers (choose quality ones that absorb coffee well)
250 ml brewed espresso or instant coffee (adjust strength to preference)
30 g unsweetened cocoa powder (dust on top for visual appeal and contrast)

Instructions

Step 1: Separate the eggs by cracking them and placing the whites in one bowl and the yolks in another.
Step 2: Whisk the egg yolks together with the sugar on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is thick and frothy.
Step 3: Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the yolk mixture until blended smoothly without lumps.
Step 4: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Incorporate one quarter of the whipped egg whites into the yolk and mascarpone mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites until fully combined.
Step 6: Pour the brewed coffee into a shallow plate. Quickly dip each ladyfinger for 1-2 seconds, making sure not to soak them too long to avoid sogginess.
Step 7: Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone filling evenly over the ladyfingers.
Step 8: Repeat the layering with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
Step 9: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
Step 10: Before serving, dust a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top for a beautiful finish and a hint of bitterness to balance the sweetness.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best texture and flavor, or choose pasteurized eggs for safety if preferred.
For a boozy twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur or rum to the brewed espresso before dipping the ladyfingers.
If mascarpone is unavailable, cream cheese can be used, but expect a slightly different flavor and texture.
Serve chilled and avoid adding the cocoa powder too early to prevent it from becoming wet and clumpy.

Storage

Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve to maintain its texture. Reheat is not recommended as it’s best enjoyed cold and fresh.

How to Serve

A white round bowl holds a partially eaten layered tiramisu dessert. The tiramisu has three main layers: a thick top layer of smooth cream lightly dusted with a fine, dark brown cocoa powder, two middle layers of light brown soaked ladyfingers separated by creamy white mascarpone, and a bottom layer of the same soaked ladyfingers. The cocoa powder is evenly spread on top and sprinkled around the empty part of the bowl, showing the creamy texture and moist biscuit layers clearly. In the background, blurred cookies coated with cocoa and cream are visible on a white marbled surface, along with a shiny fork resting near the bowl. The overall scene is bright with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, tiramisu actually tastes better after resting overnight as the flavors have time to meld. Just keep it refrigerated and covered.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in tiramisu?

Traditional tiramisu uses raw eggs, so it’s important to use fresh, high-quality eggs or pasteurized eggs to reduce any risk. Alternatively, some recipes use cooked custard or whipped cream as substitutes.