Silky Tiramisu Recipe

Italian Dream: Tiramisu Recipe for Coffee-Lovers

Decadent layers of creamy mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers make this tiramisu recipe a true Italian classic.

Rich, velvety textures dance across your palate with each indulgent bite.

The delicate balance of espresso and sweet cream creates a harmonious dessert that whispers pure elegance.

Authentic Italian techniques blend seamlessly to craft this luxurious treat.

Chocolate dusting adds a final touch of sophistication to this beloved dessert.

No pastry chef skills required – anyone can master this simple yet extraordinary sweet.

Dive into a slice of culinary magic that promises to transport you straight to the streets of Italy.

Serve Tiramisu Recipe Chilled And Creamy

  • Espresso Dip Station: Create a charming coffee-soaking area with a shallow ceramic bowl filled with the coffee mixture, allowing guests to personalize their tiramisu dipping experience.
  • Perfect Pairing Partners: Serve alongside a small shot of espresso or a light dessert wine like Marsala to enhance the rich, creamy flavors of the tiramisu.
  • Elegant Presentation Style: Layer the tiramisu in clear glass dessert cups or a transparent trifle dish to showcase the beautiful coffee-soaked ladyfinger layers and delicate mascarpone cream.
  • Garnish Glow-Up: Dust the top with high-quality cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve, or sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings and a few fresh mint leaves for a sophisticated finishing touch.

Storage Tips For Tiramisu Recipe To Keep It Fresh

  • Quick Chilling Strategy: Let the coffee mixture cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain flavor intensity.
  • Smart Layering Technique: Arrange ladyfingers quickly and precisely to ensure even coffee absorption without making them too soggy or falling apart.
  • Refrigeration Timing: Store finished tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours before serving to allow flavors to fully blend and texture to set perfectly.
  • Safe Storage Window: Keep tiramisu refrigerated and consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture, covering tightly with plastic wrap to prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything You’ll Need For Tiramisu Recipe

For Coffee Base:
  • Brewed Coffee: Rich, aromatic foundation that infuses the classic Italian dessert with deep, robust flavor.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Optional booster that adds sophisticated complexity and gentle boozy warmth.
  • Sugar: Balances the bitter coffee notes and creates a perfectly sweetened soaking liquid.
For Cream Mixture:
  • Egg Yolks: Creates luxurious, silky texture and provides rich, golden color to the mascarpone cream.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the delicate custard base for a smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Marsala Wine: Traditional Italian touch that introduces subtle caramel and nutty undertones.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Ultra-creamy Italian cheese that delivers quintessential smooth, decadent character.
For Assembly:
  • Ladyfinger Cookies: Light, delicate Italian biscuits that absorb coffee mixture and create classic tiramisu layers.
  • Cocoa Powder: Bitter-sweet finishing touch that adds elegant dusting and traditional tiramisu presentation.

Must-Have Tools To Layer Tiramisu Recipe Perfectly

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and creating the creamy mascarpone mixture.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for beating egg yolks and whipping cream to smooth, fluffy consistency.
  • Shallow Bowl: Used for preparing the coffee-liqueur dipping liquid for ladyfingers.
  • Rectangular Baking Dish: Ideal for layering and assembling the tiramisu.
  • Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Great for dusting cocoa powder evenly over the top of the dessert.
  • Spatula: Helpful for gently folding ingredients and smoothing layers.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for precise ingredient measurements.

Step-By-Step Guide To Tiramisu Recipe

  • Coffee Mixture

Brew a rich, aromatic coffee and blend it with a splash of coffee liqueur, creating a deep, intense flavor base for the dessert.

  • Egg Separation

Carefully crack eggs, gently separating the golden yolks from the clear whites, preparing them for the silky mascarpone cream.

  • Creamy Mascarpone Blend

Whisk egg yolks with sugar until they transform into a pale, fluffy mixture. Fold in smooth mascarpone cheese, creating a luxurious, velvety cream.

  • Whipped Cloud

Beat egg whites until they form soft, billowy peaks, then gently incorporate them into the mascarpone mixture, adding lightness and airiness.

  • Ladyfinger Dipping

Quickly dunk ladyfinger cookies into the coffee mixture, allowing them to absorb the liquid without becoming soggy, creating a delicate foundation.

  • Layer Creation

Arrange the coffee-soaked ladyfingers in a beautiful pattern, then generously spread the mascarpone cream over them, building delicious layers.

  • Chocolate Finale

Dust the top with a delicate layer of cocoa powder, adding a rich, dark contrast to the creamy dessert.

  • Chilling Time

Refrigerate the tiramisu for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfectly set and dreamy.

Creative Additions For Tiramisu Recipe You’ll Love

  • Espresso Soaking Pro Tip: Dip ladyfingers quickly into coffee mixture to prevent soggy texture. Overly soaked cookies will turn mushy and ruin the dessert's delicate structure.
  • Liqueur Flexibility: Skip coffee liqueur for a kid-friendly version or replace with rum for an adult twist. Each alcohol option brings a unique depth of flavor to the classic Italian dessert.
  • Dairy-Free Magic: Swap mascarpone with coconut cream and use vegan ladyfingers to create a plant-based tiramisu. Ensure all ingredients are chilled for best whipping consistency when preparing non-dairy alternatives.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare tiramisu 6-8 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Refrigeration helps firm up the dessert and intensifies the coffee and cream profile, creating a more sophisticated taste experience.
  • Cocoa Dusting Technique: Use a fine-mesh sieve for an even, light cocoa powder coating. Tap gently and hold the sieve slightly above the dessert surface for a professional, delicate presentation that looks as stunning as it tastes.
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Silky Tiramisu Recipe

Silky Tiramisu Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Classic Italian tiramisu delights coffee and dessert enthusiasts with layers of creamy mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Delicate flavors blend perfectly, offering rich indulgence you will savor with each elegant bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi, firm and crisp)
  • 1.25 cups (296 ml) mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 0.5 cups (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 0.75 cups (177 ml) heavy whipping cream (cold)
  • 1.5 cups (355 ml) strong brewed coffee (cooled)
  • 2 tbsps coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua, optional)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Grated chocolate or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Coffee Infusion: Craft a robust espresso blend by mixing freshly brewed coffee with coffee liqueur, creating a sophisticated liquid base for soaking ladyfingers.
  2. Egg Preparation: Skillfully separate egg yolks and whites, whisking yolks with sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, silky ribbon that cascades smoothly.
  3. Cream Composition: Fold mascarpone cheese into the egg mixture, creating a luxurious, velvety cream. Gently incorporate whipped egg whites to maintain the airy texture.
  4. Ladyfinger Assembly: Swiftly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture, ensuring a delicate yet thorough coating without waterlogging the delicate biscuits.
  5. Layering Technique: Construct alternating layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream in an elegant serving dish, building a harmonious architectural dessert.
  6. Finishing Touch: Generously dust the surface with rich cocoa powder, creating a sophisticated chocolate veil that adds depth and visual allure.
  7. Resting Period: Refrigerate the tiramisu for several hours, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the dessert to set into a perfectly balanced, creamy consistency.
  8. Presentation: Serve chilled, with a final light dusting of cocoa powder, transforming the dessert into a stunning culinary masterpiece ready to delight.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Ladyfingers: Dip ladyfingers quickly in coffee mixture for just 1-2 seconds to avoid oversaturation, maintaining their delicate texture and preventing a mushy dessert.
  • Control Egg Whites Stability: Ensure egg whites are whipped at room temperature and use clean, grease-free equipment to achieve perfect stiff peaks that provide essential airiness.
  • Master Mascarpone Incorporation: Fold mascarpone gently into egg mixture to prevent deflating the cream, using a bottom-to-top motion that preserves the light, airy consistency.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow tiramisu to rest in refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours or overnight, enabling coffee and cream flavors to develop and meld completely for a more intense taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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