Light, creamy, and indulgent—this homemade tiramisu is the perfect way to impress your guests without a fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you’ll be serving up a dessert that tastes just as good as one from your favorite Italian restaurant.
Ingredient List
For the best results, it’s important to use quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): 1 package (about 24 cookies)
- Espresso or Strong Coffee: 1 cup (preferably freshly brewed)
- Tip: Use dark roast coffee or espresso for a more authentic taste
- Mascarpone Cheese: 500g (about 2 cups)
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup -Eggs: 4 large (separated into yolks and whites)
- Use pasteurized eggs for safety
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons (for dusting)
- Dark Rum (optional): 2 tablespoons
- For a little extra flavor, but leave out if you prefer a non-alcoholic version
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 4 hours or overnight –
- Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes (or 24 hours for best results)
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For beating the eggs and whipping the cream
- Electric mixer (or hand mixer): To whip the cream and beat egg whites and yolks
- Whisk: For stirring together mascarpone and egg yolks
- 9×9 inch baking dish or similar-sized serving dish –
- Sifter: For dusting cocoa powder
- Spatula: To gently fold the ingredients -Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture
Brew your espresso or strong coffee and let it cool slightly. If you like a boozy twist, add the dark rum to the coffee mixture. Pour the coffee into a shallow dish that’s large enough to dip the ladyfingers. - Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with half of the sugar (1/4 cup) until stiff peaks form. This can take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on high speed. Set aside. - Mix the Mascarpone Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and the remaining sugar (1/4 cup). Use a whisk to smooth the mixture until it’s creamy and well-combined. - Beat the Egg Whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Once they do, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped whites. - Assemble the Tiramisu
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture. Don’t soak them; just a quick dip to ensure they remain firm and don’t become too soggy. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish. - Layer the Mascarpone Mixture
Spoon half of the mascarpone filling over the layer of ladyfingers and spread evenly. Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. - Chill
Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set. - Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sift a light dusting of cocoa powder over the top of the tiramisu. Optionally, you can also add chocolate shavings or a few chocolate-covered coffee beans for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips and Techniques
- Coffee Substitutes: If you don’t have espresso, you can substitute strong brewed coffee. For a unique twist, try using flavored coffee like hazelnut or vanilla.
- Egg Safety: If you’re concerned about using raw eggs, opt for pasteurized eggs or use a reputable egg substitute.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Tiramisu actually tastes better the longer it sits in the fridge, so this is a perfect dish to prepare the day before you need it.
- Caffeine-Free Version: Skip the coffee and rum for a caffeine-free version and use a bit of vanilla extract in place of the coffee flavor.
Flavor Profile
This tiramisu offers the perfect balance of flavors—the rich, creamy mascarpone filling complements the subtle bitterness of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers. The texture is light and airy, with a satisfying bite from the ladyfingers and a silky smoothness from the mascarpone filling. The dusting of cocoa powder adds a touch of bittersweetness that balances the dessert’s sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Tiramisu is best served chilled and on its own as a stand-alone dessert, but you can complement it with:
- Fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
- A light Italian white wine such as Prosecco or Moscato.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side to add extra richness.
Enjoy your easy homemade tiramisu, perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a special treat for yourself!
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