Name: Best Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 oz mascarpone cheese (450g), cold; 4 egg yolks; 2/3 cup granulated sugar (133g); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (360g), chilled; 30-36 ladyfingers; 1 1/2 cups strong black coffee, room temperature (360g); 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting

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Introduction

Tiramisu is a beloved classic Italian dessert known for its creamy texture and rich coffee flavor. This recipe combines mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa for a truly indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

A square slice of tiramisu cake sits on a white plate with a dusting of cocoa powder around it. The dessert shows four visible layers of light brown coffee-soaked ladyfinger biscuits alternating with thick, creamy white mascarpone cheese layers. The top surface is evenly covered with a fine layer of cocoa powder, giving it a soft brown color and powdery texture. A silver fork rests beside the slice, partially showing on the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz mascarpone cheese (450g), cold
4 egg yolks

2/3 cup granulated sugar (133g)
1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (360g), chilled

30-36 ladyfingers
1 1/2 cups strong black coffee, room temperature (360g)
2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
Step 3: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee, making sure they absorb some liquid but do not become soggy. Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 4: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and cover with the remaining cream mixture.
Step 5: Cover the dish and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly brewed espresso for a stronger coffee flavor, or add a splash of coffee liqueur for an adult twist.

Ensure the cream is well chilled before whipping to achieve the best volume and texture.
For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or mascarpone with ricotta cheese.
Serve tiramisu in individual glasses for an elegant presentation.

Storage

Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes best when served chilled. Avoid freezing as it can alter the texture of the cream and ladyfingers. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.

How to Serve

A slice of layered tiramisu on a white plate shows multiple layers of light cream and coffee-soaked cake, alternated evenly. The top layer is creamy with a thick dusting of dark cocoa powder, which also spills slightly onto the plate around the dessert. The cake layers look soft and moist with a light brown color, while the cream layers are smooth and pale. A silver fork rests next to the slice on the plate, and the surface beneath has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make tiramisu without raw eggs?

Yes, you can use pasteurized eggs or substitute the egg yolks with a cooked custard base or whipped cream to avoid raw eggs.

How long should tiramisu be refrigerated before serving?

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly. Overnight refrigeration is even better for enhanced flavor.