Description
A classic Italian tiramisu recipe featuring creamy mascarpone cheese layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and dusted with cocoa powder. This no-bake dessert is elegant, rich, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese (450g), cold
- 4 egg yolks
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (133g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cream Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (360g), chilled
Assembly
- 30–36 ladyfingers
- 1 1/2 cups strong black coffee, room temperature (360g)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the mascarpone mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream holds its shape firmly when the beaters are lifted.
- Fold cream into mascarpone mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, combining thoroughly without deflating the puffiness of the cream.
- Dip and layer ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the cooled strong black coffee, just long enough to soak without becoming soggy. Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in an even layer at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Spread cream mixture: Spread half of the mascarpone and cream mixture evenly over the layer of ladyfingers.
- Repeat layering: Dip the remaining ladyfingers in coffee and place them in a second layer atop the cream. Then, spread the remaining cream mixture over this top layer.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture set.
- Serve with cocoa dusting: Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder to finish the tiramisu.
Notes
- Use cold mascarpone and chilled heavy cream for the best texture.
- Do not soak ladyfingers for long; a quick dip prevents sogginess.
- For added flavor, you can add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur or Marsala wine to the coffee.
- If raw egg yolks are a concern, use pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate to set properly for the best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, no-bake dessert, coffee dessert, classic tiramisu
