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Classic Tiramisu Recipe

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5 from 3 reviews

Classic Tiramisu is a rich and creamy Italian dessert featuring layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a smooth mascarpone filling, topped with cocoa powder and dark chocolate shavings for an indulgent finish.

Ingredients

Mascarpone Cream

  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups (280g) mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Assembly

  • 1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed espresso (cooled to room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and creamy. Place the bowl over a double boiler and whisk constantly for 7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Combine Mascarpone: Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg yolk mixture until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to create a light filling.
  4. Prepare Espresso Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled espresso with dark rum or coffee liqueur if using.
  5. Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or similar serving dish.
  6. Layer Filling: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then top with the remaining mascarpone mixture.
  7. Chill: Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to set and develop flavors.
  8. Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best texture and flavor.
  • Ensure the espresso is cooled completely before dipping the ladyfingers to avoid sogginess.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum or coffee liqueur.
  • Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and helps the tiramisu set properly.
  • Maskarpone can be substituted with cream cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream if unavailable, though flavor will vary.