Homemade Tiramisu recipe

This classic Italian dessert layers coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a rich, creamy mascarpone custard, all dusted with cocoa powder. It's an elegant treat perfect for special occasions or a luxurious everyday indulgence.

Servings: 8 Prep time: 35 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Total time: 4 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling) Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

For the Mascarpone Cream:

• 6 large egg yolks (~100 g)

• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar

• 500 g (2 cups / 1.1 lbs) mascarpone cheese, chilled

• 240 ml (1 cup) cold heavy cream (35% fat or higher)

• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract

For the Coffee & Ladyfingers:

• 360 ml (1 ½ cups) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled

• 60 ml (¼ cup) coffee liqueur or dark rum (optional)

• 200-250 g (1-2 packs, ~24-36 cookies) ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits)

For Dusting:

• 15 g (2 tablespoons) unsweetened cocoa powder

Equipment

• Large heatproof bowl

• Medium saucepan (for double boiler)

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment

• Rubber spatula

• Two large mixing bowls

• Shallow dish or plate (for coffee)

• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish or similar-sized serving dish

• Fine-mesh sieve (for cocoa dusting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coffee (5 minutes): Brew your strong coffee or espresso and let it cool completely. If using, stir in the coffee liqueur or rum. Pour the cooled coffee mixture into a shallow dish.

2. Make the Sabayon (10 minutes): Fill a medium saucepan with about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. In a large heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Place the bowl over the simmering water (ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water). Continue whisking constantly for 7-10 minutes, until the mixture is very pale, thick, and reaches a temperature of 70°C (160°F). This process cooks the eggs and creates a stable sabayon. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.

3. Whip the Cream (5 minutes): In a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.

4. Combine Mascarpone Cream (5 minutes): Add the chilled mascarpone cheese to the slightly cooled sabayon mixture. Gently fold it in with a rubber spatula until just combined and smooth. Then, gently fold in the whipped cream until no streaks remain. Do not overmix, or the cream may curdle.

5. Assemble the Tiramisu (10 minutes): Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture, turning once. Do not over-soak, or they will become soggy. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish, breaking them if necessary to fit.

6. Layer and Chill (5 minutes + 4 hours chilling): Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the first layer of ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

7. Dust and Serve (2 minutes): Just before serving, uncover the tiramisu. Sift a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top using a fine-mesh sieve. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

• Don't Over-Soak: Ladyfingers are very absorbent. A quick dip (1-2 seconds per side) is all you need to prevent a soggy tiramisu.

• Chill Thoroughly: Proper chilling is crucial for the tiramisu to set and for the flavors to fully develop. Don't rush this step!

• Quality Ingredients: Use good quality mascarpone cheese and strong, flavorful coffee for the best results.

• Alcohol-Free: Omit the coffee liqueur or rum for an alcohol-free version. You can add a little extra vanilla extract or a dash of almond extract to the coffee for extra flavor.

• Chocolate Lover's Tiramisu: Sprinkle finely grated dark chocolate between the cream layers for an extra decadent touch.

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to your coffee for a subtle aromatic twist.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (approximate)

• Calories: 520 kcal

• Protein: 8 g

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

• Fat: 38 g

Shopping List

• Large eggs

• Granulated sugar

• Mascarpone cheese

• Heavy cream

• Vanilla extract

• Coffee or espresso

• Coffee liqueur or dark rum (optional)

• Ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits)

• Unsweetened cocoa powder

Allergen tags:

contains: dairy, eggs, gluten

Quick summary: Classic Italian dessert with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa.