Name: Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 eggs, yolks and whites separated; 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz / 250g mascarpone cheese (good quality brand); 1 1/4 cups hot, strong black coffee; 2 tbsp Frangelico or Kahlua (or other liquor of choice, optional); 6.5 oz / 200g (24-30) ladyfingers, pavesini or savoiardi biscuits; Cocoa powder, for dusting

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Introduction

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that combines creamy mascarpone with coffee-soaked ladyfingers for a luscious treat. This easy tiramisu recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to create a delicious, no-bake dessert with rich flavors and simple ingredients.

A square piece of tiramisu sits on a white plate on top of a dark cloth with a wooden table beneath. It has three visible layers: a thick top layer dusted with deep brown cocoa powder, a middle layer of light brown soaked ladyfinger sponge, and two creamy white layers of mascarpone filling in between and beneath the sponge. Some cocoa powder is lightly scattered on the plate beside the tiramisu. A silver fork rests near the dessert on the plate, and a blurred white teacup and saucer sit in the background. The overall scene uses soft, warm lighting with a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 eggs, yolks and whites separated
1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz / 250g mascarpone, good quality

1 1/4 cups hot, strong black coffee
2 tbsp Frangelico or Kahlua (optional, or other liquor of choice)

6.5 oz / 200g (24 – 30) ladyfingers, pavesini, or savoiardi biscuits
Cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a stand mixer or with an electric beater on speed 6 to 7 for about 10 minutes, until the mixture changes from yellow to pale and thickens.

Step 2: Add vanilla extract and mascarpone to the yolk mixture, beating just until smooth and combined. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Clean your mixing bowl and whisk. Beat the egg whites on speed 7 until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Gently fold half of the mascarpone mixture into the egg whites to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining mascarpone mixture carefully to retain airiness.

Step 5: Combine coffee and liquor in a shallow dish. Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture and arrange a single layer on the bottom of an 8” (20cm) square dish.
Step 6: Spread half of the cream mixture evenly over the biscuits, then add another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers on top.
Step 7: Spread the remaining cream mixture over the second layer of biscuits.

Step 8: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 to 5 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop and set.
Step 9: Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality mascarpone for the best creamy texture and flavor.

If you want an alcohol-free version, simply omit the liquor and increase the coffee quantity slightly.
Be careful not to soak the ladyfingers too long in coffee, or they will become too soggy.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a little grated dark chocolate on top before dusting with cocoa powder.

Storage

Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within this time. If stored longer, the ladyfingers may become too soft. Serve directly from the fridge; no reheating is needed.

How to Serve

A square white ceramic dish contains six pieces of tiramisu, each topped with a thick layer of cocoa powder dusted evenly. One piece is missing from the bottom right corner, showing three visible layers inside: a light brown coffee-soaked layer at the bottom, a creamy white mascarpone middle layer, and a second coffee-soaked layer just below the cocoa powder top. Two white plates with one piece of tiramisu each sit in the background on a wooden table, with silver spoons beside them. A silver cup of coffee is placed to the bottom left of the dish. The whole scene is set on 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 eggs with whipped cream and mascarpone for a similar creamy texture. However, traditional tiramisu includes raw eggs for authentic taste and structure.

How long should I soak the ladyfingers in coffee?

Quickly dip each ladyfinger for just 1 to 2 seconds to lightly soak. Over-soaking will cause them to become soggy and collapse in the dessert.