Tiramisu Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that wraps you in a cloud of creamy, coffee-infused goodness, then you absolutely must discover the magic of Tiramisu. This lovingly crafted Italian dessert combines rich custard, airy whipped cream, and the subtle punch of rum-soaked ladyfingers, all crowned with a dusting of bittersweet chocolate. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring a solo indulgence, Tiramisu never fails to make moments feel special and dreamy.

Tiramisu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Tiramisu is a delightful part of the experience, as each item plays a crucial role in creating its signature texture and flavor. From the creamy mascarpone to the rich coffee soak, these essentials work together to make every bite unforgettable.

  • 6 egg yolks: The rich base that makes the custard luxuriously smooth and velvety.
  • 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the delicate coffee notes.
  • 2/3 cup milk: Helps lighten the custard while blending all the flavors.
  • 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to airy perfection, it adds a fluffy, luscious layer to the dessert.
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a delicate aroma and depth, enhancing the creamy custard.
  • 1 pound mascarpone or ricotta cheese: The heart of the Tiramisu, providing its signature creamy, tangy richness.
  • 7 oz ladyfingers: These light, crisp biscuits soak up the coffee-rum mixture without falling apart.
  • 1.5 cups strong coffee: The bold, aromatic soak that infuses the ladyfingers with that classic mocha essence.
  • 2-4 tbsp rum, to taste: Adds warmth and a subtle boozy kick, elevating the dessert’s complexity.
  • A bar or a few squares of dark chocolate: Grated on top to bring a bittersweet finish and beautiful texture contrast.

How to Make Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base

Begin by whisking together the egg yolks, sugar, and milk in a saucepan. This simple trio is your custard’s backbone. Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly until it starts bubbling, then continue for one more minute. This gentle cooking creates a safe, silky base that thickens beautifully. Remove from heat and allow it to cool a bit before chilling it in the fridge. Cooling is key here since it helps the custard firm up and merge flavors more deeply.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

While the custard chills, whip your heavy cream with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This step is where the dessert gains its heavenly fluffiness. Soft peaks mean the cream is light and airy but still stable enough to layer without collapsing, giving your tiramisu its signature silky texture.

Step 3: Soak the Ladyfingers

Mix your freshly brewed strong coffee with the rum, adjusting the amount based on how boozy you want your tiramisu. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into this aromatic bath—don’t soak them too long or they’ll become soggy. Lay them in your pan, creating a sturdy, flavorful foundation for your custard layers.

Step 4: Combine Custard and Cheese

Once the yolk mixture has cooled, gently whisk in your mascarpone or ricotta cheese. Avoid overmixing to maintain the smooth creaminess that defines a great Tiramisu. This fold-in creates the signature custard texture that’s rich, creamy, and slightly tangy, balancing the dessert perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble the Dessert

Spread the custard mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers. Then carefully layer the whipped cream on top, sealing in creaminess and lightness. Finally, grate generous amounts of dark chocolate over the top to add that bittersweet crunch and gorgeous finish. Cover your Tiramisu and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld and the texture set to perfection.

How to Serve Tiramisu

Tiramisu Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding final touches to your Tiramisu turns it from lovely to stunning. Freshly grated dark chocolate is a must, but you can also sprinkle cocoa powder for a dusted effect or add a few coffee beans to echo the espresso flavor. A sprig of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing contrast that brightens each bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

Tiramisu is a decadent dessert that shines on its own, but pairing it with a light, fruity side dish can elevate your experience. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries or a citrus salad, which complement the rich creaminess with bright, zesty notes. A small glass of dessert wine or espresso also pairs wonderfully to round out the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not have some fun with presentation? Serve Tiramisu in elegant individual glasses layered to show off each component’s beauty or use a clear trifle bowl if you’re entertaining. For party spreads, mini tiramisus in mason jars or even bite-sized tiramisu cupcakes make delightful, Instagram-worthy treats that everyone will want to try.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tiramisu is a treasure that tastes even better after a day or two. Keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator to preserve its creaminess and keep the ladyfingers from drying out. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, allowing the flavors to develop even more.

Freezing

You can freeze Tiramisu if you want to prepare it well ahead of time. Wrap the dessert securely with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Keep in mind that freezing might change the texture slightly, so fresh tiramisu is always the dream.

Reheating

Tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, so skip reheating it. Heating tends to ruin its delicate custard and cream layers. Instead, serve straight from the fridge or at cool room temperature to savor the intended balance of flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I make Tiramisu without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can simply leave out the rum or replace it with a flavored syrup, like hazelnut or vanilla. The dessert will still be delicious, just a bit less boozy but full of the classic coffee and creamy flavors that make tiramisu a favorite.

Is mascarpone cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?

Mascarpone is ideal because of its smooth, rich texture and mild flavor, but ricotta cheese can be a good substitute if mascarpone isn’t available. Keep in mind ricotta has a slightly grainier texture, so you might want to blend it well or use a combination to maintain creaminess.

How long should Tiramisu chill before serving?

It’s best to refrigerate tiramisu for at least 3 to 4 hours, although overnight chilling is preferred. This resting time allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the ladyfingers to absorb the coffee and rum beautifully.

Can I prepare Tiramisu in individual servings?

Yes! Making individual tiramisus in small glasses or ramekins not only looks lovely but also makes serving easier and more elegant. Just layer the ingredients as usual and chill before serving.

What type of coffee works best for soaking ladyfingers?

Use a strong, freshly brewed espresso or a dark roast coffee for the best flavor. The coffee’s robust flavor is essential to balancing the creaminess and sweetness of the dessert.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a slice of homemade Tiramisu. Its combination of creamy custard, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a hint of rum is a timeless crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a dinner party, or just because, I promise once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients and dive into this indulgent Italian treat—you won’t regret it!

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Tiramisu Recipe

A classic Italian dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone custard, and whipped cream, topped with grated dark chocolate. This Tiramisu recipe is rich, indulgent, and perfect for any special occasion or sweet craving.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chill time)
  • Yield: 810 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-bake, stovetop custard preparation
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Custard

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pound mascarpone or ricotta cheese

Assembly

  • 7 oz ladyfingers
  • 1.5 cups strong coffee
  • 24 tbsp rum, to taste
  • A bar or a few squares of dark chocolate, for grating

Instructions

  1. Prepare the custard base: Whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and milk in a saucepan until combined. Cook the mixture over medium heat while whisking constantly. Once it starts bubbling, cook for an additional minute, then remove from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
  2. Chill the custard: Cover the custard mixture and refrigerate it for at least one hour to thicken and cool completely.
  3. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form, setting it aside for layering.
  4. Prepare coffee mixture and soak ladyfingers: Mix the strong coffee with rum to taste. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-rum mixture, making sure they are moist but not soggy, then arrange them to line the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
  5. Combine custard and cheese: Once refrigerated custard has cooled, gently whisk it with mascarpone or ricotta cheese until smooth, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Layer the dessert: Spread the cheese custard mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers. Next, layer the whipped cream over the custard.
  7. Top with chocolate: Grate dark chocolate generously over the top of the whipped cream layer for garnish and added flavor.
  8. Chill before serving: Cover the dish and refrigerate for several hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
  9. Serve and enjoy: Slice into portions and serve chilled for an authentic and delightful tiramisu experience.

Notes

  • Use a 9×13 pan for a single layer tiramisu, or split ingredients for a two-layer version using a smaller pan like 7×11.
  • Be careful not to oversoak the ladyfingers, as they can become too soggy and fall apart.
  • For an alcohol-free version, omit the rum and use extra coffee or coffee-flavored syrup.
  • Always use fresh eggs and consume promptly if concerned about raw egg safety, or use pasteurized eggs.
  • Allowing the tiramisu to rest overnight in the fridge greatly enhances the texture and flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/10 of recipe)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: tiramisu, Italian dessert, coffee dessert, mascarpone, no-bake dessert, layered dessert

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