Best Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
This classic Italian Tiramisu recipe is a rich and creamy dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a smooth mascarpone cream. Perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and dusted with cocoa powder, it’s a timeless treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (whipping and mixing time)
- Total Time: 23 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Mascarpone Cream
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese (450g), cold
- 4 egg yolks
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (133g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (360g), chilled
Other Ingredients
- 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 cold mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape firmly when the whisk is lifted.
- Combine the Cream and Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula to carefully incorporate the two without deflating the whipped cream, achieving a light and airy texture.
- Soak the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the cooled strong black coffee. The dip should be brief to avoid sogginess but enough to soak them lightly.
- Assemble the First Layer: Arrange half of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a baking dish, covering the base completely.
- Add Cream Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone and whipped cream mixture evenly over the layer of ladyfingers, smoothing the surface.
- Repeat the Layers: Dip the remaining ladyfingers in coffee briefly and layer them over the cream. Then top with the remaining mascarpone cream mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate finish.
Notes
- Use cold mascarpone and chilled heavy cream for best texture and stability.
- Do not soak ladyfingers too long in coffee to prevent sogginess.
- Egg yolks are raw in this recipe; consider using pasteurized eggs for safety.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular strong black coffee.
- Letting the tiramisu chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
Keywords: Tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, coffee, no-bake dessert, classic tiramisu recipe
