Introduction:
Tiramisu is one of Italy’s most beloved desserts, known for its luxurious combination of flavors and textures. The name “Tiramisu” translates to “pick me up” in Italian, and it’s easy to see why! This no-bake dessert layers coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a rich and velvety mascarpone cream, creating a delightful contrast between the bitter coffee and the sweet, creamy filling. Topped with a dusting of cocoa powder, this decadent treat is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Cream Filling:
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces (227g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
For the Coffee Soak:
1 1/2 cups (360ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
Other:
1 package (7 ounces or 200g) ladyfingers
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions:
Prepare the Coffee Soak: In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled coffee with rum or coffee liqueur, if using. Stir to mix and set aside.
Make the Cream Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until smooth and pale.
In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the egg yolk mixture, followed by the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Assemble the Tiramisu:
Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture briefly (don’t soak them, just a quick dip) and layer them in the bottom of a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) dish or an equivalent serving dish.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
Repeat the layering with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to firm up.
Serve: Just before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Description:
Classic Tiramisu is a rich, creamy dessert that balances the boldness of coffee with the delicate sweetness of mascarpone cheese. The ladyfingers provide a light, airy base that soaks up the coffee soak perfectly. The velvety texture of the mascarpone filling creates a luscious mouthfeel that makes this dessert irresistible. Tiramisu is ideal for gatherings or a special treat after a hearty meal, offering a wonderful way to end any meal on a sweet, indulgent note.
Tips:
Use Fresh Mascarpone: Ensure your mascarpone cheese is fresh and at room temperature for the smoothest filling.
Customize the Soak: You can add a splash of flavored liqueur like amaretto or brandy to the coffee soak for an extra kick of flavor.
Coffee Strength: Use strong coffee for a bolder flavor, or adjust the amount depending on how strong you want the coffee taste to be.
No Raw Eggs: If you’re concerned about using raw eggs, you can opt for pasteurized eggs or a store-bought eggless tiramisu cream filling.
Make Ahead: Tiramisu actually gets better the longer it sits! Make it a day ahead for the best flavor.
Corrections:
If you find that the mascarpone mixture is too thick, you can add a little more heavy cream to loosen it up and make it easier to spread.
Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers in coffee as they can become too soggy, affecting the texture of the tiramisu.
If you’re making a larger or smaller batch, adjust the amount of coffee and mascarpone mixture accordingly to ensure even layers.
Enjoy this indulgent Italian classic!
