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Classic Italian Tiramisu

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A quick and easy homemade classic Italian tiramisu featuring layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, perfect for indulgent moments without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs, separated (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) strong brewed espresso or dark coffee, cooled
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for coffee soak)
  • About 24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings or curls (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coffee Soak: Brew fresh espresso or strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in sugar and rum or coffee liqueur if using. Set aside.
  2. Whip Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with granulated sugar until pale yellow and slightly thickened.
  3. Beat Mascarpone and Vanilla: Gently fold mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract into the egg yolk mixture until smooth, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  5. Optional – Whip Heavy Cream: If using, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold gently into the mascarpone mixture.
  6. Combine Cream Layers: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites (and whipped cream if used) into the mascarpone mixture in batches, keeping the texture airy and smooth.
  7. Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee soak for 1-2 seconds to avoid sogginess. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of the baking dish.
  8. Layer Cream: Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
  9. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then top with the remaining mascarpone cream.
  10. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set.
  11. Finish: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

Use pasteurized eggs or fresh, high-quality eggs to reduce risk from raw eggs. Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid sogginess. Folding should be gentle to keep cream light and airy. Chill overnight for best texture and flavor. Variations include using coconut cream for dairy-free, gluten-free ladyfingers, or omitting alcohol for an alcohol-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, espresso, easy tiramisu, classic tiramisu, no bake dessert, coffee dessert

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/classic-italian-tiramisu-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-for-indulgent-moments/