Name: Italian Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 6 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 large egg yolks; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups mascarpone cheese (room temperature); 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold); 2 cups strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled); 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlúa); 2 packs (about 14 oz) ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi); Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting); Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

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If you’ve ever wondered what the magic of classic Italian desserts tastes like, this Italian Tiramisu is the answer. Imagine clouds of velvety mascarpone cream nestled between espresso-kissed ladyfingers, each bite dusted with rich cocoa and flecks of dark chocolate. Not only is it elegant and luxurious, it’s surprisingly fuss-free and comes together with a handful of truly essential ingredients. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or treating yourself, this Italian Tiramisu is a timeless favorite that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dessert lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Italian Tiramisu so delightful is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that delicate balance of taste, texture, and color—there’s nothing extra, just pure deliciousness in every layer.

Egg yolks: These add richness and body to the mascarpone filling, giving it a luscious, custard-like texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream and balances the boldness of the coffee.
Mascarpone cheese (room temperature): The heart of tiramisu, this creamy Italian cheese guarantees that signature silken filling.
Heavy whipping cream (cold): Whipped until stiff for a pillowy layer that lightens the entire dessert.
Strong brewed espresso or coffee (cooled): The foundation for soaking ladyfingers, bringing depth and memorable flavor.
Coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlúa): Amplifies the coffee notes and adds complexity for grown-up palates.
Ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi): These delicate cookies soak up espresso beautifully, creating a soft but structured base.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting): A finishing touch that adds subtle bitterness and a pop of color.
Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish): Adds visual flair and a little extra chocolate indulgence.

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Filling

Begin by setting up a simple double boiler. In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar energetically. After about 5 minutes, the mixture becomes thick, pale, and satiny—this step is what makes the cream so dreamy. Take it off the heat, then gently stir in the mascarpone, mixing until your spoon glides through a smooth, uniform, and almost mousse-like mixture.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Pour the cold heavy cream into a chilled bowl and whip away (a hand mixer makes this effortless) until stiff peaks stand tall. This is the secret to that light-and-airy texture. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, using a spatula with a gentle hand to avoid deflating all your hard work.

Step 3: Create the Coffee Soak

Mix your cooled espresso (or strong coffee) with the coffee liqueur, if you’re using it. Pour it into a shallow dish wide enough for dunking ladyfingers. Here’s the trick: dip each ladyfinger for just a second or two—don’t let them get soggy! You want them moist but still able to hold their shape in the dish.

Step 4: Assemble Layers of “Italian Tiramisu

Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer in your favorite 9×13 serving dish, tucking them tightly for the perfect bite in every slice. Gently spread half the mascarpone cream mixture over the top, smoothing it into the corners. Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers, then finish with the last layer of mascarpone cream, making sure it looks dreamy and inviting.

Step 5: Chill to Perfection

Cover your masterpiece and place it in the fridge for at least 6 hours—overnight is even better. This chilling time lets the flavors meld and the texture become flawlessly creamy, turning your Italian Tiramisu from delicious to absolutely unmissable.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch

Right before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder and, if you want to feel extra fancy, a few showering curls of dark chocolate. This final flourish is what takes Italian Tiramisu from everyday dessert to show-stopper.

How to Serve

Garnishes

A light sift of unsweetened cocoa powder is classic and never fails, but you can also add a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Chocolate shavings or even a sprinkle of espresso beans can add color, texture, and a touch of artistry to your Italian Tiramisu.

Side Dishes

This creamy dessert pairs perfectly with a handful of fresh berries—think strawberries or raspberries—to cut the richness. For a truly Italian finish, serve alongside a demitasse of strong espresso or a small glass of Marsala wine for a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For charming presentation, try individual servings in small glass cups or mason jars so each guest enjoys their own little tiramisu. You can also play with shapes—cut Italian Tiramisu into neat cubes or rounds using a cookie cutter for a modern, elegant twist at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. Italian Tiramisu keeps its flavor and texture best for up to three days, making it the ideal make-ahead dessert for parties and gatherings.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Italian Tiramisu! Just cover it securely with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to a month. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—the texture may change slightly, but the taste remains luscious.

Reheating

No reheating necessary, since this is a no-bake dessert! Simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving if you like it just a little softer and more aromatic.

FAQs

Is it safe to eat raw eggs in tiramisu?

Traditionally, Italian Tiramisu uses yolks that are gently cooked as part of the custard base, making them much safer to consume! Always choose fresh eggs, and if you want extra peace of mind, use pasteurized eggs.

Can I make Italian Tiramisu without coffee liqueur?

Absolutely! The liqueur deepens the flavor, but you can easily skip it for a kid-friendly or non-alcoholic version. Simply increase the coffee or espresso for the full Italian Tiramisu experience.

What can I substitute for mascarpone cheese?

If you can’t find mascarpone, you can use a mixture of full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream in a pinch. The texture and taste won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still yield a lovely Italian Tiramisu.

How long does tiramisu need to chill?

Ideally, Italian Tiramisu should chill at least 6 hours, but overnight is best. The longer resting time allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set, making the dessert easier to slice and serve.

Can I assemble tiramisu in advance?

Yes! That’s one of the joys of Italian Tiramisu: you can assemble it the night before and simply garnish before serving. It’s a perfect dessert for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Italian Tiramisu from scratch, it’s about time you let this classic steal your heart—and your taste buds! Give it a go and let yourself fall in love with this simple, unforgettable dessert. I’d be thrilled to hear how it turns out for you!