Description
Indulgent Italian classic tiramisu brings layers of creamy mascarpone and rich espresso-soaked ladyfingers to your dessert table. Coffee-kissed clouds of sweetness transport you straight to a charming café in Rome, promising pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 24–30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
Cream Mixture:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream, cold
- ⅓ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlua)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Whisk mascarpone cheese in a medium bowl until silky and uniform, creating a creamy base for the dessert.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, vigorously whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff, glossy peaks form, ensuring maximum volume and stability.
- Delicately fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone, blending gently to maintain the airy texture without deflating the mixture.
- Prepare a shallow dish with cooled espresso and coffee liqueur, creating a rich, aromatic liquid for soaking the ladyfingers.
- Swiftly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring a quick, light coating to prevent soggy texture – a crucial technique for perfect tiramisu.
- Create the first layer by arranging the coffee-kissed ladyfingers in a precise, single layer across the bottom of a rectangular serving dish.
- Spread half of the luxurious mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers, ensuring complete coverage and a smooth surface.
- Repeat the layering process with another set of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Use a spatula to smooth the top layer, creating an elegant, even finish.
- Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu, covered with plastic wrap, for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight to allow flavors to harmonize and texture to set.
- Before serving, dust the surface generously with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve for an aesthetically pleasing and traditional presentation.
- Slice into individual portions and serve chilled, revealing the beautiful layers of this classic Italian dessert.
Notes
- Choose mascarpone at room temperature for smoother mixing and easier blending with whipped cream.
- Use strong, freshly brewed espresso or coffee for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- If avoiding alcohol, replace coffee liqueur with additional coffee or vanilla extract for depth.
- Ladyfingers should be dipped quickly to maintain their delicate texture and prevent becoming mushy.
- Cold ingredients like heavy cream whip more effectively, so chill your mixing bowl and whisk beforehand.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute ladyfingers with gluten-free sponge cake or almond flour-based cookies.
- Refrigerating overnight allows flavors to develop and creates a more cohesive, creamy dessert texture.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for dusting to enhance the final presentation and taste experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg