Dreamy Tiramisu Recipe: A Sweet Italian Treat

Delicate layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers dancing with rich mascarpone cream make this classic tiramisu recipe a true Italian dessert masterpiece.

Each spoonful carries the whispers of centuries-old culinary tradition from Italy’s passionate kitchens.

Coffee lovers and sweet tooth enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this decadent treat that balances bitter and creamy notes perfectly.

The silky texture melts effortlessly on your tongue, creating an enchanting symphony of flavors.

Authentic ingredients are the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience that distinguishes exceptional tiramisu from ordinary desserts.

With just a few simple steps, you can transport yourself to a charming café in Rome, indulging in a slice of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)

Calories: 392 kcal

Servings: 9

Classic Tiramisu Ingredients

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Transforms into luxurious, cloud-like texture that gives tiramisu its signature lightness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream for a silky smooth finish.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth and enhances overall dessert complexity.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Brings rich, velvety Italian character with its delicate, buttery profile.

• Espresso: Provides intense coffee kick and authentic Italian flavor that defines tiramisu.
• Coffee Liqueur: Optional booster that deepens coffee notes and adds sophisticated grown-up touch.

• Lady Fingers: Classic crisp cookies that absorb coffee mixture and create delicate layered structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers elegant dark dusting with bitter chocolate undertones, creating visual and flavor contrast.

What You’ll Need for Tiramisu

• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping cream to perfect stiff peaks with precision and ease.
• Mixing Bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for whipping cream and combining mascarpone mixture.
• Shallow Bowl: Perfect for dipping lady fingers quickly into espresso mixture.
• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: Ideal rectangular dish for layering and assembling tiramisu.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Great tool for evenly dusting cocoa powder on top of dessert.
• Spatula: Helpful for gently folding mascarpone into whipped cream and spreading layers smoothly.

Tiramisu Instructions

• Creamy Cloud Preparation

Whip up a fluffy cloud of cream using heavy whipping cream, sugar, and a splash of vanilla. Beat until peaks stand tall and proud, creating a dreamy base for the dessert.

• Mascarpone Magic

Gently fold silky mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream, creating a luscious, velvety mixture that will make taste buds dance with joy.

• Coffee Bath

Quickly dunk delicate lady fingers into a seductive espresso bath, allowing them to get just a hint of moisture without turning soggy.

• Layer Love

Build a delicious landscape by carefully placing soaked lady fingers as the foundation, then generously spread the mascarpone mixture. Repeat the layers, creating a delectable masterpiece.

• Cocoa Finale

Shower the top with a delicate snowfall of rich cocoa powder, transforming the dessert into a work of art.

• Patience and Reward

Tuck the tiramisu into the refrigerator and let it rest, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify. Wait at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) for the ultimate taste experience.

Tips to Layer the Perfect Tiramisu

• Easily adjust the liqueur content by adding more coffee liqueur for an adult version or using only coffee for a non-alcoholic treat that kids can enjoy.
• Briefly dunk lady fingers in coffee mixture to prevent soggy dessert – a quick 1-2 second dip ensures the perfect texture without waterlogged cookies.
• Keep tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, noting that flavors actually improve as they meld together over time.
• Enhance presentation by adding chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or a light sprinkle of cinnamon on top just before serving to create a stunning dessert centerpiece.

How to Serve Tiramisu

• Sophisticated Dessert Plating: Slice the tiramisu into elegant squares and serve on pristine white dessert plates for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Coffee Companion Pairing: Accompany each slice with a small shot of espresso or a delicate cappuccino to enhance the classic Italian flavor profile and complement the rich dessert.
• Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle a few dark chocolate shavings or add a light dusting of extra cocoa powder just before serving to create a visual and textural contrast.
• Wine Harmony: Pair the tiramisu with a sweet dessert wine like Marsala or a light Italian Moscato to elevate the dining experience and balance the creamy texture.

Storage Tips for Leftover Tiramisu

• Refrigerator Magic: Store tiramisu covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and become more intense as it chills, making each bite more delicious.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap the tiramisu tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture and taste.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire dessert 1-2 days before your event. This strategy allows the coffee and cream to meld together, creating a more robust and harmonious flavor profile.
• Serving Savvy: Remove tiramisu from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to slightly soften the cream and enhance its creamy texture. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise slices that showcase the beautiful layers.

Silky Tiramisu Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy tiramisu emerges as an Italian dessert classic with layers of mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Rich coffee and cocoa notes dance across delicate textures, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful of this beloved treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz (226 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1 package lady fingers (Savoiardi brand)
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold espresso
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) coffee-flavored liqueur (optional, Kahlua or DaVinci)
• cocoa powder for dusting

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Instructions

1. Whip Cream: Beat heavy cream in a mixing bowl, gradually adding sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, creating a luxurious base.
2. Blend Mascarpone: Gently fold room temperature mascarpone into whipped cream, ensuring a smooth, uniform consistency without deflating the mixture.
3. Prepare Coffee Soak: Mix cold espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish, creating a rich liquid for dipping lady fingers.
4. Layer Foundation: Quickly dip lady fingers into coffee mixture, creating an even first layer in the serving dish, ensuring light coating without oversaturating.
5. First Cream Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the initial lady finger base, using smooth, deliberate strokes for complete coverage.
6. Second Layer Construction: Arrange a second tier of coffee-dipped lady fingers, positioning them perpendicular to the first layer for structural stability.
7. Final Cream Topping: Cover the second lady finger layer with remaining mascarpone cream, smoothing the surface to create a pristine, silky finish.
8. Cocoa Finish: Generously dust the entire dessert with cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer to achieve an elegant, even coating.
9. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the tiramisu for a minimum of four hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to perfect.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Layers: Dip lady fingers quickly in coffee mixture to avoid oversaturation, ensuring a light, delicate texture that maintains structural integrity.
• Temperature Matters: Use room temperature mascarpone and soft whipped cream to create a smooth, luxurious mixture without deflating or separating.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate tiramisu for minimum 4 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to develop and layers to set completely for optimal taste and texture.
• Cocoa Dusting Technique: Use a fine mesh strainer for even, delicate cocoa powder distribution, creating a professional and visually appealing finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg