A classic Italian dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, silky mascarpone cream, and a delicate dusting of cocoa powder and grated chocolate. This creamy, no-bake tiramisu is perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or a relaxing coffee break.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: At least 6 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Dish Size: 9 × 9 inches
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, slightly softened
- 1½ cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Layers
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled completely
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 24–30 crisp ladyfinger cookies (about 7 ounces)
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ounce semisweet chocolate, finely grated
Instructions
1. Prepare the Egg Yolk Mixture
Bring about 1 inch of water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan. Place a heatproof bowl over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom does not touch the water.
Whisk together the egg yolks, ¾ cup sugar, and milk. Continue whisking over the simmering water for 8–10 minutes, until the mixture thickens, turns pale, and reaches 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Make the Mascarpone Cream
Add the mascarpone to the cooled egg mixture and whisk gently until smooth.
In a separate chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until medium-stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in three additions until light and smooth.
3. Prepare the Coffee
Stir 2 tablespoons of sugar into the cooled coffee until dissolved. Pour the coffee into a shallow dish.
4. Dip the Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for about 1 second per side. Avoid soaking them, as overly wet cookies can make the tiramisu soggy.
Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9 × 9-inch dish.
5. Assemble the Layers
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
Add another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top.
6. Chill
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, until the tiramisu is thoroughly chilled and firm enough to slice.
7. Add the Topping and Serve
Just before serving, sift cocoa powder evenly over the top and sprinkle with finely grated chocolate.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Tips for Perfect Tiramisu
- Cook the egg yolks properly: Whisk continuously and use a thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Cool the coffee completely: Warm coffee can make the ladyfingers too soft.
- Dip quickly: One second per side is usually enough to absorb the coffee without becoming soggy.
- Fold gently: Carefully folding the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture helps maintain a light, airy texture.
- Chill overnight: A longer chilling time helps the layers set and allows the flavors to blend.
- Add cocoa before serving: This keeps the topping looking fresh and attractive.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tiramisu straight from the refrigerator with a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or freshly brewed coffee. Its creamy texture and bittersweet cocoa topping make it a satisfying dessert on its own.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Cover and store in the refrigerator, keeping the dessert cold until serving.
- Leftovers: Return leftovers promptly to the refrigerator and keep them covered.
- Food safety: Because tiramisu contains mascarpone and whipped cream, avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should tiramisu chill?
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Overnight chilling is ideal for firmer layers and better flavor.
How do I know when the egg mixture is ready?
It should be pale, noticeably thickened, and reach 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Why shouldn’t I soak the ladyfingers?
Ladyfingers absorb coffee quickly. A brief dip helps them soften while keeping the dessert firm enough to slice.
Can I make tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it the day before serving and refrigerate overnight. Add the cocoa powder and grated chocolate just before serving for the best appearance.
How should I store leftover tiramisu?
Keep it covered in the refrigerator and return it to cold storage promptly after serving.
Nutrition Information
Estimated values per serving, based on 12 servings.
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Total Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This classic tiramisu combines rich mascarpone cream, delicate coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa for an elegant dessert that is surprisingly simple to prepare. Make it ahead, let it chill until perfectly set, and enjoy each creamy, coffee-infused bite.
Removed: advertisements, embedded videos, promotional links, unrelated dessert recommendations, repeated descriptions, and unnecessary storytelling.
Small food-safety improvement: The recipe now emphasizes heating the egg mixture to 160°F (71°C) and keeping the finished dessert refrigerated. The nutrition information is retained as an estimate and has not been independently verified.