Tiramisù (Classic Italian Coffee and Mascarpone Dessert)
In short: Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a light mascarpone and egg cream, dusted with cocoa. No baking, and best after a night in the fridge. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 10 servings.
- Prep
- 35 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 6 h
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 10
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 460 kcal
Tiramisù means pick me up, and the name fits: espresso-soaked sponge fingers layered with a cloud of mascarpone and egg cream, finished with cocoa. It needs no oven, just patience, because it must chill for at least six hours, and overnight is better. The classic cream uses raw eggs, so this version cooks the yolks gently first. A splash of Marsala or rum is common but optional.
Instructions
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water for 5 to 7 minutes, until thick, pale and 71°C (160°F). Take the bowl off the heat and whisk for 2 more minutes to cool.
- In another bowl, beat the mascarpone with a spatula until smooth, then fold in the cooled yolk mixture.
- Whip the cream to soft, floppy peaks and fold it gently into the mascarpone mixture in two additions.
- Mix the cooled coffee with the Marsala, if using, in a shallow dish. Dip each ladyfinger for 1 second per side. They should be moist but not soggy.
- Arrange half the ladyfingers in a single layer in a 20 x 25 cm (8 x 10 inch) dish. Spread over half the cream.
- Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream. Smooth the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until set.
- Dust with cocoa through a fine sieve just before serving, then cut into squares.
Tips
- Dip the ladyfingers quickly. Longer soaking turns them to mush and makes the tiramisù watery.
- Traditional recipes fold in whisked egg whites instead of whipped cream. If you try that, use pasteurized egg whites for safety.
Questions and answers
Can I make tiramisù without alcohol?
Yes. The coffee alone is enough, and many Italian families make it that way, especially for children. Add a teaspoon of vanilla to the cream if you like.
How long does tiramisù keep?
It keeps for 3 days covered in the fridge, and the texture is best on day 1 or 2. It does not freeze well, so make only what you need.
Can I use something other than mascarpone?
Mascarpone gives the cream its richness. If you cannot find it, blend equal parts full-fat cream cheese and whipped cream, though the taste will be tangier.
How long does it take to make Tiramisù (Classic Italian Coffee and Mascarpone Dessert)?
About 45 min in total: 35 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Tiramisù (Classic Italian Coffee and Mascarpone Dessert)?
About 460 kcal per serving, with 7 g of protein, 29 g of carbohydrates and 34 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 460 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Sodium | 80 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
