Best Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
This Best Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe is a luscious no-bake dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone filling. Perfectly balanced with subtle sweetness and a dusting of cocoa powder, this traditional Italian treat is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 16 oz cold mascarpone cheese
- 4 egg yolks (or 4 egg whites)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or whipped egg whites)
Other Ingredients
- ~30 ladyfingers
- 1 1/2 cups strong black coffee, cooled to room temperature
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the coffee: Brew strong black coffee and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This will ensure the ladyfingers soak adequately without becoming soggy.
- Make the mascarpone filling: In a medium bowl, blend the cold mascarpone cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream or egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold this into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, airy filling.
- Assemble the first layer: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee, making sure not to soak them too long to prevent sogginess. Arrange about half of the dipped ladyfingers in an even layer on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add mascarpone layer: Spread half of the mascarpone filling evenly over the ladyfinger base, smoothing the surface carefully.
- Repeat layering: Dip the remaining ladyfingers into the coffee and layer them over the mascarpone mixture. Top with the remaining mascarpone filling, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Chill the tiramisu: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder to finish the classic presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whipped egg whites for the heavy cream.
- You can add a splash of coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa to the coffee for an extra kick.
- Ensure the coffee is fully cooled before dipping ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
- This recipe contains raw eggs; use pasteurized eggs if concerned about food safety.
- Leftovers should be covered and refrigerated; best consumed within 2 days.
Keywords: Tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, coffee dessert, classic tiramisu recipe, no-bake dessert
