Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
Introduction
Classic Italian Tiramisu is a beloved dessert known for its rich, creamy texture and bold coffee flavor. This no-bake treat combines layers of delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in coffee with a smooth mascarpone cream, making it a perfect indulgence for any occasion.

Ingredients
- Ladyfinger biscuits (about 24 pieces)
- 250g mascarpone cheese
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 100g sugar
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy.
- Step 3: Add mascarpone cheese to the egg yolk mixture and gently fold until smooth.
- Step 4: In a separate clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then carefully fold them into the mascarpone mixture.
- Step 5: Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the cooled coffee, avoiding soaking them too long to prevent sogginess.
- Step 6: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish.
- Step 7: Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers evenly.
- Step 8: Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
- Step 9: Cover and chill the tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 10: Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly brewed espresso for a richer coffee flavor.
- For a boozy twist, add a splash of coffee liqueur or rum to the coffee before soaking the biscuits.
- Make sure to gently fold the egg whites to keep the cream light and airy.
- Use pasteurized eggs if you are concerned about consuming raw eggs.
Storage
Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes, tiramisu is best made at least 4 hours in advance or overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the dessert to set properly.
Is it safe to eat tiramisu with raw eggs?
Traditional tiramisu uses raw eggs, but you can use pasteurized eggs or cook the egg yolk mixture gently over a double boiler to reduce any risk.
PrintClassic Italian Tiramisu Recipe
Classic Italian Tiramisu is a rich, creamy, and indulgent no-bake dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfinger biscuits and velvety mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder. This iconic treat combines bold espresso flavor with sweet, smooth textures for an unforgettable dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200g ladyfinger biscuits
- 250g mascarpone cheese
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 100g granulated sugar
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee and allow it to cool completely; this will be used to soak the ladyfingers to infuse them with rich coffee flavor.
- Make Mascarpone Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, ensuring a light and airy cream.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the cooled coffee, soaking just enough to moisten without becoming soggy.
- Assemble Tiramisu: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the biscuits. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and finish with the remaining mascarpone cream on top.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for a classic finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs and consume the dessert within 2 days due to raw eggs in the recipe.
- For a boozy version, add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur or Marsala wine to the coffee.
- Ensure coffee is cooled before soaking ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming overly soggy.
- For a lighter texture, fold mascarpone gently to keep the airiness from the whipped egg whites.
- Can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese mixed with heavy cream if mascarpone is unavailable.
Keywords: Tiramisu, Italian dessert, no-bake dessert, coffee dessert, mascarpone cheese dessert, classic tiramisu

