Classic Italian Tiramisu (Printable)
Espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with velvety mascarpone cream and dusted with rich cocoa powder.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cream Layer
01 - 17.6 oz mascarpone cheese
02 - 4 large egg yolks
03 - 0.5 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
05 - 1 cup + 2 tbsp heavy cream, cold
→ Coffee Mixture
06 - 1.25 cups strong espresso, cooled
07 - 3 tbsp coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Marsala, optional)
→ Assembly
08 - 7 oz ladyfingers (savoiardi)
09 - Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
10 - Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk egg yolks and sugar together in a heatproof mixing bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (bain-marie) until pale and slightly thickened, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
02 - Gently fold mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract into the cooled yolk mixture until smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.
03 - In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks using electric mixer or hand whisk. Carefully fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until just combined.
04 - Combine cooled espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish suitable for dipping ladyfingers.
05 - Quickly dip each ladyfinger into coffee mixture for 1-2 seconds per side; do not soak. Arrange single layer of dipped ladyfingers in 9 x 9 inch baking dish.
06 - Spread half of mascarpone cream evenly over ladyfinger layer using spatula.
07 - Add another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers. Top with remaining mascarpone cream and smooth surface evenly.
08 - Cover dish with plastic wrap or lid. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set properly.
09 - Just before serving, dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using sifter. Sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The mascarpone cream is impossibly silky and light, almost like eating a caffeinated cloud
- It tastes even better the next day, making it the ultimate make ahead dessert for dinner parties
02 -
- Overdipping ladyfingers is the number one mistake, so stick to 1 or 2 seconds maximum per side
- The chilling time is not optional because the flavors need to meld and the texture must set completely
03 -
- Room temperature mascarpone and gentle folding prevent graininess in the cream layer
- Sifting cocoa powder from above the dish creates that elegant even dusting