Treat yourself to our amazing Italian Tiramisu recipe that's easy to make and tastes fantastic!
This dessert has layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, smooth mascarpone cream, and a touch of liqueur.
You won't believe how good homemade tiramisu can be, and it's sure to become a favorite for everyone who tries it! Get ready to impress your guests and enjoy a little taste of Italy right at home.
This recipe is made using raw eggs.
It's the recipe my mother used and the type of classic tiramisu recipe we always ate growing up in Europe.
There's a very small chance (1 in 30,000 eggs has a potential problem of salmonella) of getting sick from raw eggs, but if you're careful, it's usually safe. Just follow the right steps to stay safe. Kids, pregnant women, older people, and anyone with a weak immune system should be extra careful with raw eggs.
Why This Tiramisu Recipe Works
EASY TO MAKE - This simple, beginner-friendly recipe ensures anyone can create a delicious dessert.
TEXTURE - Whipped egg whites give the Tiramisu a delicate, fluffy texture.
VERSATILE - Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or a special treat.
MAKE-AHEAD - Prepare in advance for added convenience and optimal flavor.
Ingredients
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
EGGS - Yes, this is a raw egg recipe. I have never encountered an issue, but I understand that consuming raw eggs isn't for everyone. If this is not to your taste, please go here for more dessert recipe ideas.
COFFEE - Soaking the ladyfingers in coffee adds a bold, rich taste that complements the creamy layers. Rich instant espresso powder is a great option, too. Basically, you'll want to quickly infuse the ladyfinger cookies with some really strong coffee or espresso.
POWDERED SUGAR - A fine, sweet powder that adds sweetness and helps create a smooth texture in the Tiramisu.
ALCOHOL - You'll definitely have some choices here. I most frequently use Amaretto or Marsala Wine (which I also love in Chicken Cacciatore). If you are looking for a more authentic Italian dessert experience, look for a walnut liqueur called Toschi Nocello. It's perfect for this dessert. But you can also make due using any brandy or rum you might have at home.
MASCARPONE - A silky Italian cheese that gives Tiramisu its signature creamy texture and mild tanginess.
LADYFINGERS - Light, sponge-like biscuits that create the tender layers in Tiramisu and absorb the coffee flavor.
COCOA POWDER - Dusting the dessert with cocoa powder adds a finishing touch, a hint of chocolate, thus balancing the sweetness with a hint of bitterness.
RELATED RECIPE
STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU - layers of fresh, juicy strawberries, rich, delicious cream filling, and orange liqueur-infused ladyfinger cookies.
How To Make Tiramisu
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- MASCARPONE CREAM - Use an electric mixer and whisk together egg yolks and powdered sugar until creamy. Add mascarpone and beat with the hand mixer until well combined. Fold n in stiffened egg whites.
- LAYERING - Dip ladyfingers in coffee; layer in dish. Spread mascarpone mix; repeat layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone mix. Dust with cocoa.
- CHILL - Refrigerate for 6+ hours.
More No-Bake Desserts
Recipe Success Tips
QUICK DIP - Don't over-soak ladyfingers. Dip them quickly into coffee, as oversoaking can lead to a soggy tiramisu.
FOLD GENTLY - When incorporating egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, fold gently to maintain their volume and create a light, airy texture.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DISH - When making the best tiramisu, it's best to use a rectangular or square dish with sides that are at least 2-3 inches deep. Glass or ceramic dishes are ideal, as they maintain a consistent temperature and provide an attractive presentation.
A dish that measures approximately 9x13 inches or 8x8 inches works for most of the time, allowing for 2-3 layers of ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. Make sure the dish is deep enough to accommodate the layers without overflowing.
Serving Ideas
COFFEE OR ESPRESSO - A cup of strong coffee or espresso complements the coffee-soaked ladyfingers in tiramisu.
LIQUEUR - Offer a glass of Amaretto, Frangelico, or Marsala wine as a sophisticated pairing for adults.
FRESH FRUIT - A side of fresh berries or sliced fruit can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of tiramisu.
WHIPPED CREAM - Serve a dollop of whipped cream on the side for added creaminess.
BISCOTTI - Offer crisp Italian biscotti or buttery shortbread for an additional texture to enjoy alongside tiramisu.
GELATO or SORBET - A scoop of vanilla, coffee gelato, or fruit-flavored sorbet can be a delightful accompaniment.
RELATED RECIPE
PUMPKIN TIRAMISU - This easy-to-make dessert perfectly blends classic tiramisu and fall flavors.
Leftovers
COVER - Wrap the tiramisu tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors from the refrigerator.
REFRIGERATE - Store the tiramisu in the fridge at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. The dessert will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
SERVE - When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, remove the desired portion from the refrigerator, let it sit for a few minutes, take the chill off, and dust it with cocoa powder before serving.
More Desserts You Might Like
STRAWBERRY CRISP - perfect summer dessert, especially when it's made with freshly picked, in-season strawberries.
CHERRY DUMP CAKE - a mix of luscious cherries, delicate cake, and a crisp, buttery topping, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become your go-to dessert
BEE STING CAKE - It's a light and airy cake with a rich vanilla cream filling and a crunchy almond topping.
NO-BAKE STRAWBERRY PIE - With just 5 delicious ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, tangy treat that's perfect for any get-together with friends or family.
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Tiramisu
Ingredients
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 egg whites
- 1½ tablespoons marsala wine amaretto, nocello, or liqueur of choice
- 2 cups coffee strong coffee, or espresso, cooled
- 16 ounces mascarpone
- 30+ ladyfinger cookies
- cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix egg yolk, powdered sugar, and amaretto together until smooth. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese.
- In a different bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Carefully fold the egg whites into the mascarpone egg mixture.
- Dip the ladyfingers in espresso or strong coffee. You can also brush the coffee onto the ladyfingers if you prefer a lighter taste.
- Create four layers in a dish: Start with a layer of ladyfingers, then a layer of mascarpone cream, another layer of ladyfingers, and finish with a final layer of mascarpone cream. Spread each layer evenly.
- Sprinkle cocoa powder over the tiramisu.
