Description
This Authentic Italian Tiramisu recipe delivers a classic, luscious dessert combining creamy mascarpone filling, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Rich, yet delicate, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat to impress guests or enjoy a sweet indulgence at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Mixture
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
Cream Mixture
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound mascarpone cheese
Assembly
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 2 (3 ounce) packages ladyfinger cookies
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well blended. Add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Chill Custard: Cover the custard mixture tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to set and chill properly.
- Whip Cream: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
- Combine Custard and Mascarpone: Once the egg mixture has cooled, fold in the mascarpone cheese gently until smooth and well combined to create the creamy filling.
- Prepare Coffee Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled strong brewed coffee with rum, mixing well.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee and rum mixture, ensuring they are soaked just enough without becoming soggy. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch serving dish.
- First Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers to form the first creamy layer.
- Second Layer: Repeat the dipping and layering process with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture to complete the dessert layers.
- Chill Tiramisu: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs or pasteurized eggs if concerned about consuming raw eggs.
- Make sure the coffee is strong and fully cooled to avoid soggy ladyfingers.
- For an alcohol-free version, omit the rum and replace it with an equal amount of coffee or a flavored extract like vanilla.
- The tiramisu tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop.
