Description
A classic and creamy Italian dessert, Tiramisu features coffee-soaked lady fingers layered with a rich mascarpone cream and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. This easy-to-make tiramisu combines bold espresso flavor with sweet, velvety mascarpone and a hint of vanilla, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Mascarpone Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (360 ml)
- 8 ounce container mascarpone cheese, room temperature (225 g)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
Coffee Soak
- 1 1/2 cups cold espresso, prepared (360 ml)
- 3 Tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur (optional) (Kahlua or DaVinci brands) (45 ml)
Assembly
- 1 package Lady Fingers (Savoiardi brand preferred)
- Cocoa powder for dusting the top
Instructions
- Prepare the Mascarpone Cream: In a mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed. Slowly add the sugar and vanilla extract and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the room temperature mascarpone cheese until the mixture is evenly combined and smooth. Set the mascarpone cream aside.
- Dip the Lady Fingers: In a shallow bowl, mix the cold brewed espresso with the coffee liqueur if using. Quickly dip each lady finger on both sides into the coffee mixture, ensuring that they are moistened but not soaked, to maintain their structure.
- Layer the Base: Arrange the dipped lady fingers in a single layer in the bottom of an 8×8 inch (or similar sized) pan, covering the entire surface evenly.
- Add Mascarpone Layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the arranged lady fingers to create a smooth layer.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of dipped lady fingers on top of the mascarpone cream, ensuring coverage, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over this second layer.
- Finish and Chill: Generously dust the top layer with cocoa powder using a fine mesh strainer for an even coating. Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 3 to 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set before serving.
Notes
- This tiramisu recipe is wonderfully creamy and flavorful, made easy by using readily available ingredients like savoiardi lady fingers and prepared espresso.
- Quick-dipping the lady fingers prevents them from becoming soggy and maintains the dessert’s characteristic texture.
- Using a fine mesh strainer to dust cocoa powder ensures a light, even topping that adds a rich chocolate aroma and taste.
- Refrigerating the tiramisu overnight improves the overall flavor and texture, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.
- The coffee liqueur is optional but adds an authentic depth of flavor if used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 297 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 77 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg
