Tiramisu
Click here to learn about our image policy and how to submit your own!
Tiramisù, meaning "pick me up" in Italian, originated in the Veneto region during the 1960s. This elegant layered dessert combines espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a velvety mascarpone cream, dusted with rich cocoa powder. The contrast between the coffee-infused cookies and the sweet, silky cream creates a perfect balance of flavors that has made this dessert an icon of Italian cuisine worldwide.
Method & Ingredients
Required Equipment: Electric mixer, large mixing bowls, 9x13 baking dish, whisk, sifter or fine-mesh strainer
Cooking Method: No-Cook
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 1/2 cups strong brewed espresso
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 24-30 ladyfinger cookies
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- 1 oz dark chocolate for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gently fold in mascarpone cheese until completely incorporated and smooth - patience makes perfect here!
- In a shallow dish, combine cooled espresso, coffee liqueur (if using), and vanilla extract.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, about 1 second per side - don't soak them or they'll fall apart and ruin your architectural masterpiece!
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your baking dish.
- Spread half the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight - the hardest part is waiting!
- Just before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder using a sifter or fine-mesh strainer.
- If desired, garnish with grated dark chocolate.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage Advice: Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. The flavor improves after the first day as the ladyfingers soften and the flavors meld.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips: Can be made up to 2 days ahead. Not suitable for freezing as the texture will deteriorate.
Nutritional & Dietary Information
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 28g (Saturated: 16g)
- Carbohydrates: 32g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 23g)
- Vitamin A: 22% DV
- Vitamin C: 0% DV
- Calcium: 8% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Allergen Information: Contains dairy (mascarpone), eggs, wheat (ladyfingers), may contain alcohol if using coffee liqueur
Dietary Information: Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those with dairy, egg, and gluten allergies
Serving & Variations
Serving Suggestions: Serve in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful layers. Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate curls for an elegant presentation.
Wine or Drink Pairing: Vin Santo from Tuscany pairs beautifully with the coffee notes. A cream sherry or Moscato d'Asti also complements the dessert nicely.
Possible Recipe Variations: Alcohol-free version: Omit coffee liqueur. Chocolate Tiramisù: Add melted chocolate to the mascarpone mixture. Berry Tiramisù: Layer with macerated berries between the cream layers.
Additional Notes: Traditional tiramisù uses raw eggs. For food safety, use pasteurized eggs or briefly heat the egg and sugar mixture to 160°F (71°C) while whisking constantly.
Це виглядає неймовірно! Не можу дочекатися спробувати. Дякую за рецепт!
Боже мій! Наш перший український коментар! Дякую! Люблю вас! Слава Україні Slava Ukraini! 💖💖💖
Saving for a special occasion. This looks absolutely gorgeous!
Need to try this!
So good! Tastes like Italy.
Lo hice para San Valentín y fue un éxito total! El equilibrio entre el café y la crema es perfecto. Mi novio quedó impresionado.
Incredible! My Italian grandmother would approve.
Thank you Tony! 💖
簡単で美味しい！☕
Un dessert parfait pour les fêtes! Le mascarpone était onctueux et le café bien dosé. Ma belle-mère a demandé la recette!
Made this for my birthday and it was better than any restaurant version. Let it sit overnight – the flavors really develop.
本格的なティラミス！マスカルポーネがふわふわで最高でした。コーヒーの染み具合も完璧。また作ります！
Ricetta fantastica! Anche se non l’ho preparata personalmente, la consiglio vivamente a chi ama i dolci tradizionali italiani. Adoro il tuo sito web, è diverso!
This was such a treat to make! The steps were easy to follow, and the result was rich and satisfying. Thank you for this lovely recipe – I’ll definitely be making it again!
Great recipe – I used decaf espresso so the kids could try it too. Might try a dash of vanilla next time. Otherwise, texture and layers came out perfect. Thanks!
First time making tiramisu and it turned out lovely! I liked how clear the steps were. My family loved the creamy mascarpone layer especially. Arigato!
Delicioso! Lo preparé para mi familia y todos quedaron encantados. Muy fácil de seguir y con un sabor espectacular.
Fantástico, gracias!💖