Tiramisu

Here’s a detailed tiramisu recipe that serves 8 and takes about 30 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time.

Tiramisu Recipe

Ingredients

For the Coffee Mixture:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Mascarpone Filling:

• 3 large eggs (separated)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For Assembly:

• 24-30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coffee Mixture:

• Brew a cup of strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
• In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee, coffee liqueur (if using), and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

2. Make the Mascarpone Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with granulated sugar until the mixture is thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
• Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Be careful not to overmix to preserve the light texture.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add a tablespoon of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
• In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.
• Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, followed by the whipped cream. This will create a light and airy filling.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu:

• Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Lay them in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish or a trifle dish.
• Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula.
• Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone filling on top.

4. Chill the Tiramisu:

• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.

5. Serve:

• Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. If desired, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for added decoration.
• Slice into squares or serve in individual portions and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Tiramisu

• Coffee: Use high-quality coffee for the best flavor. A strong espresso works wonderfully, but any strong brewed coffee will do.
• Mascarpone: Make sure your mascarpone cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
• Egg Safety: If you’re concerned about using raw eggs, look for pasteurized eggs in your local grocery store or use an egg substitute that is safe for raw consumption.
• Chilling Time: Allowing the tiramisu to chill overnight enhances the flavors and improves the texture.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with flavors! You can add a splash of rum or other liqueurs, or even a layer of chocolate ganache for a rich twist.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 360
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 18g

Conclusion

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee and mascarpone in a luscious layered treat. Its combination of creamy filling and coffee-soaked ladyfingers creates a delightful contrast in textures. With just a little preparation and patience, you can create this indulgent dessert that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, tiramisu is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every creamy, coffee-infused bite!