Description
Authentic Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a rich, creamy mascarpone mixture. This no-bake delicacy combines espresso, optional Marsala or rum, whipped egg whites, and mascarpone cheese to create a luscious, airy treat dusted with cocoa powder. Perfect for a sophisticated dessert with deep coffee and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Coffee Mixture
- 350 ml Strong coffee (1½ cup) espresso
- 4 tbsp Marsala wine or Rum (optional; can substitute with Kahlua, Tia Maria or Rum flavoring)
Dessert Base
- 300 g Savoiardi biscuits (10.5 oz) (ladyfingers)
Cream Mixture
- 500 g Mascarpone cheese (16 oz; 2 packages)
- 4 Eggs, separated
- 90 g Granulated sugar (0.45 cups; 1 dl)
Topping
- 40 g Unsweetened cocoa powder (1.4 oz) for dusting
Instructions
- Separate Eggs: Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites, placing them into two different clean bowls to prepare for whipping and mixing.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: Using a hand mixer, whisk the egg yolks together with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and pale, creating a smooth base.
- Add Mascarpone: Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the egg yolk and sugar mixture, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form, which will lighten the mascarpone cream.
- Fold Egg Whites: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula, taking care to preserve the airiness of the whites.
- Prepare Coffee and Liquor Mix: In another bowl, combine the strong espresso coffee with the optional Marsala wine or rum, mixing well.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each savoiardi biscuit into the coffee and liquor mixture, ensuring they are coated but not soaked through to avoid sogginess.
- Assemble Layers: Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers on the bottom of a serving dish. Spread a layer of the mascarpone cream mixture over the biscuits. Repeat this layering process once more, ending with a final layer of mascarpone cream on top.
- Refrigerate: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least several hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set.
- Dust with Cocoa: Just before serving, sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder evenly over the top for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs since this recipe contains raw egg whites and yolks.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Marsala or rum.
- Quickly dip ladyfingers to avoid sogginess; they should remain slightly firm.
- Refrigerating overnight improves flavor and texture.
- Alternately, dust the cocoa powder through a fine sieve for an even coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tiramisu, Italian dessert, coffee dessert, mascarpone, no bake, ladyfingers, classic tiramisu
