Unsweetened cocoa powder
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream
In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together; set it over a saucepan of gently simmering water (double-boiler method). Whisk continuously for 5–6 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and slightly warm. This helps create a safer, silkier cream.
Remove from heat and allow to cool for a couple of minutes.
Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl to soft peaks, then fold it in with the mascarpone cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Once cooled, the yolk mixture is folded into the mascarpone cream in two additions, keeping it light and airy.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Dip
Pour the cooled espresso into a shallow dish and add the coffee liqueur or rum. Don’t use hot coffee, since this can make the ladyfingers soggy too quickly.
Step 3: Dip the Ladyfingers
Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee mixture no more than 1 second per side. The cookies should be moist but not falling apart. Line them up in a single layer in your serving dish (20×20 cm or similar).
Step 4: Add Cream Layer
Spread half the mascarpone cream evenly over the dipped ladyfingers.
Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then finish with the remaining mascarpone cream. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Chill
Wrap the tiramisu in plastic and refrigerate at least 6 hours-or better yet, overnight. The flavours deepen, the cream sets beautifully, and the ladyfingers soften to a cake-like texture.
Step 6: Add the Final Touch
Dust liberally with unsweetened cocoa powder just before serving. Add dark chocolate shavings, if desired, for added elegance and richness.
Origin & Cultural Background
While there is some debate as to the exact origin of Tiramisu, most historians place it in Italy’s Veneto region during the late 20th century. Its name in Italian, meaning “pick me up,” reflects the energizing ingredients: espresso, sugar, and sometimes liqueur. Unlike older Italian desserts, tiramisu became popular rapidly through restaurants before its spread into home recipe books.
The layering of coffee, cream, and biscuits represents the modern face of Italian cuisine: simple ingredients of the highest quality combined in harmony. Nowadays, tiramisu comes in all possible and impossible versions, including fruit tiramisus, chocolate tiramisus, and even frozen ones, yet the classic no-bake recipe is still the gold standard.
Serve in a clear glass dish to show off the creamy layers.
Make individual tiramisu cups for parties or elegant dinners.
Top it with drizzled melted dark chocolate or curls of chocolate.
Garnish with coffee beans for a classic café-style look.
Serve with an espresso shot or with a glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo.
Tips & Variations
Booze-Free Version: Omit the liqueur and use vanilla extract or more coffee.
Extra Rich Cream: Add an extra 2 tablespoons of mascarpone.
Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Dip ladyfingers in mocha, rather than plain espresso.
Kid-Friendly Version: Replace the coffee with chocolate milk-not traditional but fun.
Stronger Coffee Flavor: Brush extra espresso between layers.
Recipe Details
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chilling Time: 6–12 hours
Total Time: 6½–12½ hours
