When I think of Tiramisu, I’m instantly transported back to my first trip to Italy. It was a warm summer evening in Rome, and I stumbled upon a small, bustling trattoria. After a hearty meal of pasta and wine, the waiter recommended their house-made Tiramisu for dessert.

I was hesitant at first—having never been a fan of coffee-flavored desserts—but one spoonful of that velvety, creamy goodness changed everything. It was love at first bite.

Since then, Tiramisu has become a staple in my dessert repertoire, especially when I want to impress guests with something that feels both luxurious and comforting.

This recipe captures the essence of that magical evening, combining the perfect balance of creamy mascarpone, rich coffee, and delicate ladyfingers. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, I promise it will be a hit in your home too.

Ingredients Breakdown: The Magic Behind Each Component

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Tiramisu.

The Eggs

Eggs are the backbone of this dessert, giving the mascarpone mixture its rich, custardy texture. The key is to separate the yolks and whites. The yolks are mixed with sugar and mascarpone to create a creamy base, while the whites are whipped to stiff peaks to lighten the mixture.

Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone is the star ingredient, providing a luxurious, creamy texture that’s essential for Tiramisu. It’s an Italian cream cheese with a high-fat content, making it incredibly rich and smooth. If you’re unable to find mascarpone, you could use a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute, but trust me, the real deal is worth it.

Amaretto

This almond-flavored liqueur is optional, but it adds a lovely depth and complexity to the dessert. It pairs beautifully with the coffee and cocoa, giving each bite a subtle, aromatic kick. If you’re not a fan of alcohol or making this for kids, you can leave it out or substitute it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Ladyfingers

Ladyfingers are light and airy biscuits that soak up the coffee while maintaining their structure. This is what gives Tiramisu its signature layered look and texture. Make sure to dip them quickly into the coffee—just enough to soak the underside without making them too soggy.

Strong Coffee

Speaking of coffee, this is where Tiramisu gets its distinctive flavor. Brew a strong batch of your favorite coffee or espresso and let it cool before using. If you prefer a non-caffeinated version, decaf works just as well.

Cocoa Powder

Finally, a dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a bittersweet finish that ties all the flavors together. It’s the final touch that gives Tiramisu its classic look and taste.

How to Make the Perfect Tiramisu

Ready to dive in? Let’s walk through the steps to create this classic Italian dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Separate the Eggs
Begin by separating the eggs. Place the egg whites into one mixing bowl and the yolks into another. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites, as this can prevent them from whipping properly.
Mix the Yolks and Sugar
Add the granulated sugar to the egg yolks and beat until the mixture is smooth and pale yellow. This step is crucial for creating a light, airy base.
Incorporate the Mascarpone and Amaretto
Fold the mascarpone and amaretto (if using) into the yolk mixture until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate it.
Whisk the Egg Whites
Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will take a few minutes, so be patient. Once the whites are ready, gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture. Your filling is now complete!
Prepare the Coffee
Brew your coffee and let it cool to room temperature. Pour it into a wide, deep plate for easy dipping.
Dip the Ladyfingers
Dip the underside of each ladyfinger briefly (1-2 seconds) into the coffee. They should be moist but not soggy. Place 18 soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish.
Layer the Mascarpone Mixture
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly, then sift a layer of cocoa powder on top.
Repeat the Layers
Soak the remaining ladyfingers in coffee and place them on top of the first layer. Spread the rest of the mascarpone mixture over them, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Chill Overnight
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and the Tiramisu to set properly.
Serve and Enjoy
Just before serving, sift the remaining cocoa powder over the top. Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy the compliments!

A Few Tips for Tiramisu Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your eggs, mascarpone, and coffee will directly impact the flavor of your Tiramisu.
Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers: A quick dip is all they need. Over-soaking will result in a soggy texture.
Chill Time is Key: For best results, chill your Tiramisu for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight. This helps the flavors to develop fully.

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to consider:

Berry Tiramisu: Replace the coffee with a berry compote and add fresh berries between the layers for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Lovers’ Tiramisu: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the mascarpone and ladyfingers for an extra indulgent dessert.
Lemon Tiramisu: Swap the coffee and cocoa for lemon juice and zest for a refreshing, citrusy version.

Italian Tiramisu Cake

Tiramisu. This Italian classic is the perfect combination of creamy mascarpone, rich coffee, and delicate ladyfingers. It’s always a hit at home, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. This recipe serves 16 delectable pieces.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Chill Time 6

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 16 pieces

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 eggs
8 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 tablespoons amaretto optional
450 g mascarpone
400 ml heavy cream whipped
36 ladyfingers
300 ml strong coffee
2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions

Separate the Eggs:

Place the egg whites into one mixing bowl and the egg yolks into another. Add the sugar to the egg yolks.

Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture:

Mix the mascarpone and amaretto (if using) until well combined. Whip the heavy cream and gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture.
Beat the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and pale yellow, then mix in the mascarpone.
Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Your mascarpone mixture is now ready.

Brew the Coffee:

Brew the coffee and let it cool. Pour the coffee into a wide, deep plate.
Dip the Ladyfingers:
Dip the underside of each ladyfinger briefly (1-2 seconds) into the coffee. The underside should absorb about half the coffee but should not be soaked through.

Assemble the Tiramisu:

Place 18 soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top. Sift cocoa powder over this layer.
Soak the remaining ladyfingers and place them on top. Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over them.

Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, sift the remaining cocoa powder on top.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the amaretto.
Tiramisu can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ensure the coffee has cooled before dipping the ladyfingers to avoid them becoming too soggy.

Keyword Tiramisu, Classic Italian Dessert, Mascarpone, Coffee Dessert

Chef’s Note

Tiramisu is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It’s a dessert that’s as much about the experience of making it as it is about eating it.

So, take your time, enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor each delicious bite. Buon Appetito!