Tiramisu – Classic Italian Coffee-Layer Dessert

Name: Tiramisu – Classic Italian Coffee-Layer Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 36 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 500 g mascarpone cheese, room temperature; 4–5 very fresh eggs, separated (yolks + whites); ~120 g (½–⅔ cup) granulated/caster sugar; ~300 ml strong espresso or very strong brewed coffee, cooled; ~250 g ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi); Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting; (Optional) A splash of liqueur (like Marsala, Amaretto, or coffee liqueur) to mix with the coffee soak

A luscious, no-bake Italian dessert layering espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a velvety mascarpone cream, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. This classic tiramisu is elegant, comforting, and perfect for ending a meal on a sweet, spirited note.

Nov 26, 2025 - 17:18

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Tiramisu – Classic Italian Coffee-Layer Dessert

Infused with Love: Creating the Perfect Tiramisu, an Italian Culinary Affair

Prep Time 30 min

Cook Time 6 min

Serving 8

Difficulty Advanced

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert made of layers of espresso-dipped ladyfinger cookies and a rich mascarpone-egg cream, all coated with a dusting of cocoa powder.
The name “Tiramisu” translates roughly to “pick me up,” referencing the energizing effect of coffee and sugar.
Its origins are traced back to the 1970s in the Veneto region of Italy, though multiple origin stories exist.
When made right, tiramisu develops a wonderful balance of creamy richness, gentle coffee bitterness, and a light, airy texture—especially after it chills.

Ingredients

500 g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
4–5 very fresh eggs, separated (yolks + whites)
~120 g (½–⅔ cup) granulated/caster sugar
~300 ml strong espresso or very strong brewed coffee, cooled
~250 g ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
(Optional) A splash of liqueur (like Marsala, Amaretto, or coffee liqueur) to mix with the coffee soak

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~450–550 kcal per serving (rich in mascarpone, eggs, sugar)

Protein: Moderate, from eggs & mascarpone

Fat: High, due to mascarpone and egg yolks

Carbohydrates: High, from sugar + biscuits

Directions

How to Make Classic Tiramisu

Prepare the Coffee Soak
Brew a strong espresso or very strong coffee. Let it cool. Add a little liqueur if using, and a teaspoon of sugar if desired.
Make the Mascarpone Cream
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half the sugar until pale and thick.
- Gently fold in the mascarpone, a little at a time, until smooth.
- In a separate clean bowl, whisk egg whites (and remaining sugar) to stiff peaks, then gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture to keep the cream light.
Layer the Dessert
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee (1–2 seconds per side)—they should be moist but not soggy.
- Line the bottom of your serving dish (or pan) with a single layer of dipped ladyfingers.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Repeat: another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream.
Chill & Finish
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal for best flavor).
- Before serving, sift a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder on top. You can also shave some dark chocolate for garnish.

✅ Tips & Variations

Use very fresh eggs, since they are not cooked.
For a dairy-free or lighter version, some people use lightly whipped cream or a mixture of cream with mascarpone, though that deviates from the traditional recipe.
Ladyfingers should be dipped just briefly—if over-soaked they become mushy.
Letting the dessert rest in the fridge improves flavor: the cream sets and the layers meld beautifully.
Serve in individual glasses or a large dish — both work well.