Classic Tiramisù
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup/100 grams granulated sugar
divided
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup/227 grams mascarpone
8 ounces
- 1 3/4 cups good espresso or very strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons rum or cognac
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- About 24 ladyfingers
from one 7-ounce/200-gram package
- 1 to 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
for shaving, optional
Directions
- 1
Prepare the cream: Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, whip together egg yolks and 1/4 cup/50 grams sugar until very pale yellow and about tripled in volume. A slight ribbon should fall from the beaters (or whisk attachment) when lifted from the bowl. Set aside.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whip cream and remaining 1/4 cup/50 grams sugar until it creates soft peaks. Add mascarpone and continue to whip until it creates a soft, spreadable mixture with medium peaks. Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the sweetened egg yolks until combined.
- 3
For the assembly, combine espresso and rum in a shallow bowl and set aside.
- 4
Using a sifter, dust the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish (an 8x8-inch dish, or a 9-inch round cake pan would also work here) with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.
- 5
Working one at a time, quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture -- they are quite porous and will fall apart if left in the liquid too long -- and place them rounded side up at the bottom of the baking dish. Repeat, using half the ladyfingers, until you’ve got an even layer, breaking the ladyfingers in half as needed to fill in any obvious gaps (a little space in between is O.K.). Spread half the mascarpone mixture onto the ladyfingers in one even layer. Repeat with remaining espresso-dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
- 6
Dust top layer with remaining tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- 7
Cover with plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (if you can wait 24 hours, all the better). Top with shaved or finely grated chocolate, if desired, then slice or scoop to serve.
Classic Tiramisù
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 8,081 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Searching for that truly transcendent dessert experience? This Classic Tiramisù recipe brings authentic Italian indulgence right to your kitchen, relying on quality ingredients for an unforgettable treat.The magic of this tiramisù lies in its perfectly balanced layers: airy, espresso-soaked ladyfingers cradled by a luxurious combination of lightly sweetened whipped cream and rich mascarpone. Unlike many versions, we emphasize ingredient quality—from the strong coffee to the specific type of ladyfingers—ensuring a truly superior texture and flavor.Prepare for a symphony of textures and flavors with every spoonful. You'll experience the gentle give of coffee-infused ladyfingers, the velvety smoothness of the mascarpone cream, and a subtle bitterness from the cocoa powder, all culminating in a dessert that's both elegant and comforting. It's a surprisingly simple yet sophisticated dessert that tastes like it came from a high-end patisserie.Don't have a professional espresso machine? No problem—you can use strongly brewed coffee or pick up fresh espresso from a local shop. For the ladyfingers, whether you buy soft, spongy ones or firmer, biscotti-like varieties, both will work; just adapt your espresso brushing technique accordingly. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum or cognac, and feel free to add shaved bittersweet chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.This Classic Tiramisù is the perfect elegant finish to any meal, from a casual family dinner to a special holiday gathering. Serve it chilled, dusted with cocoa, and perhaps with additional chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.