Classic Italian Tiramisu

Name: Classic Italian Tiramisu
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 270 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled); 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional); 4 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 375 grams mascarpone cheese (room temperature); 1 cup heavy cream (cold); 300 grams ladyfingers; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

270 min 8 servings Medium

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Classic Italian Tiramisu

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavours of this classic Italian tiramisu, made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

Prep

30 min

Total

270 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert known for its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, and a delicate dusting of cocoa powder. Its origins are steeped in Italian tradition, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. The word 'tiramisu' translates to 'pick me up' in Italian, a nod to the dessert's caffeine content from the coffee and cocoa powder. Preparing tiramisu at home allows you to customize the intensity of the coffee and sweetness, creating a dessert that perfectly suits your taste.

Ingredients

Servings

For the Coffee Mixture

For the Mascarpone Cream

For Assembly

Instructions

Prepare the coffee mixture

Combine the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish. Allow to cool completely.

Pro tip: Ensure the coffee is cold to prevent the ladyfingers from becoming too soggy.

Make the mascarpone cream

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Add the mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth.

Whip the cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks using a hand mixer. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until incorporated.

Pro tip: Be gentle to maintain the whipped cream's volume.

Layer the tiramisu

Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture briefly and line the bottom of a 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) pan. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.

Pro tip: Do not soak the ladyfingers for too long; a quick dip is sufficient.

Add another layer

Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream.

Chill and serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Pro tip: Chilling overnight allows the flavours to meld perfectly.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Make sure your coffee is cooled before dipping the ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming too soggy.</li><li>Use fresh, high-quality mascarpone cheese for the best flavour and texture.</li><li>Chill the tiramisu for at least 4 hours to allow the flavours to meld and the dessert to set properly.</li><li>Dust with cocoa powder just before serving for a fresh, vibrant topping.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve your tiramisu chilled, cutting it into generous squares for an authentic dining experience. Pair it with a strong espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine to complement the rich flavours. You can make tiramisu a day in advance, which enhances its flavour as it rests in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but it’s unlikely to last that long!