Name: Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 eggs, yolks and whites separated; 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 8 oz / 250g mascarpone (good quality brand recommended); 1 1/4 cups black coffee, hot and strong; 2 tbsp (or more) Frangelico or Kahlua, or other liquor of choice (optional for alcohol-free version); 6.5 oz / 200g ladyfingers, pavesini, or savoiardi biscuits (24 – 30 pieces); Cocoa powder, for dusting

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Introduction

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that’s creamy, rich, and full of coffee flavor. This easy tiramisu recipe combines luscious mascarpone cream with coffee-soaked ladyfingers for a dessert that’s sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a delicious treat that you can make ahead.

A piece of tiramisu dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate: the bottom and middle layers are light brown soaked ladyfingers, separated by two creamy white mascarpone cheese layers, and the top is dusted with dark brown cocoa powder. The plate rests on a dark cloth on a wooden table, with a silver fork placed beside the tiramisu. In the background, a white cup and saucer hold a light brown drink, slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 eggs, yolks and whites separated
1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz / 250g mascarpone (good quality brand)
1 1/4 cups hot, strong black coffee
2 tbsp Frangelico or Kahlua (or other liquor of choice; optional for alcohol-free)
6.5 oz / 200g (24–30) ladyfingers, pavesini, or savoiardi biscuits
Cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the egg yolks and caster sugar with a stand mixer or electric beater on medium-high speed for about 10 minutes, until the mixture changes from yellow to pale yellow and becomes thick.
Step 2: Add vanilla extract and mascarpone to the yolk mixture. Beat until just combined and smooth. Transfer this cream to a separate bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Clean the mixing bowl and whisk attachment. Beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Gently fold half of the mascarpone cream into the stiff egg whites. When mostly incorporated, fold in the remaining cream carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.
Step 5: Combine hot black coffee and liquor (if using) in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture and line the bottom of an 8-inch (20cm) square dish.
Step 6: Spread half of the cream mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers. Then add another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers on top.
Step 7: Spread the remaining cream over the second biscuit layer.
Step 8: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 to 5 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Step 9: Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use good quality mascarpone for the best texture and flavor; cheaper versions may be grainy or watery.
If you prefer alcohol-free tiramisu, simply omit the liquor and use extra coffee for dipping the ladyfingers.
For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cocoa powder dusting.
Do not soak ladyfingers for too long to avoid soggy layers; a quick dip keeps them tender yet intact.

Storage

Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed chilled. When reheating, tiramisu is typically served cold, so just bring it to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving if desired.

How to Serve

A white square baking dish holds a dessert with six visible slices, one slice missing from the bottom right corner, showing three layers: a light creamy layer, a brown coffee-soaked biscuit layer in the middle, and another creamy layer on top, all dusted evenly with dark brown cocoa powder. Two white plates each hold a slice of the dessert, revealing the same layers and cocoa powder topping, with a silver spoon beside one plate. There is a cup of coffee with light tan crema next to the dish on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make tiramisu without raw eggs?

Yes, you can use pasteurized eggs or substitute with whipped cream and mascarpone mixture for a similar texture while avoiding raw eggs.

How long should I soak the ladyfingers in coffee?

Dip each ladyfinger quickly—about 1 second per side. Prolonged soaking can cause them to become too soggy and affect the dessert’s texture.