Best Classic Italian Tiramisu (Complete Guide) Recipe
This Best Classic Italian Tiramisu recipe presents an authentic, creamy, and luscious dessert made with rich mascarpone cheese, espresso-dipped ladyfingers, and dusted with cocoa powder. Perfectly balanced between the bold coffee flavor and sweet, velvety mascarpone cream, it’s an elegant, no-bake treat that captures the essence of traditional Italian cuisine.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Mascarpone Cream
- 16 oz Mascarpone cheese (450g), cold from the fridge
- 4 egg yolks
- ⅔ cup granulated or caster sugar (133g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream, chilled (360g) OR 4 egg whites
Assembly
- 30–36 ladyfingers
- 1 ½ cup strong black coffee, room temperature (360g)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Mascarpone Cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and creamy. Add vanilla extract and salt, then stir in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and well combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form (or if using egg whites, whip them until stiff). Gently fold the whipped cream or egg whites into the mascarpone mixture to create a light and fluffy cream base.
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the room temperature strong black coffee, making sure not to soak them too long to avoid sogginess. The ladyfingers should absorb some coffee but remain firm.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: In a serving dish or individual glasses, create a layer of the dipped ladyfingers. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and then top with the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the tiramisu with plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Before serving, dust the top with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed strong coffee for authentic flavor and ensure it is cooled to room temperature before dipping ladyfingers.
- If preferred, replace heavy cream with 4 whipped egg whites to lighten the mascarpone cream, dividing sugar accordingly.
- Do not soak ladyfingers too long in coffee to prevent the dessert from becoming soggy.
- Chilling the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight improves texture and flavor blend.
- Ensure mascarpone cheese is cold for best texture.
- Handle whipped cream or egg whites gently when folding to preserve the lightness of the cream.
Keywords: tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, coffee dessert, classic tiramisu, no-bake dessert, ladyfingers, cocoa powder