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Creamy Authentic Italian Tiramisu Recipe Easy Step-by-Step Guide

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A simple yet indulgent tiramisu recipe featuring creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for any occasion and easy to assemble in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • 1 cup (240ml) strong brewed espresso or very strong coffee, cooled
  • 2 tbsp coffee liqueur or dark rum (optional)
  • 2428 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi), crisp
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 cup (240ml) of strong espresso or coffee. Let it cool to room temperature, then stir in 2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur or dark rum if using. Set aside.
  2. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together 3 large egg yolks and 1/3 cup (65g) sugar until combined. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Gently fold the 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese and 1 tsp vanilla extract into the cooled egg yolk mixture until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep it light.
  4. In a separate chilled bowl, beat 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip; it should hold shape but still be silky.
  5. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture carefully using a spatula to keep it airy and creamy—no lumps, no deflation.
  6. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso soak—just 1-2 seconds per side to avoid sogginess. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) dish.
  7. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers layer.
  8. Add another layer of espresso-dipped ladyfingers, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream on top.
  9. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  10. Just before serving, sift a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the tiramisu.

Notes

Dip ladyfingers quickly (1-2 seconds) to avoid sogginess. Gently fold mascarpone and whipped cream to keep the mixture light and airy. Use freshly brewed espresso for authentic flavor. Chill overnight for best results. Variations include chocolate layers, berry syrup, alcohol-free, matcha, and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

Keywords: tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, espresso, ladyfingers, creamy tiramisu, easy tiramisu recipe, authentic tiramisu