If there’s one Italian dessert I could talk about all afternoon, it’s tiramisu. Creamy, bold, and cheerfully boozy, this stunning Tiramisu Recipe is the kind of showstopper you serve to impress—and then watch everyone swoon. Every bite offers a luxurious mingling of rich mascarpone, pillowy cream, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers lightly dusted in cocoa. This classic, no-bake beauty might look fancy, but it’s brilliantly simple to make, and after your first bite, you’ll see exactly why it’s a beloved classic in my kitchen and beyond.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As decadent as it tastes, the Tiramisu Recipe comes together with just a handful of essential ingredients—each chosen for its key role in creating that signature flavor and luscious texture. Get your mixing bowls ready, and let’s spotlight what makes every element so unforgettable!
- Egg Yolks: Rich, golden egg yolks form the silky custard base and bring luxurious texture to the mascarpone filling.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps whip everything together into velvety smoothness.
- Whole Milk: Adds lightness and helps cook the egg yolks into a traditional zabaglione base.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped into fluffy peaks, it makes the filling cloud-like and delightfully airy.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Softened and creamy, this Italian staple adds tang, body, and that iconic tiramisu flavor.
- Strong Brewed Coffee: Deeply flavorful, it’s what gives the ladyfingers their signature bold (but not overpowering) kick.
- Coffee Liqueur (Optional): If you’re feeling spirited, this adds an extra layer of grown-up complexity and aroma.
- Ladyfinger Cookies (Savoiardi): These sponge-like biscuits soak up the coffee without turning mushy—absolutely essential!
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: A generous, dusted layer on top contrasts the sweetness and brings the whole dessert together.
How to Make Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base
Start by whisking together your egg yolks and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You’ll want to keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and pale. Next, gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent any scrambling. Continue cooking this over gentle heat for 5 to 8 minutes—stirring often—until the custard thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon and reaches 160°F (use a kitchen thermometer if you have it). Once it’s ready, take the pan off the heat, let the custard cool, then pop it in the fridge for a good 30 minutes to chill down.
Step 2: Whip the Cream and Soften Mascarpone
While the custard cools, pour your heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Beat it until you have firm, glorious peaks (not runny, but not butter either!). In a separate bowl, take your room temperature mascarpone and whisk until it’s nice and smooth, free of lumps. This is how you get that cloud-like texture in your Tiramisu Recipe filling.
Step 3: Combine the Layers
Once your custard is cold, gently fold it into the mascarpone, taking care not to deflate the mixture. When it’s all incorporated and silky, fold in the whipped cream. You’ll end up with a dreamily airy yet rich filling—resist the urge to just eat it with a spoon (for now)!
Step 4: Soak the Ladyfingers
Set up a shallow dish with your strong brewed coffee—and if you’re using it, the coffee liqueur. Working one or two at a time, quickly dip each ladyfinger for just a second on each side. The trick is to let them absorb enough coffee without getting soggy; they’ll continue to soften as the tiramisu chills.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
In your favorite 9×9-inch dish, arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers on the bottom. Spread half of your mascarpone mixture evenly over the top. Repeat with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and finish with the remaining mascarpone. Move slowly and gently to keep those lovely layers distinct.
Step 6: Chill and Finish
Cover your assembled tiramisu and tuck it into the fridge for at least four hours—overnight is even better. Just before you’re ready to serve, dust the entire surface generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. The result? The ultimate Tiramisu Recipe, worthy of any celebration.
How to Serve Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
A generous snowfall of unsweetened cocoa powder is classic, but you can get creative by adding a few chocolate curls, a sprinkle of espresso powder, or even some grated dark chocolate for extra flair and intensity. These little touches make your Tiramisu Recipe even more inviting and beautiful at the table—or on Instagram if you’re sharing the love!
Side Dishes
Serve your tiramisu with shots of espresso, affogato, or a small glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo for an authentic Italian experience. A crisp biscotti or a bowl of sweet, fresh berries also pair beautifully and add some lovely variety to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Try assembling mini tiramisus in individual glasses or jars for dinner parties, or layer the dessert in a trifle bowl for a dramatic centerpiece. You can even make bite-sized tiramisu cubes for a playful, grab-and-go dessert table. However you serve it, the Tiramisu Recipe always brings smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover tiramisu tightly covered in the refrigerator—it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify as it sits, making day-two tiramisu almost irresistible. Just be sure to keep it away from strongly scented foods so it maintains its delicate aromas.
Freezing
For longer storage, the Tiramisu Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Wrap the assembled (but un-cocoaed) tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before dusting with cocoa and serving, and you’ll have a decadent treat ready anytime a craving strikes.
Reheating
Tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, straight from the refrigerator. There’s no need to reheat; in fact, it’s meant to be a cool and refreshing delight. If freezing, just thaw gently in the fridge for a few hours—no oven (or microwave) required.
FAQs
Can I make Tiramisu Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Tiramisu actually gets better as it sits, making it the ultimate make-ahead dessert for dinner parties or special occasions. Just assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and dust with cocoa right before serving.
Can I use something other than coffee liqueur?
Yes! If you want to keep it kid-friendly or don’t have coffee liqueur handy, simply omit it or substitute with a splash of vanilla extract, hazelnut syrup, or even a bit of orange liqueur for a fun twist.
Are raw eggs safe in tiramisu?
Good news: In this Tiramisu Recipe, the eggs are cooked gently in the custard step to 160°F, which makes them safe to eat. Always use fresh eggs and follow the instructions for the best and safest results.
Can I use something other than ladyfingers?
If you can’t find traditional ladyfingers, try using store-bought sponge cake or pound cake, sliced into strips. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious—just be careful not to oversoak!
How do I get clean slices for serving?
For neat slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean after every cut. Chilling the tiramisu overnight also helps it set up for beautiful, tidy layers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving dessert that’s impressive yet wonderfully approachable, you simply have to try this Tiramisu Recipe. There’s just something magical about sharing homemade tiramisu with friends and family—the rich flavors, creamy texture, and just the right hit of coffee. So, grab your ingredients and let this Italian classic shine at your next special occasion!
Print
Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic Italian dessert with this easy no-bake Tiramisu recipe. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone mixture, dusted with cocoa, create a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup whole milk
Mascarpone Cream:
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Egg Mixture: In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks and sugar until smooth. Slowly add milk, cook until slightly thickened. Cool and refrigerate.
- Mascarpone Cream: Beat whipping cream to stiff peaks. Whisk mascarpone until smooth. Fold in egg mixture and whipped cream.
- Assembly: Dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture. Layer in dish with mascarpone cream. Chill for 4 hours. Dust with cocoa before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed strong coffee or espresso for the best flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
