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Classic Tiramisu Recipe

$10 Dessert

About This Dish

Our classic tiramisu is an authentic Italian masterpiece featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream. This beloved dessert, whose name means "pick me up" in Italian, delivers the perfect balance of coffee, cream, and cocoa in every heavenly bite.

Prep Time

30 minutes

Chill Time

4+ hours

Serves

8-10 people

Ingredients

  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
  • 2 packages (7 oz each) ladyfinger cookies
  • 1 cup strong espresso, cooled
  • 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (Kahlúa or Marsala)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sabayon: In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. The mixture should fall in ribbons when lifted.
  2. Add mascarpone: Add mascarpone to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth and well combined. Be gentle to avoid lumps.
  3. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Don't overwhip or it will become grainy.
  4. Fold together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in three additions, maintaining the light, airy texture.
  5. Prepare coffee mixture: In a shallow dish, combine cooled espresso and coffee liqueur. The mixture should be strong and aromatic.
  6. Dip ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the coffee mixture for 1-2 seconds per side. They should be moist but not soggy.
  7. First layer: Arrange half the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer in a 9x13 inch dish. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the cookies.
  8. Second layer: Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top with an offset spatula.
  9. Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The flavors will meld and improve with time.
  10. Serve: Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings if desired. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Chef's Tips

  • Use room temperature mascarpone to avoid lumps
  • Don't over-soak the ladyfingers or they'll fall apart
  • Make sure your espresso is completely cooled before using
  • The dessert tastes even better the next day
  • Use a fine-mesh sieve for even cocoa dusting
  • For alcohol-free version, omit liqueur and add vanilla extract