Classic, elegant, and dangerously good—here’s a traditional tiramisu that’s creamy, balanced, and not overly sweet.
☕ Classic Italian Tiramisu
Ingredients (serves 6–8):
- 6 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1½ cups heavy cream, cold
- 1½ cups strong espresso, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional: Marsala, rum, or amaretto)
- 1 package ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Make the custard
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a heatproof bowl.
- Set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk 5–7 minutes until thick and pale.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Add mascarpone
- Gently fold mascarpone into the yolk mixture until smooth.
- Whip the cream
- Beat heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Fold into mascarpone mixture in two additions—light and fluffy is the goal.
- Prepare the coffee dip
- Mix espresso with coffee liqueur (if using).
- Assemble
- Quickly dip ladyfingers into coffee (1 second per side—don’t soak).
- Arrange in a single layer in a dish.
- Spread half the mascarpone cream over the cookies.
- Repeat layers.
- Chill
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Finish
- Dust generously with cocoa powder just before serving.
- Add chocolate shavings if desired.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Room-temperature mascarpone prevents lumps.
- Don’t oversoak ladyfingers or tiramisu will collapse.
- Tastes even better the next day.
❓Want variations?
- No-egg tiramisu
- Chocolate or Nutella tiramisu
- Strawberry or lemon tiramisu
- Individual tiramisu cups
Just tell me what you’re in the mood for 😌
