Classic Tiramisu Recipe Easy Step-by-Step for Perfect Dessert at Home
This classic tiramisu recipe is an easy-to-make, creamy, coffee-soaked Italian dessert perfect for any occasion. It balances rich mascarpone with espresso-soaked ladyfingers for a dreamy, indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 16 ounces (450 g) mascarpone cheese, full-fat
- About 24 ladyfingers (7 oz / 200 g)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- 2 tablespoons dark rum or Marsala wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Brew about 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of strong espresso or very strong coffee. Pour into a shallow dish and let cool completely. Stir in 2 tablespoons of dark rum or Marsala wine if using.
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together 4 large egg yolks and 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk constantly for about 5 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and slightly warm.
- Remove from heat and let the yolk mixture cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes.
- Gently fold 16 ounces (450 g) mascarpone cheese into the cooled yolk mixture until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso, about 1-2 seconds per side. Lay them in a single layer on the bottom of a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers.
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Just before serving, generously sift about 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top.
Notes
Use full-fat mascarpone for best texture. Whisk egg yolks and sugar over a double boiler for safety and smoothness. Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid sogginess. Chill overnight for best flavor and texture. Cocoa powder dusting should be done just before serving to avoid clumping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the 9x9-inch
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: tiramisu, classic tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, espresso dessert, easy tiramisu recipe, coffee dessert