Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this Classic Tiramisu recipe, a celebrated Italian dessert known for its rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and velvety mascarpone cream. This no-bake dessert combines bold espresso with creamy, sweet mascarpone, and a hint of vanilla, all finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s an elegant, indulgent treat that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This: Tiramisu is beloved for its complex flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony. The combination of the robust espresso with the creamy, luxurious mascarpone cream offers a balance of flavors that’s both rich and refreshing. This recipe is straightforward, requiring no baking, which means you can achieve a gourmet dessert with minimal effort.
Perfect Occasion: Tiramisu is an excellent choice for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or as a special treat following a family meal. It’s also perfect for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive occasion. This dessert not only tastes incredible but also presents beautifully, impressing any guest.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, dust the top generously with Dutch-processed cocoa powder using a fine sieve for an even layer. For a creative touch, you can also garnish with chocolate shavings or a few coffee beans. Serve each piece with a mint leaf for a pop of color.
Ingredients:
- Espresso:
- 8 ounces (1 cup) espresso, room temperature
- For the Cream:
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tub (8.8 oz) mascarpone cheese
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or beans from 1 vanilla pod
- Additional:
- 24 store-bought ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Espresso:
- Brew the espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature. Pour into a shallow dish and refrigerate to cool further if necessary.
- Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a very clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites on medium speed. Gradually add half of the sugar and then increase the speed to high, whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream:
- In another bowl, combine the egg yolks, the remaining sugar, mascarpone, and vanilla. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Gently fold in one-third of the whipped egg whites to lighten the mascarpone mixture, then carefully fold in the remaining whites until well combined.
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy, and layer them in an 8-inch square serving dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the first layer of ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
- Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- Finish and Serve:
- A few hours before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder.
- Serve chilled, cut into squares or slices.
Enjoy this exquisite and straightforward Classic Tiramisu, a dessert that promises to transport you straight to Italy with its authentic flavors and creamy texture!
