This traditional Italian Tiramisu is a delightful dessert that combines layers of rich, coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a light and fluffy mascarpone mixture, all topped with a generous dusting of cocoa powder. The result is a luscious, creamy dessert that melts in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. The use of freshly brewed coffee adds depth and flavor, while the fluffy meringue mixed with the mascarpone ensures a light and airy texture. This recipe is perfect for serving at dinner parties or as a special treat for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This:
You’ll love this Tiramisu for its classic flavors and its perfect balance of textures. The coffee-soaked ladyfingers provide a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet, creamy mascarpone mixture, while the cocoa powder on top adds a touch of richness. This dessert is easy to assemble and requires no baking, making it a convenient option for entertaining or for when you want to prepare something special without too much fuss. The fluffy meringue folded into the mascarpone gives the Tiramisu a light and airy consistency that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Perfect Occasion:
Tiramisu is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. Its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it a wonderful choice for holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries. Because it’s a no-bake dessert, it’s also great for preparing in advance, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. Serve it with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience.
Decoration Tips:
For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the Tiramisu with a fine layer of cocoa powder just before serving. You can also add a few chocolate shavings or curls on top for an extra touch of decadence. If you want to add a pop of color, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a sprig of mint. For individual servings, assemble the Tiramisu in small glasses or ramekins, layering the ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture for a beautiful and personalized dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with flavored coffee or adding a splash of liqueur to the coffee for an extra kick.
Ingredients (Serves 8):
- 500g mascarpone cheese
- 6 large eggs, separated
- 100g granulated sugar
- 2 cups (4 dl) freshly brewed coffee
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 packets of ladyfingers
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meringue:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg whites in an electric mixer and whip on medium-high speed until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and continue whipping until you have a fluffy meringue with stiff peaks. Once done, set the meringue aside.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture:
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the egg yolks with the vanilla extract and mascarpone cheese. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.
- Combine the Mixtures:
- Gently fold the meringue into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate the meringue. Fold until the mixtures are fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- In a shallow dish, pour the freshly brewed coffee. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Arrange the coffee-soaked ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a serving dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the layer of ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Repeat with another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Finish and Serve:
- Dust the top of the Tiramisu generously with cocoa powder.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the Tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Before serving, dust with a fresh layer of cocoa powder.
Enjoy!