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Perfect Classic Tiramisu

classic tiramisu recipe - featured image

A quick and easy classic tiramisu recipe featuring espresso-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone layers, perfect for any occasion and loved by all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) strong brewed espresso, cooled
  • About 24 pieces ladyfingers
  • 16 ounces (450 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, divided
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 ½ cups (360 ml) of strong espresso and let it cool to room temperature. If using coffee liqueur, stir it in now.
  2. Separate 4 large egg yolks into a bowl, avoiding any shell.
  3. Beat the yolks with ½ cup (100 g) of granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until pale, thick, and creamy, about 5 minutes.
  4. Gently fold 16 ounces (450 g) of room temperature mascarpone and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the egg yolk mixture until smooth.
  5. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy cream with the remaining ¼ cup (50 g) sugar to soft peaks.
  6. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, keeping it light and airy.
  7. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso for 1-2 seconds and lay them in a single layer in a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  8. Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the soaked ladyfingers.
  9. Add another layer of espresso-dipped ladyfingers, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream on top.
  10. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  11. Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.

Notes

Use room temperature mascarpone for smooth mixing. Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid sogginess. Chill overnight for best flavor and texture. Use pasteurized eggs for safety if concerned about raw eggs. Variations include berry tiramisu, chocolate tiramisu, gluten-free and vegan adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: tiramisu, classic tiramisu, espresso tiramisu, mascarpone dessert, easy tiramisu, coffee dessert, Italian dessert