Velvety, bold, and elegantly layered, this dessert transforms simple ingredients into a coffee-lover's dream. This classic Tiramisu Recipe combines espresso-soaked ladyfingers with a rich mascarpone cream for a dish that feels special yet requires zero baking. My husband James, who usually prefers BBQ, claims this is the only way to end a dinner party because the coffee kick is just right. You'll love how quickly it comes together for a weekend treat or holiday gathering.
Why You'll Love This
This Tiramisu Recipe strikes a balance between rich creaminess and bold espresso flavor without being overly sweet. It uses no raw eggs, making the preparation simpler and less intimidating for home cooks. The texture settles into a soft, scoopable consistency that feels like a tiramisu dessert you would order at a restaurant.
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Ingredients
This Tiramisu Recipe relies on high-quality basics like heavy cream and real mascarpone to achieve its signature texture. Using the right mascarpone recipes technique ensures the filling stays stable and fluffy.
This Easy Tiramisu Recipe is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
Main Ingredients
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides the airy structure; ensure it is very cold before whipping.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Adds richness and tang; must be at room temperature to mix smoothly.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream just enough to balance the bitter coffee.
- Espresso: Strong, cold coffee is essential for dipping the ladyfingers.
- Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): Crisp biscuits that absorb the liquid to become cake-like.
Optional Extras
You can add a splash of dark rum or marsala wine to the coffee mixture for a deeper flavor profile. For a festive Christmas tiramisu twist, sprinkle shaved dark chocolate or crushed peppermint over the top layer.
Step-by-Step Guide for Tiramisu Recipe
This method simplifies the process so you can learn how to make tiramisu with confidence and ease.
Whip Cream
Beat the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. This traps air to create a light, stable structure for the filling.
Fold Mascarpone
Fold the room temperature mascarpone cheese gently into the whipped cream until combined. The mixture will look smooth and uniform without losing its fluffiness.
Mix Liquids
Combine cold espresso and liqueur in a shallow bowl for easy dipping. Mixing these liquids ensures every biscuit absorbs an even balance of coffee and alcohol flavor.
Dip & Layer
Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture and arrange a single layer in the 8x8'' pan.
How long do I dip the ladyfingers? A quick 1-second dip per side is enough to flavor them without making them fall apart.
Assemble
Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the biscuits, repeat the ladyfinger layer, and top with the remaining cream. This creates distinct, visible layers when sliced.
Dust
Dust the top generously with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh strainer. The dark cocoa contrasts beautifully with the white cream layer.
Chill
Refrigerate the dish for at least 3-4 hours or overnight to set. The dessert will firm up, making it easy to cut neat squares.
Serve
Slice into squares and serve cold directly from the refrigerator. You will see the defined layers hold their shape on the plate.
Aliana's Top Tip
This Tiramisu Recipe succeeds when you respect the temperature of your ingredients.
Overnight Chill → Deepens the flavor profile → Look for a firm slice that holds its shape.
Room Temp Cheese → Prevents lumps in the filling → Look for a smooth, creamy consistency.
Cold Cream → Whips to higher volume → Look for firm, stiff peaks.
Quick Dip → Keeps the homemade tiramisu structure → Look for a biscuit that is wet but not crumbling.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
There are many ways to customize this dish if you want to explore different tiramisu variations. You can swap the coffee liqueur for Amaretto for a nuttier, almond-like aroma that pairs well with cocoa. For a kid-friendly version, dip the biscuits in hot chocolate instead of espresso, which my daughter Olivia absolutely adores.
Storage
This homemade tiramisu recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. The ladyfingers will continue to soften, creating an even more cake-like texture over time.
Serving Suggestions
This Tiramisu Recipe is rich enough to stand alone, but a side of fresh berries adds a nice tart contrast. It pairs beautifully with a hot cappuccino or a glass of dessert wine after a heavy meal. For a larger gathering, this dish serves as a stunning tiramisu cake recipe alternative that slices easily for guests.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish actually improves after sitting in the fridge for 24 hours. The flavors meld together, and the texture becomes more cohesive, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties.
What if I can't find mascarpone?
While mascarpone is essential for the authentic taste of best tiramisu recipe contenders, you can try blending cream cheese with a little heavy cream. However, the flavor will be tangier and the texture slightly denser than the classic version.
Do I have to use alcohol?
No, the alcohol is completely optional in this recipe. You can omit the liqueur entirely or replace it with a teaspoon of rum extract if you want the flavor without the alcohol content.
Why is my filling runny?
A runny filling usually happens if the mascarpone was too warm or if the cream wasn't whipped to stiff peaks. Ensure your cream is very cold and fold the cheese in gently to preserve the air bubbles.
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Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Beat the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. This traps air to create a light, stable structure for the filling.
- Fold the room temperature mascarpone cheese gently into the whipped cream until combined. The mixture will look smooth and uniform without losing its fluffiness.
- Combine cold espresso and liqueur in a shallow bowl for easy dipping. Mixing these liquids ensures every biscuit absorbs an even balance of coffee and alcohol flavor.
- Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture and arrange a single layer in the 8x8'' pan. How long do I dip the ladyfingers? A quick 1-second dip per side is enough to flavor them without making them fall apart.
- Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the biscuits, repeat the ladyfinger layer, and top with the remaining cream. This creates distinct, visible layers when sliced.
- Dust the top generously with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh strainer. The dark cocoa contrasts beautifully with the white cream layer.
- Refrigerate the dish for at least 3-4 hours or overnight to set. The dessert will firm up, making it easy to cut neat squares.
- Slice into squares and serve cold directly from the refrigerator. You will see the defined layers hold their shape on the plate.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
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