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Classic Tiramisu Recipe: Easy Homemade Italian Dessert for Parties

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This classic tiramisu recipe features creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder for an irresistible Italian dessert that’s perfect for parties and special occasions. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and delivers sophisticated flavor with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese, chilled
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract (optional)
  • 24–30 ladyfingers (Savoiardi), firm and dry
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) espresso or very strong coffee, cooled
  • 2–3 tbsp (30–45ml) dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional, or substitute vanilla extract for alcohol-free)
  • 2–3 tbsp (15–20g) unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 1/2 cups fresh espresso or strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in rum or coffee liqueur if using. Pour into a shallow bowl for dipping.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until pale and thick (about 3–4 minutes with an electric mixer).
  3. Gently fold in chilled mascarpone cheese until smooth. Do not overmix.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream to stiff peaks (about 2–3 minutes). Fold whipped cream gently into the mascarpone/yolk mixture. Add vanilla extract if desired.
  5. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture for 1–2 seconds. Lay a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish.
  6. Spoon half the creamy mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers and smooth gently.
  7. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone mixture, smoothing the surface.
  8. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results.
  9. Just before serving, dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, chill tiramisu overnight to allow flavors to meld. Use chilled mascarpone for structure, and dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid soggy layers. Pasteurized eggs are recommended for safety. Gluten-free ladyfingers can be substituted. Tiramisu can be made alcohol-free by omitting rum or liqueur and using vanilla or almond extract. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: tiramisu, classic tiramisu, Italian dessert, easy tiramisu, party dessert, mascarpone, coffee dessert, no bake, homemade tiramisu