Classic Italian Tiramisu
A classic no-bake Italian tiramisu made with espresso-dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a generous cocoa finish. Chill it well for clean slices and the best flavor.
Equipment
- 9-by-13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Fine-mesh sieve
Ingredients
Mascarpone Cream
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream cold
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese cold
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Assembly
- 1 1/2 cups strong brewed espresso or coffee cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur or dark rum optional
- 14 oz ladyfingers savoiardi-style
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder plus more as needed
- 1 oz dark chocolate finely grated, optional
Instructions
Make the cream:
- Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Add the egg yolks and sugar, then whisk for 6 to 8 minutes, until thick, pale, and warm to the touch.
- Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Beat the mascarpone, vanilla, and salt into the yolk mixture until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream in two additions, keeping the mixture light.
Assemble and chill:
- Stir the cooled espresso and coffee liqueur together in a shallow dish, if using the liqueur.
- Quickly dip half of the ladyfingers, one at a time, into the espresso mixture. Arrange them in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with the remaining dipped ladyfingers and cream.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the cleanest slices.
- Dust generously with cocoa powder just before serving. Add grated dark chocolate if you like.
Notes
- Dip the ladyfingers quickly. A full soak can make the dessert watery.
- For a no-alcohol version, skip the liqueur and use all espresso or strong coffee.
- Use pasteurized eggs if serving to anyone who needs to avoid raw or lightly cooked eggs.
Nutrition
Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 8gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 145mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18g