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BEST Classic Italian Tiramisu

BEST Classic Italian Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a rich, layered Italian dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, and cocoa powder, offering a perfect balance of flavors. It is a versatile dessert that can be customized with different variations while maintaining its signature smooth and creamy texture.
Total Time 4 hours
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

Mascarpone Cream:

  • 16 oz 450g cold Mascarpone cheese
  • 4 egg yolks
  • ¾ cup 165g sugar (if using egg whites, divide sugar into two portions)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 ½ cups 360g heavy cream or 4 egg whites

Assembly:

  • Approximately 30 ladyfingers
  • 1 ½ cups strong black coffee
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions
 

Mascarpone Cream Option 1: Using Heavy Cream (Recommended)

  • Whisk the cold mascarpone cheese on medium speed for 30-60 seconds until it becomes creamy, then set it aside.
  • In a separate heatproof bowl, combine the egg yolks and sugar. Boil 1-2 inches of water in a saucepan, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Place the bowl with the egg yolks and sugar on top of the saucepan, ensuring that the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl. Whisk on medium-high speed for exactly 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Pour the egg yolk and sugar mixture into the mascarpone cheese. Add the salt and vanilla extract, then whisk on medium speed until combined (be careful not to overmix, as this could make the mixture grainy).
  • In another bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form (don’t overwhip).
  • Add the whipped cream to the mascarpone mixture in 2-3 additions, gently folding with a rubber spatula to preserve the airiness.

Mascarpone Cream Option 2: Using Egg Whites

  • Whisk the cold mascarpone cheese on medium speed for 30-60 seconds until creamy, then set it aside.
  • In a separate heatproof bowl, combine the egg yolks and half of the sugar. Boil 1-2 inches of water in a saucepan, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Place the bowl with the egg yolks and sugar on top of the saucepan, ensuring the water does not touch the bowl’s bottom. Whisk on medium-high speed for exactly 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • Pour the egg yolk and sugar mixture into the mascarpone cheese. Add the salt and vanilla extract, then whisk on medium speed until combined (again, avoid overmixing to prevent graininess).
  • In a clean bowl, add the egg whites and the remaining sugar. Place the bowl over the saucepan with boiling water and whisk on medium-high speed with a clean whisk until the mixture reaches 160°F. Remove from heat and continue whisking until a glossy, stiff meringue forms.
  • Fold the meringue into the mascarpone mixture in 2-3 additions, gently incorporating it with a rubber spatula to avoid deflating the meringue.

Assembly and Serving:

  • Pour the coffee into a wide bowl. Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee (a quick dip on each side, or up to 1-2 seconds per side) and create a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 7x11" rectangular dish.
  • Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
  • Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream, which can also be piped on in dollops for a decorative touch.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  • When ready to serve, sift cocoa powder evenly over the top of the tiramisu. Cut into slices and serve!

Notes

This recipe ensures that the eggs are not used raw. However, if you're using pasteurized eggs and want to save time, you can skip the double boiler and whisk everything at room temperature on the countertop.
If you're using egg whites instead of heavy cream, make sure to use a clean bowl and whisk attachments, as even the slightest bit of contamination can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
For more details, check out the full blog post above.