Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe (Steps + Video) | How To Cook.Recipes (2024)

Elegant and divine, nothing caps off an epic Italian meal like tiramisu for dessert. Rich with coffee and cocoa flavors and a seductive creamy texture, there’s nothing quite like it. Instead of picking one up from the bakery as I’ve done on a number of occasions myself, why not make it? This authentic tiramisu recipe is perfect for a special occasion and it’s easier than you expect to get results that are out of this world!

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Best Tiramisu Recipe

The last time I bought a store-bought tiramisu cake, I couldn’t believe all the extra ingredients that I couldn’t pronounce. Surely that’s not the norm in Italy. That’s where this best tiramisu recipe comes in with authentic flavors and real ingredients to make one decadent dessert to share with friends and family.

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Homemade Tiramisu Ingredients

  • Espresso – brewed and cooled to room temperature, it’s an essential component of this tiramisu dessert
  • Marsala wine – this gets mixed with the espresso to soak into the ladyfingers
  • Ladyfingers – speaking of ladyfingers, they’re called ‘savoiardi’ in Italian
  • Dark rum – gives it that distinctive traditional flavor (can be omitted for non alcoholic)
  • Eggs – to add the creamy layer
  • Heavy whipping cream – makes it creamy and dreamy
  • Mascarpone cheese – the heavenly ingredient in this traditional tiramisu recipe
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder – the topping for our epic creation

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I believe in love at first sight between a person and tiramisu.
Anonymous

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Easy Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu cake recipe only looks daunting. But there aren’t very many ingredients. It’s all about making the layers and then putting those layers together. You can totally handle that! It does take some time to make and then you’ll want it to refrigerate overnight, but it really is so much easier to make than it looks!

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How do you Make Tiramisu from Scratch?

Making tiramisu from scratch requires you to put the layers together first. There’s the ladyfingers dipped in espresso and wine and then the creamy layer. Once you follow the steps to make them, you can then add the layers as directed and refrigerate overnight.

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Expert Tips and Tricks for the Authentic Tiramisu Cake Every Time

  • Be quick about dipping the ladyfingers. If you let them linger too long, they will make the entire dessert a mess.
  • Set up a station. When you’re mixing, it’s not difficult but since you have to use different bowls, get it organized first. Then you’ll find it much easier (and less stressful) to make this dessert.
  • Try a crisscross with the ladyfingers in the layers. This way, they will look really pretty when you cut it.
  • Make it enough in advance. Tiramisu does take time to put together, but the real challenge is waiting for it to chill and set. Allow for enough time so that it really comes out perfect!

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How to Make Tiramisu Dessert

Tiramisu dessert doesn’t require baking. What it does require is patience. You’ll rely on your mixer for most of it, creating 2 layers. Once you have the components of the layers finished, you can get to layering it. After it has been assembled, you’ll put it in the fridge until it’s time to serve.

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Does tiramisu contain alcohol?

Yes, it does. If you or your guests don’t drink, you may want to choose another dessert. The alcohol content could be enough to give someone a buzz.

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What can I substitute for rum in tiramisu?

If you don’t have dark rum, you can try amaretto or a coffee liqueur. Even Irish cream or chocolate liqueur would be a lovely substitute that would match the coffee and cocoa taste of this dessert.

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Can I substitute cream cheese for mascarpone in tiramisu?

If you can’t find that creamy sweet Italian cheese, you can try to substitute whipped heavy cream or cream cheese to replace it. Another idea is to combine those two ingredients which may add more balance than cream cheese alone.

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How do I make my tiramisu firmer?

Be patient with the chill time. Tiramisu needs time for the fat in the cream to solidify. Letting it chill overnight is ideal because it should take on a much firmer texture by then.

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How do you make tiramisu not soggy?

In addition to chilling for a long enough time, the trick to keeping tiramisu from going soggy is to not overly soak those ladyfingers. They just need to be dunked for seconds at a time to absorb the espresso-wine mixture.

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Should tiramisu be served cold?

Yes, tiramisu is meant to be served cold. Slice it and serve it, then return the remaining portion to the fridge so it maintains a firm texture.

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What is the main flavor in traditional tiramisu?

The main flavor of tiramisu is a sweet, creamy, coffee flavor. Tiramisu has a very unique flavor profile which adds to its popularity. Its is a sweet combination of coffee, creamy mascarpone cheese, cocoa, and rum.

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What makes the best tiramisu?

Traditional Italian-style tiramisu is the best tiramisu. Tiramisu is a very unique Italian desert that really has no equal. To make the best tiramisu recipe in a traditional Italian style, use quality Italian ingredients and Savoiardi ladyfingers.

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Do you use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu?

You specifically want to use Italian Savoiardi ladyfingers. Savoiardi are a hard Italian cookies used for making Tiramisu and dipping in your coffee.

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What can I use instead of ladyfingers in tiramisu?

Ladyfingers, specifically Savoiardi, are the traditional way to make tiramisu. However, if you must find a substitute for ladyfingers, you can use sponge cake or pound cake cut into ladyfinger size strips.

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What alcohol is used in tiramisu?

Tiramisu can have a variety of different types of alcohol inside, however the most common alcohol in tiramisu is dark rum. Other common types of alcohol used in tiramisu is marsala wine, amaretto, or coffee liquor.

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What can replace rum in tiramisu?

Although dark rum is the most commonly used alcohol in tiramisu, you can use coffee liquor, amaretto, or marsala wine as a substitute.

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What can I use instead of mascarpone in tiramisu?

Although there really is not an equal substitute for mascarpone cheese, you can beat together full fat cream cheese with heavy whipping cream. That will likely be as close as you can get to true mascarpone.

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What makes a good tiramisu?

Quality Italian ingredients makes a good tiramisu. To achieve an authentic Italian tiramisu taste, you must use quality Italian ingredients like Savoiardi ladyfingers, marsala wine, and mascarpone cheese.

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What goes well with Tiramisu

Espresso always goes well with tiramisu. Brew up your best to serve to your guests with this dessert. Additionally, certain wines are a great way to cap off the evening, such as sweet white Barsac or a sparkling rose.

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How to Store Tiramisu?

Tiramisu must be covered well and kept in the refrigerator. Once you plate it, if any should remain, put it back in the fridge promptly.

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How Long Does Tiramisu Last?

You can breathe a sigh of relief if you make tiramisu ahead of an elegant dinner party. It can be made up to 2 days in advance. You’ll have 4 days total though to keep it in the fridge.

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Can You Freeze Tiramisu?

Here’s some very good news – tiramisu freezes beautifully. As long as you contain it properly, it can be kept in your freezer for as long as 3 months.

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Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe

5 from 8 votes

Prep Time 50 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 10 servings

Calories 669

This classic Italian Tiramisu recipe has been in my family for years. We are fanatics about Italian cuisine and this Tiramisu recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and moist textures. Make sure you chill this one overnight because its even better the next day!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup espresso or cold brew (room temperature)
  • 7 tbsp marsala wine
  • 40 ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
  • 2 cups mascarpone cheese
  • 1/3 cup dark rum
  • 4 eggs (separated)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • 2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

  • First, set aside a large 9x13 baking dish with at least 12 cup capacity. Start with the mascarpone cream. In a medium bowl with a handheld mixer, beat the mascarpone and rum together on medium speed. Once the mixture is smooth, set aside. In another medium bowl with a handheld mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract together on medium high speed for about 4 minutes or until medium peaks form. Be careful to avoid whipping the mixture into butter. Once the medium peaks have formed, fold into the mascarpone mixture.

  • Next, beat the egg whites. In a separate bowl with a handheld mixer, beat the egg whites and salt together until foamy. Once foamy, increase to a higher speed and add in 1/2 cup of sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form, then fold into the mascarpone/whipped cream mixture.

  • Next, prepare a doubt boiler for the egg yolks. Place a heat-proof bowl over a pot of simmer water on medium to medium-low heat, ensuring that the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Use a whisk to beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until foamy, about 5 minutes. Once foamy, remove from heat and temper into the mascarpone mixture. Once tempered, beat with a handheld mixture on medium speed until thoroughly combined.

  • Now it is time to assemble the tiramisu. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the marsala wine and espresso. Quickly dip the 1st layer of ladyfingers into the mixture, about 2 seconds per side. Place in a single layer in the baking dish. You may need to cut a few ladyfingers to fill in any empty spaces. Once this first layer is complete, cover with a layer of the mascarpone cream, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula. Dip the remaining ladyfingers into the espresso/Marsala wine mixture and arrange on top of the mascarpone layer, gently pressing down each ladyfinger. Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture on top.

  • Sift a dense layer of cocoa powder over the top. Wipe the rim of the dish with a damp paper towel, cover and refrigerate overnight or for about 9 hours. Once chilled, slice the tiramisu into servings with a sharp knife, cleaning the knife between the cuts.

Calories: 669kcal

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Calories: 669kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 273mg | Sodium: 196mg | Potassium: 155mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1669IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 2mg

More tiramisu recipes:

Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe (Steps + Video) | How To Cook.Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional tiramisu made of? ›

Traditional tiramisu contains ladyfingers (savoiardi), egg yolks, sugar, coffee, mascarpone and cocoa powder. A common variant involves soaking the savoiardi in alcohol, such as Marsala wine, amaretto or a coffee-based liqueur.

What is the best liquor for tiramisu? ›

Tiramisu can have a variety of different types of alcohol inside, however the most common alcohol in tiramisu is dark rum. Other common types of alcohol used in tiramisu is marsala wine, amaretto, or coffee liquor.

What can go wrong when making tiramisu? ›

12 Mistakes You're Making With Tiramisu
  • Using the wrong kind of biscuits. ...
  • Over-whipping the mascarpone. ...
  • Forgetting to bring your eggs up to temperature. ...
  • Waiting too long to mix the sugar and the eggs. ...
  • Not correctly whipping your heavy cream. ...
  • Using instant coffee instead of something stronger.
Nov 15, 2022

Is the bottom of tiramisu supposed to be soggy? ›

The perfect tiramisu is a balance between soft elements and fluffy elements, but be careful. The base must be wet but the biscuits must not crush for too much coffee; place the cold coffee in a small bowl and pass the ladyfingers for 2 seconds, the right time for them to get wet without getting too soaked and crushed.

Is kahlua or rum better for tiramisu? ›

Alcohol: I prefer Kahlua, but use any of the following: Marsala wine, rum (dark is best!), brandy, or Amaretto. Make it Alcohol-Free: Omit the Kahlua entirely from the coffee mixture and replacing it with coffee in the mascarpone mixture.

Can you substitute baileys for Kahlua in tiramisu? ›

This irish cream tiramisu is made with bailey's liqueur instead of rum or kahlua. It adds a nice little twist to such a classic, fun dessert!

What do Italians drink with tiramisu? ›

Stick With Sweet Wines

Muscat is often suggested, but it's too delicate, so it would be better to opt for sparkling red wine, like Sangue di Giuda from Oltrepo Pavese.

Is tiramisu made with amaretto or marsala? ›

What alcohol is tiramisu made of? Just like in our tiramisu recipe, tiramisu is traditionally made by dipping finger biscuits in a mixture of strong coffee (espresso mixture) and marsala (fortified wine). However, you could swap marsala with amaretto or any coffee-based liqueur like Kahlua or Tia Maria.

Why is my tiramisu so watery? ›

The other main reasons the mixture would be runny is if other liquid ingredients have been added first, or if the mascarpone has been beaten so much that it has curdled (then you will get water separating out from the cheese curds).

How long should tiramisu sit before eating? ›

Repeat the layering of ladyfingers, mascarpone and cocoa powder twice more. Once finished, cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving. If you want to get fancy, finish with a layer of whipped cream piped on top and dust with more cocoa powder.

Is it better to use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu? ›

Wondering if you should use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu? They come in both forms, but we tend to use the soft variety. Espresso powder: We use instant espresso coffee powder found in the coffee aisle at your grocery store.

How do you know if tiramisu has gone bad? ›

If there's a change in color, a sour smell extends beyond the coffee liqueur aroma, or signs of mold - this means it has gone bad. Additionally, a change in the texture like if it becomes excessively soft or having any slimy feel is an indicator it's no good.

Why does my tiramisu taste bitter? ›

Because tiramisu contains coffee and chocolate, there is reason to worry that it will taste bitter. But a well-made tiramisu is an exercise in equilibrium. The sweetness of the sugar and mascarpone cheese skillfully counteracts the bitterness of the coffee and cocoa.

What is the difference between Italian and American tiramisu? ›

Traditional Italian tiramisu does not contain cream–the mascarpone “cream” is composed of simply mascarpone, eggs and sugar. However, our selection of mostly Americanized recipe did include 5 recipes that used heavy cream (ranging from 2 tablespoons to 2 cups).

Does tiramisu traditionally contain alcohol? ›

Traditional tiramisu, an Italian dessert, typically contains alcohol in the form of a liqueur. The alcohol is used to enhance the flavor and is an integral part of the dessert's traditional recipe. The most commonly used liqueur in tiramisu is Marsala wine, which is a sweet fortified wine.

Does all tiramisu have raw eggs? ›

Traditional tiramisu uses raw egg yolks and sugar beaten and then combined with raw whipped egg whites and mascarpone.

What is Costco tiramisu made of? ›

It Sticks with the Traditional Tiramisu Flavors

While a tiramisu is normally made with soaked lady fingers, this cake mostly uses coffee-soaked sponge cake with creamy mascarpone filling. It is then topped off with a sprinkle of chocolate powder, chocolate shavings or espresso beans.

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