Ricotta Tiramisu (2024)

FAQs

Can I use ricotta instead of mascarpone in tiramisu? ›

Mascarpone lends a subtle tang and creaminess to tiramisu, but I by far prefer the smooth and subtle flavor that ricotta gives it. This is a tiny change, but it makes all the difference in the world. It's what makes this ricotta tiramisu just a bit special.

The right biscuits

The choice is yours, even though connoisseurs of this dessert will always tell you to choose savoiardi. In fact, the result is completely different if you use these biscuits, which are tall and spongy and absorb less coffee. As a result, the consistency will be less creamy and slightly more compact.

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.

However you could try beating together 225g (8 ounces) full fat cream cheese with 60ml (4 tablespoons/1/4 cup) double or whipping cream and 30g (1 ounce/2 tablespoons) softened unsalted butter until just blended. This will give the equivalent of around 300g (10 ounces/1 1/4 cups) mascarpone.

The unique processes result in two very different products—mascarpone is a rich, decadent, and super spreadable cheese with a slight tang. Ricotta, on the other hand, has a lumpy, soft texture and mild, milky flavor.

Once the mascarpone has split it is quite difficult to recover, though if you catch it early (very fine grains) sometimes you can correct it by very gently whisking in (by hand) a little cream.

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.

Using egg whites instead of cream: Some authentic recipes for tiramisu use whipped egg whites instead of whipped cream. Tiramisu made with egg whites is lighter and more airy. To make our recipe with egg whites, whip 3 egg whites until they hold stiff peaks.

Eggs in tiramisu

In most traditional tiramisu recipes, you'll find egg yolks. This adds richness and a decadent flavor to the mascarpone filling. While true classic tiramisu recipes use raw egg yolks, I prefer to cook them to eliminate the risk of salmonella, so that's what this recipe calls for.

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.

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.

For the best results, tiramisu needs at least 6 hours in the fridge before serving.

Changes in texture: While a decadent and ready-to-eat Tiramisu has a creamy, smooth texture. If it becomes grainy, curdled or separated, it's a sign that it has gone bad. Visible mould: Mould growth is a definite sign of spoilage. If you see any mould on the surface or inside, discard the dessert.

Ricotta Versus Cream Cheese

Ricotta is more moist than the typically dense and concentrated cream cheese, however, making it a go-to choice for succulent baked goods. When it comes to flavor, ricotta and cream cheese have similar palates, which is part of what makes them so seamlessly interchangeable.

Short answer - no they're not really interchangeable. Ricotta is made from whey, which means that it's composed of mostly coagulated milk proteins and milk sugars, and then milkfat can be added back into it after the fact. Mascarpone is a full-fat cream cheese - it has a very light flavor and added salt is minimal.