The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed (2024)

The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed (4)

Shutterstock

ByBen Fisher/

Tiramisu is a vital component to any Italian restaurant's dessert menu, but it can be rather pricy. Mascarpone cheese, a slightly sweet Italian-style "cream cheese" is one of the primary components of tiramisu. Around half a pound is used for a single 8-inch cake, according toOh Sweet Day.

Although we don't typically think of Philadelphia Cream Cheese as a luxurious item, mascarpone, the real Italian stuff (cheaper domestic versions are available), can be quite costly at more than $7 per pound, and probably even more expensive at a specialty foods store. One way around this is by making it at home. All that's required is heavy cream and lemon juice, and a candy thermometer is strongly recommended (perAn Italian in my Kitchen).

While many modern home cooks who make the famous dessert posit that the cost has to do with the cheese, the man behind the recipe has a different take.

The inventor begs to differ

The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed (5)

Shutterstock

Roberto Linguanotto, a Venetian pastry chef who is often credited with the invention of tiramisu back in the 1960s, says that his creation is expensive because of the espressoused in another essential component to the dessert: espresso-soaked ladyfingers (via The Straits Times). If you aren't familiar with them, lady fingers are eggy sponge cakes shaped like, well, a big finger, the result of piping batter on a baking sheet to achieve the effect, perJoy of Baking. Linguanotto points out that each ladyfinger has to be dipped in espresso before being added to the cake, which contributes to the costliness.

Consider that a shot of espresso is tiny, typically around 1 ounce. Given the fact that ladyfingers are sponge cakes, it should come as no surprise that they act like one when introduced to a liquid, requiring a good deal of espresso be used. And don't forget that indulgent, and fittingly-expensive mascarpone cheese! All of these put together result in a pricy pastry — but a very delicious one that's likely worth the cost.

Recommended

The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed? ›

Roberto Linguanotto, a Venetian pastry chef who is often credited with the invention of tiramisu back in the 1960s, says that his creation is expensive because of the espresso used in another essential component to the dessert: espresso-soaked ladyfingers (via The Straits Times).

Why is my tiramisu mushy? ›

She uses crisp ladyfingers and subsequently dips them in a mixture of rum and coffee. It is this dipping stage that makes or breaks a tiramisu. According to Garten, if you dip your ladyfingers for too long, they will turn soggy. However, if you don't dip them for long enough, they won't absorb the proper flavor.

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.

Is tiramisu better the longer it sits? ›

Is tiramisu better the longer it sits? Yes. Once it is put together, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours before serving.

How to stop tiramisu from going 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.

How firm should tiramisu be? ›

Aim for whipped cream with firm peaks: You want the whipped cream to be in between soft peaks, where the tips of the whipped cream soften down on themselves, and stiff peaks when the peaks stand straight up.

Why is tiramisu expensive? ›

I guess the pricey mascarpone cheese is the reason why tiramisu is expensive, although other ingredients are quite inexpensive. However, if you attempt to give it a try, you will have to stick with the best quality mascarpone cheese, of which the irreplaceable luscious taste comes from. Tiramisu is all about layering.

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 Costco tiramisu go bad? ›

They do need to be refrigerated, and can last about a month with refrigeration.

Why is the bottom of tiramisu wet? ›

The cookies that make up the “cake” layers of a tiramisu are called Savoiardi, or lady fingers. These cookies are incredibly absorbent because they are made from a sponge cake-like batter. That's why when you dip them in coffee if you dip them for too long they will make your cake very soggy. Sponge cake absorbs.

What does tiramisu cost? ›

₹ 175. Default Title - ₹ 175.

What is a cheaper alternative to mascarpone? ›

Crème Fraîche and sour cream bring unique tastes and handle heat like pros. Then there's ricotta, Mascarpone's flavor buddy, perfect for cheesecakes and spreads. Cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese are also the go-to for rich textures.

Is there mascarpone at Costco? ›

Bella Casara Mascarpone Cheese, 2 kg | Costco.

Does tiramisu firm up in the fridge? ›

Yes, in fact this is best to make ahead so that it has time to set up. The egg yolk mixture will seem a little loose when you are assembling it, but it should set up nicely in the fridge.

Are the ladyfingers in tiramisu supposed to be soggy? ›

(Make sure you dip for only a second—you don't want the ladyfingers to be soaked to the center or your tiramisu will end up mushy.) Depending on how you arrange the ladyfingers, you should get 19 to 20 in the dish; you may have to trim a little off the ends of the ones in the corners. 8.

Can I add cornstarch to thicken tiramisu? ›

Cornstarch: This helps thicken the cream custard. If you are gluten-free, use arrowroot starch or tapioca flour instead. Vanilla Extract: Just a dash goes a long way flavor-wise. Mascarpone: Classic tiramisu recipes always call for mascarpone, which is soft, sweeter, and light Italian cheese.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Last Updated:

Views: 5501

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Birthday: 1999-09-15

Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

Phone: +6838967160603

Job: Mining Executive

Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.