Every time I serve tiramisu. People are literally flying with joy. Tiramisu is one mysterious dessert that costs a lot in a restaurant, but in fact takes no hassle to make at home. 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. A layer of espresso-soaked sponge fingers, then another layer of rich mascarpone filling, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, then ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese and cocoa powder. That’s all. You could do it without alcohol. But if you need a hit of booze, you could try Kahlua, Marsala or other coffee liquor.
Ingredients (8-inch square cake):
4 egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup Kahlua
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream
24 to 28 ladyfingers
2 cup freshly brewed strong coffee or espresso, cooled slightly
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Directions:
In a large heatproof bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, Kahlua and salt. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat on high speed until well mixed. Set bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Beat on high speed until the mixture is thick and hot to touch, about 8 minutes.
Remove from heat. Let mixture cool completely. Stir occasionally.
Beat mascarpone cheese and heavy cream on medium speed until smooth in a standing mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Increase speed to high, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Fold the whipped mascarpone mixture into the cooled egg mixture a third at a time until combined and smooth.
To assemble, dip ladyfingers, one at a time, into the espresso and arrange in a single layer on the bottom of a 8×8-inch pan. Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers. Dust half of the cocoa powder on top. Repeat with the second layer of ladyfingers, mascarpone filling and cocoa powder.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
FAQs
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).
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 not to do when making tiramisu? ›
Roberto Lestani, who for the occasion revealed to us the 3 mistakes not to make to prepare a stunning tiramisu!
- 1: excessively whipping the mascarpone! ...
- 2: once together, don't immediately mix the yolks and sugar! ...
- 3: Neglect stratification!
It has been claimed that tiramisu has aphrodisiac effects and was concocted by a 19th-century Treviso brothel madam, as the Accademia Del Tiramisù explains, to "solve the problems they may have had with their conjugal duties on their return to their wives".
Is tiramisu very unhealthy? ›
Tiramisu is the clear loser here at 400 calories for 5 ounces. The primary ingredients are usually some mixture of creamy fats, processed sugars and alcohol. A typical recipe calls for eggs, mascarpone cheese, ladyfingers, cream, espresso, liquor (e.g., brandy, Marsala or rum), sugar, and cocoa or shaved chocolate.
Is tiramisu better the longer it sits? ›
Homemade tiramisu lasts for up to 3 days in the fridge.
As it sits, it gets better and better. You can freeze tiramisu for up to 3 months, although the texture and flavor will be slightly different as it thaws. Thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Can Muslims eat tiramisu with alcohol? ›
What do beer battered fish, Bolognese sauce and tiramisu have in common? The answer is their recipes contain alcohol. Most people know that alcohol is not Halal for Muslims to consume.
How much alcohol is in Costco tiramisu? ›
Does it Have Alcohol? Yes, it does. There is 1.5% alcohol in this dessert which comes from the marsala wine.
What is a substitute for Kahlua in 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.
What pairs well with tiramisu? ›
Any sweet sherry style goes perfectly with Tiramisu, although pedro ximénez is great choice. Its luscious, velvety texture will pair with the soft, delicate notes of this classy dessert.
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).
What country invented tiramisu? ›
Most of the accounts of the origin of Tiramisu points to the 1960s in the region of Veneto in Northeastern Italy, which is where the city of Venice is located. Roberto Linguanotto, owner of “Le Beccherie” of Treviso, Italy was behind the creation of the first Tiramisu.
Why are ladyfingers used in tiramisu? ›
Ladyfingers (also known as “savoiardi” or “sponge fingers”) are simple sponge cookies that are often used to make Tiramisu! These versatile finger-shaped cookies are great for soaking up the flavors of whatever sweet treat you add them to.
Why do Italians eat tiramisu? ›
Although the core ingredients still remain the same, this dish is often tweaked from chef to chef. Tiramisu is also known to have quite an interesting history in Italian brothels. It is believed that the dessert was created inside the brothels of Treviso, to act as a pleasure-seeking aid to clients.
What is special about tiramisu? ›
The delicate flavor of layers of mascarpone and Italian custard are contrasted with the darkly robust presence of espresso and sharpness of cocoa powder. The name itself, tiramisu, means “pick me up” in Italian most likely referring to the two caffeinated ingredients that are present in the dish, espresso and cocoa.
What is real tiramisu made of? ›
What is traditional tiramisu made of? A Classic Italian Tiramisu is a coffee-flavored Italian dessert that dreams are made of. It's made of ladyfingers dipped in espresso, layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese and layered with cocoa powder.
Is tiramisu the most popular dessert in Italy? ›
Tiramisu
Perhaps the most iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu appears on menus at restaurants not only throughout Italy but also all over the world.
