Tiramisu

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Classic Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert made of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, and dusted with cocoa powder. This no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion, and its rich, creamy texture and coffee flavor make it a crowd favorite. Here’s how to make a classic tiramisu from scratch, with no special tools required!

Ingredients:

For the Coffee Syrup:

1 cup brewed coffee (strong, preferably espresso)
1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional, such as Kahlúa)

1-2 tablespoons sugar (adjust based on how sweet you like it)

For the Mascarpone Filling:

1 lb (16 oz) mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
1 cup heavy cream (chilled)

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For Assembling:

1 package ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coffee Syrup:

Brew 1 cup of coffee (strong coffee or espresso works best). If you don’t have espresso, use the strongest coffee you have.
While the coffee is still warm, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (to taste) and let it dissolve completely.
Add 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa) to the coffee mixture for extra depth of flavor. This step is optional but adds a nice touch.

Allow the coffee syrup to cool to room temperature while you prepare the other components.

2. Make the Mascarpone Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat until smooth and well combined.
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed.

Fold the Whipped Cream into the mascarpone mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much; you want the mixture to stay light and airy.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu:

Soak the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee syrup. Be sure to dip them for only 1-2 seconds—you don’t want them to get too soggy. The ladyfingers should be moist but not falling apart.
Layering: In a 9×9-inch or similar-sized dish (you can also use a trifle bowl), start by placing a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom. Spread about 1/3 of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Repeat the layers: Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers on top of the mascarpone layer, followed by the next third of the mascarpone mixture. Repeat until you’ve used up all the ladyfingers and mascarpone filling, ending with a final layer of the mascarpone mixture.

4. Chill the Tiramisu:

Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. The flavors will meld together, and the texture will set to perfection.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Just before serving, dust the top with a generous amount of unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve or sifter.

Optionally, sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings or grated chocolate for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled and cut into squares or scoop out portions if you’re using a trifle bowl.
Pair it with coffee or a dessert wine like Vin Santo for an elegant finish to your meal.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store tiramisu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s best eaten within the first 2 days, as the ladyfingers will continue to soften over time.
Freezing: Tiramisu can be frozen, but the texture might change once thawed. To freeze, cover it tightly and store it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Classic Italian Flavors: Tiramisu is a perfect blend of coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa—classic, rich, and indulgent.

No-Bake: This dessert doesn’t require any baking, so it’s perfect for making ahead and saving time.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, coffee strength, or even add flavor variations (like orange zest or liquor) to suit your taste.

Tips for Success:

Don’t Over-soak the Ladyfingers: Quick dips in the coffee syrup are key to the perfect texture. Over-soaking them will cause them to become mushy.

Room Temperature Mascarpone: Be sure to let the mascarpone cheese come to room temperature before mixing, as it will blend more smoothly with the cream.
Chill Long Enough: The longer the tiramisu chills, the better it will taste. Letting it sit overnight will give you the best flavor and texture.

This Classic Tiramisu is creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced between the bitterness of coffee and the sweetness of mascarpone. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this dessert never disappoints!