Discover the joy of creating a classic Italian Tiramisu, the beloved no-bake dessert that combines coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a rich and creamy mascarpone custard, topped off with a layer of whipped cream. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a perfectly layered dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Dust it with cocoa powder for a truly elegant finishing touch!
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Additional Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 (7×11-inch) tiramisu
Ingredients for Classic Italian Tiramisu:
- Egg Yolks: 6 large, the base of the custard
- White Sugar: ¾ cup, adds sweetness
- Milk: ⅔ cup, for cooking with the egg yolks
- Heavy Cream: 1 ¼ cups, whipped into peaks
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon, enhances flavor
- Mascarpone Cheese: 1 pound, at room temperature for smoothness
- Strong Brewed Coffee: ¼ cup, cools to room temperature
- Rum: 2 tablespoons, for soaking the ladyfingers
- Ladyfinger Cookies: 2 packages (3 ounces each)
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 tablespoon, for dusting
Directions to Make Classic Italian Tiramisu:
- Prepare the Custard:
- Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a medium saucepan until well blended. Add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils. Continue boiling for 1 minute, remove from heat, and let cool slightly. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Whip the Cream:
- Beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This will be folded into the mascarpone to create the creamy layers.
- Mascarpone Mixture:
- Remove the chilled egg mixture from the refrigerator, add the mascarpone cheese, and whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Mix the coffee and rum in a small bowl. Dip the ladyfingers into this mixture just long enough to soak them without becoming soggy. Arrange half of the soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 7×11-inch dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then layer half of the whipped cream on top. Repeat the layers once more.
- Final Touch:
- Sift the cocoa powder over the completed layers for a rich, inviting top.
- Chill and Set:
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set properly before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 387
- Total Fat: 31g (Saturated Fat: 17g)
- Cholesterol: 216mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 23g (Sugars: 13g)
- Protein: 7g
This Classic Italian Tiramisu recipe will transport your taste buds straight to Italy with every bite of this exquisite dessert, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a decadent sweet treat.