A foolproof recipe for authentic Italian tiramisu, featuring coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream.
Author:Carla Davis
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:250 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
6 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
16 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
24 ladyfingers
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thick and pale yellow, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Gently fold the cooled egg yolk mixture into the mascarpone until well combined.
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee and coffee liqueur (if using).
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking dish.
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
Repeat with another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use espresso instead of brewed coffee.
If you prefer not to use raw eggs, you can make a sabayon by cooking the egg yolks and sugar over a double boiler until thickened, then cooling it before mixing with the mascarpone.
Ensure your mascarpone cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Chill the tiramisu sufficiently to achieve the best texture.