Description
This Authentic Italian Tiramisu recipe features a rich and creamy mascarpone filling layered with coffee-soaked ladyfinger cookies and dusted with cocoa powder. A classic no-bake Italian dessert perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
Cream Mixture
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound mascarpone cheese
Soaking Liquid & Cookies
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 2 (3 ounce) packages ladyfinger cookies
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare custard base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until smooth and well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent curdling, until it begins to boil. Allow to boil gently for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Chill the custard: Cover the custard tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour to thicken and cool fully.
- Make mascarpone cream: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently whisk the mascarpone cheese into the chilled custard mixture until smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the whipped cream gently to maintain the airy texture.
- Prepare soaking liquid and ladyfingers: Combine the cooled brewed coffee with the rum in a small dish. Split ladyfingers lengthwise and lightly drizzle each piece with the coffee-rum mixture, ensuring they are moist but not soggy.
- Assemble tiramisu: Arrange half of the soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 7×11 inch serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers, then spread half of the remaining whipped cream over the mascarpone layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and whipped cream.
- Finish and chill: Dust the top layer generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve or sifter. Cover the tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and dessert to set perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality mascarpone cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the coffee is strong and cooled to avoid melting the ladyfingers prematurely.
- Soak the ladyfingers briefly to keep them from becoming too soggy and losing their structure.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute rum with additional coffee or coffee-flavored syrup.
- Allowing the tiramisu to chill overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
