Tiramisù
Italy's beloved coffee dessert - delicate layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Mascarpone cheese(Ensure it's at room temperature for easier mixing.)
- 6 Egg yolks(Use fresh, high-quality eggs.)
- 120 g Granulated sugar
- 300 ml Strong brewed espresso(Cooled completely. Can substitute with strong coffee.)
- 60 ml Marsala wine(Sweet Marsala is traditional. Can substitute with dark rum or brandy.)
- 300 g Savoiardi (ladyfingers)(These are dry, crisp biscuits essential for the texture.)
- for dusting Unsweetened cocoa powder(Use good quality cocoa for best flavor. Sifted.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (bain-marie), whisk together the egg yolks and sugar. Continue whisking constantly until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and has increased in volume. This process, known as tempering, cooks the yolks gently. The mixture should reach about 70°C (160°F) if using a thermometer, or when it coats the back of a spoon and forms ribbons when drizzled.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 2
Remove the bowl from the heat. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, continue to beat the yolk mixture until it has cooled down and become very pale and fluffy, resembling a zabaglione. Gradually add the room temperature mascarpone cheese to the cooled yolk mixture. Gently fold or whisk on low speed until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the mascarpone to split.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled espresso and Marsala wine. Working one at a time, quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring it's coated on all sides but not saturated. The ladyfingers should absorb liquid but still hold their shape. This should take only a second or two per biscuit.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Begin assembling the tiramisù. Arrange a single layer of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish (a 20x20 cm or similar rectangular dish works well). Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream, spreading it smoothly to the edges.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly, allowing the ladyfingers to soften and the cream to firm up.
⏱️ 6 hours minimum (overnight recommended) - 6
Just before serving, generously dust the top of the tiramisù with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve for an even coating.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to a good tiramisù is the quick dip of the ladyfingers. If they soak too long, the dessert will become mushy.
- ✓Chilling overnight allows the flavors to deepen and the textures to meld perfectly. It's highly recommended for the best result.
- ✓Dust the cocoa powder just before serving to prevent it from absorbing moisture and becoming clumpy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a different flavor profile, substitute the Marsala wine with dark rum, brandy, or amaretto.
- Add a layer of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, between the ladyfinger layers for a fruity twist.
- For a caffeine-free version, use decaffeinated espresso or strong brewed coffee.