How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (2024)

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This authentic tiramisu recipe is made in the authentic Italian way, and might have a few tips that you’ve never seen before in a tiramisu!

I recently made this tiramisu in the classic Italian way by ladyfinger biscuits, eggs, mascarpone and Italian espresso coffee.

But I added an additional twist, and one which has turned out to work wonder!

And what’s that twist?

Chopped dark chocolate!

How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Ingredients
  • Step by step Instructions
  • FAQ
  • Authentic Italian tiramisu recipe card

Every Italian grows up learning how to make a proper Italian tiramisu.

My grandmother taught me as a child, and I have been making them ever since.

It’s an easy and quick dessert which requires no baking at all.

When you need to serve it, all you have to do is cut it into cubes with the help of a spatula, take it out of the baking dish and place it onto a dessert plate.

Give it a sprinkling of cocoa and you are all set!

This easy tiramisu recipe, after a night of rest in the fridge, becomes even better as the cream becomes a bit more compact.

Keep scrolling down and you’ll see what I am talking about.

Ingredients needed To Make Classic Tiramisu

These are the main ingredients you need for this recipe.

For the step-by-step directions and measurements, scroll down to our printable recipe card.

Ladyfinger Cookies

Savoiardi are crumbly, light cookies with an elongated shape and a delicious sugar crust on the surface.

They are named after the House of Savoy but are also known as Finger Lady because of the characteristic shape reminiscent of ladies fingers.

Fresh Eggs

For the classic tiramisu recipe , raw eggs are used.

Many people worry about the risk of salmonella, but if fresh eggs are used, it is very rare.

In any case, they can be pasteurized, is very simple but you need a kitchen thermometer. Pour the sugar to combine with the yolks into a saucepan, dilute it with a little water, melt it, and wait for the thermometer to reach 248°F .

Put the yolks in the bowl while the temperature of the syrup rises and start whipping them with the whisk and pour sugar over them, continuing to whisk.

Mascarpone Cheese

Mascarpone is an Italian version of cream cheese.

Used as a known ingredient to make desserts such as in this case tiramisu is made from the cream of milk. This cream cheese originated in the city of Lodi.

Sugar

I used white sugar, but brown sugar is also fine.

Cold Espresso Coffee

For the making of tiramisu we need strong coffee, such as espresso.

I do not recommend the use of instant coffee. You can make the coffee in a espresso machine or a moka.

The coffee should not be sweetened, as the ladyfingers already contain a good amount of sugar.

Dark Chocolate

You can also leave it out if you want to make traditional tiramisu recipe. But I assure you it’s a delicious twist.

Liqueur

For the classic Italian tiramisu recipe, marsala is the liqueur used.

Marsala is a very fortified wine, but you can also use other liqueurs, such as sherry or a coffee liqueur. You can also make tiramisu without the use of liqueurs.

Cocoa Powder

The cocoa must be unsweetened, it is used to decorate our tiramisu.

How To Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1

Start by making coffee; we will need it cold.

To the coffee, add the sugar and the liqueur of your choice.

How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (2)

Step 2

Prepare the cream, start by separating the raw egg yolks from the egg white.

Combine egg yolks with sugar in a large bowl and start to whisk with an electric mixer until you get a light and fluffy cream, then slowly add the mascarpone. (low speed of the beater).

Add another shot of liqueur. If you want you can omit this step.

Step 3

Clean the whisk attachment well and, in separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with the sugar until stiff.

How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (3)

Using a spatula, add the beaten egg white to the cream with the mascarpone.

Mix gently so as not to disassemble the cream.

To assemble the tiramisu, in a baking pan spread 2 generous spoons of our cream and then a layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers.

How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (4)

Dip the ladyfingers in the coffee & sherry and start distributing them evenly onto our bed of cream.

Cover with a layer of cream and repeat.

In the last layer dust the tiramisu with sifted cocoa.

Recipe Variations

In my opinion, there is no variation for the preparation of this fantastic dessert.

This is the original recipe with the addition of dark chocolate flakes.

Kids’ friendly

Instead of coffee you can soak the ladyfingers with milk, perhaps combined with chocolate.

You can use matcha tea or, if you have chosen to make a fruit tiramisu, try soaking the cookies with juice.

Best Tips When Making Tiramisu

  • Always use fresh produce – I use very fresh eggs in my recipe, but if you want to pasteurize eggs you can find the process here.
  • Use the ingredients at room temperature, not cold right out of the refrigerator, so that they can blend together properly.
  • Add the mascarpone by spoonfuls and not all at once.
  • For a perfect tiramisu, wet the Savoiardi for 2/3 seconds by dipping only the smooth half of the cookie horizontally.

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

What liquor is in tiramisu?

The original recipe calls for Marsala wine. But many times it is difficult to find Marsala outside of Italy. In my recipe I used Sherry. Other liqueurs I recommend are kalua or amaretto.

Does tiramisu always have alcohol?

No, you can omit the addition of alcohol in tiramisu

Can I use Philadelphia cheese or any cream cheese instead of mascarpone for tiramisu?

No, absolutely not! Philadelphia would ruin the taste of tiramisu.

Is it safe to make tiramisu with raw eggs?

Yes, the important thing is that they are super fresh.

Can you make tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it the night before, in fact the result will be better because the cookies will have absorbed the cream nicely.

Storage

Personally, I never get to keep any tiramisu, because it disappears in a day!

This tiramisu can be stored for a maximum of 2/3 days due to the fact we use eggs and mascarpone.

You can freeze it, maybe already divided into single portions, and store it for a month.

When you want to serve it, simply leave it at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Best Classic Tiramisu Recipe

See also:

  • The Best Italian Breakfast Recipes You Need To Try
  • Authentic Italian Pasta Recipes
  • Authentic Italian Dessert Recipes
How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (6)
How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (7)

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Yield: 6 servings

Classic Italian Tiramisù Recipe

How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (8)

Tiramisu is much easier than you think. Follow my step by step instructions and you will prepare a delicious tiramisu in no time!

Prep Time30 minutes

Additional Time3 hours

Total Time3 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 30 Lady finger cookies
  • 4 Fresh eggs
  • 2 1/4 cupsMascarpone cheese (1,1 lb = 500g)
  • 1/2 cup Sugar (100g)
  • 1 ¼ cup Cold espresso coffee (300g)
  • 1 Bar of good, dark chocolate
  • 2 Shots of sherry (Optional)
  • Enough cocoa powder as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coffee, it is essential that it is a good quality coffe (not instant!), as it's flavor is then much more intense.
  2. Once ready, add a spoon of sugar and a shot of sherry and let it cool down in a bowl.
  3. Separate the egg whites from the yolks, and start whipping the yolks with half of the sugar.
  4. When the egg yolk mixture becomes light and fluffy, slowly add the mascarpone, if you use the electric whisk, turn the speed down to the lowest setting (I usually add another shot of Sherry to this mixture, so feel free to do so too).
  5. At this point, we need to whip at medium speed up the egg whites until stiff with the remaining sugar.
  6. Thereafter, mix this into the egg yolk & mascarpone mixture from the previous step. Fold in the egg white and sugar mixture, until your tiramisu sauce is even and smooth.

And now it's time to compose our tiramisu:

  1. In a baking pan spread 2 generous spoons of our cream on the bottom, in order to form a cream layer.
  2. Dip the ladyfingers in the coffee & sherry and start distributing them evenly onto our bed of cream.
  3. Chop up (or grate) the dark chocolate and spread it over the ladyfingers. (You decide how much chocolate you want on your tiramisu, you can even prepare it without it! )
  4. Cover with a layer of mascaropone cream and repeat.
  5. In the last layer dust the tiramisu with sifted cocoa.
  6. Cover the tiramisu with clear plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 3/4 hours in the fridge.

Notes

Tip: Dip the ladyfingers briefly into the coffee. Do not let them soak too long as then they will become too soggy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 542Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 258mgSodium: 314mgCarbohydrates: 72gFiber: 3gSugar: 32gProtein: 14g

Nutrition is automatically calculated by Nutritionix - please verify all nutrition information independently and consult with a doctor or nutritionist for any and all medical and diet advice.

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How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (9)
How to Make Classic Tiramisu Recipe - Italian Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional tiramisu made of? ›

Traditional tiramisu contains ladyfingers (savoiardi), egg yolks, sugar, coffee, mascarpone and cocoa powder. A common variant involves soaking the savoiardi in alcohol, such as Marsala wine, amaretto or a coffee-based liqueur.

What not to do when making tiramisu? ›

Roberto Lestani, who for the occasion revealed to us the 3 mistakes not to make to prepare a stunning tiramisu!
  1. 1: excessively whipping the mascarpone! ...
  2. 2: once together, don't immediately mix the yolks and sugar! ...
  3. 3: Neglect stratification!
Jun 16, 2020

How to make tiramisu Gennaro Contaldo Italian special? ›

Method
  1. In a bowl or container, combine coffee and coffee liqueur. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk mascarpone, cream, egg yolk, sugar and vanilla seeds together until all well mixed. Set aside.
  3. Dip the biscuits in the coffee mix and line the dish, pour over the creamy mixture and spread evenly all over.

Is tiramisu a famous Italian dish True or false? ›

Today, Tiramisù is the world's most famous dessert and it is considered a modern dessert par “excellence”. The word Tiramisù literally means “pick me up”. It comes from the Treviso dialect, “Tireme su”, Italianised into Tiramisù in the latter half of the 20th century.

Is Kahlua or rum better for tiramisu? ›

Most recipes use Marsala wine in tiramisu, however, I have always loved Kahlua since it pairs so well with the espresso that's already in the recipe. Use any of these or your favorite liquor: Marsala wine. Rum (dark rum would be best!)

What alcohol is best for tiramisu? ›

Our tip: some of the family's favourite liqueurs for Tiramisu are Tia Maria, Frangelico, Brandy, Marsala, or Kahlua, but you can use whatever dessert liqueurs you have in the liquor cabinet.

Why is my tiramisu so runny? ›

Whichever biscuits you choose, make sure not to soak them too much, otherwise the excess coffee will make the mascarpone cream runny. Once they are soaked, line them up in the oven pan with the sugared side facing upward.

How long should tiramisu sit before eating? ›

Wrap tiramisù with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator at least 6 hours before serving. If you want to get fancy, finish the Tiramisù with a layer of whipped cream piped on top and dust with more cocoa powder.

Is tiramisu better with whipped cream or egg whites? ›

However, the most important pastry chefs in Italy use whipped cream in their tiramisù. It is not just a matter of taste but of texture, too. Even if you beat the egg whites to stiff peaks, they release some water after a few hours, which make the tiramisù too liquid. Using whipped cream keeps it stable.

What part of Italy has the best tiramisu? ›

However, Tiramisù is a traditional Italian dessert that originated in the Veneto region. Many consider the Tiramisù from the city of Treviso, near Venice, to be exceptional.

Who is the father of tiramisu? ›

Restaurateur Ado Campeol, fondly known as the 'father of tiramisu', died on 30 October. He was 93. He was the owner of Le Beccherie — a restaurant in Treviso in northern Italy — and took charge off it after the second world war.

What is dolce tiramisu? ›

Description. A generous dusting of intense cocoa powder covers a delicious, coffee infused, sponge cake and lady fingers, filled with a light, velvety, mascarpone cream. An Italian classic. Ideal to stock in stored and delis.

What country makes the best tiramisu? ›

Pompi. Known as the king of tiramisù, Pompi's tiramisù is so amazing that its brand is listed as one of the excellencies of made in Italy.

What do Italians drink with tiramisu? ›

Stick With Sweet Wines

Muscat is often suggested, but it's too delicate, so it would be better to opt for sparkling red wine, like Sangue di Giuda from Oltrepo Pavese.

What does tiramisu mean in Italian slang? ›

The literal meaning of Tiramisu in Italian is “pick me up” or “cheer me up”. As the name implies, this is an iconic Italian dessert that is served at the end of the meal that hopefully “cheers you up”.

Does authentic tiramisu contain alcohol? ›

Tiramisu doesn't traditionally have alcohol, it's just made with espresso/coffee. Some versions, especially at nicer restaurants, do have Kahlua, marsala or other booze (e.g. amaretto, brandy, rum), and it depends how much but usually it's fine, but you may check with where you're ordering from.

What's the difference between tiramisu and tiramisu cake? ›

While traditional tiramisu relies on ladyfingers, tiramisu cake often uses layers of sponge cake soaked in espresso and sometimes a touch of liqueur. The quintessential mascarpone cream remains a constant, but the structure allows for creative variations.

What is the difference between mascarpone and tiramisu? ›

Tiramisu is made with mascarpone, a kind of cheese made from only two ingredients: heavy cream and citric or tartaric acid. It is often compared to cream cheese, but has a softer, more velvety texture and a higher fat content. What is the best cream mixture for tiramisu if there's no mascarpone cheese available?

Do they eat tiramisu in Italy? ›

Tiramisu's origins may well be the most debated of Italian dolci (“desserts”), but one thing everyone can agree on is that it is certainly Italy's most uplifting dessert. Beloved by many across the globe, it's name translates as 'pick/pull me up', owing to its rich cocoa and coffee-infused flavours.

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