Homemade Tiramisu
Indulge in this classic Italian dessert featuring espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with rich mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa.
Ingredients
- •3 large egg yolks
- •1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)
- •3/4 cup heavy cream (180ml)
- •1 cup mascarpone cheese (225g), room temperature
- •1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- •1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled (240ml)
- •2 tablespoons dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
- •24 to 30 Italian ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- •2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- 1
In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, whisk the egg yolks and sugar constantly for about 5 minutes until pale, thick, and warm to the touch, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 2
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- 3
Whisk the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract into the cooled egg yolk mixture until smooth and completely combined.
- 4
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula until light and uniform.
- 5
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled espresso and rum or liqueur if using.
- 6
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for just one second per side so they absorb liquid without becoming soggy.
- 7
Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking dish, breaking them to fit any gaps.
- 8
Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the layer of ladyfingers.
- 9
Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone cream, smoothing the top.
- 10
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- 11
Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder.
💡 Chef tips
- Do not soak the ladyfingers for too long in the espresso, or the tiramisu will become watery.
- Make this dessert a day in advance for the best flavor and firmest texture.
- Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished tiramisu is elegantly layered with a velvety, rich mascarpone cream and coffee-infused ladyfingers, offering a decadent melt-in-your-mouth texture with a balanced bittersweet finish.