How to Make the Perfect Classic Tiramisu
Italian · Easy · 30 min · 8 servings
Tiramisu is Italys most beloved dessert, built from layers of espresso-soaked ladyfinger biscuits and a rich, airy mascarpone cream made with egg yolks and whipped cream. It is a no-bake dessert that improves significantly after an overnight rest in the refrigerator.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Tiramisu recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 500 g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 4 large egg yolks
- 100 g caster sugar
- 300 ml strong espresso or very strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 200 g Savoiardi ladyfinger biscuits
- 30 g high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Whip the Mascarpone Cream
Beat the egg yolks and caster sugar together with an electric mixer for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and falls from the beaters in ribbons. Gently fold in the room-temperature mascarpone until completely smooth and no lumps remain. Do not overmix or the cream will become too dense.
Step 2: Soak the Ladyfingers
Pour the cooled espresso into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso for no longer than 2 seconds per side. The biscuit should absorb coffee but still hold its shape. Over-soaking will cause the layers to collapse and become soggy rather than delicate.
Step 3: Layer the Tiramisu
Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a deep rectangular dish approximately 30 by 20 centimeters. Spread half the mascarpone cream evenly over the top. Add a second layer of soaked ladyfingers followed by the remaining cream, smoothing the surface flat with a spatula.
Step 4: Chill and Finish
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, though overnight is strongly preferred for the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly. Just before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder through a fine sieve for a beautiful finish.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- egg yolks → 150ml of heavy whipping cream whipped to soft peaks for an egg-free version
- espresso → strong cold brew coffee concentrate for a smoother, less bitter soaking liquid
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Soaking the ladyfingers for too long, which creates a wet and mushy base instead of a soft but structured layer
- Serving the tiramisu too soon before it has had time to set, resulting in a cream that is too loose to slice cleanly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 8g protein, 38g carbs, 26g fat, 1g fiber.
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