Tiramisu, an iconic Italian dessert, is a luscious combination of rich flavors, light textures, and a perfect balance of sweetness. This no-bake, coffee-soaked, layered treat consists of fluffy mascarpone cream, delicate ladyfingers, and a hint of cocoa, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have you coming back for more. Ideal for any occasion, Tiramisu brings elegance and indulgence to your table, leaving everyone asking for seconds. Whether served in individual portions or a large dish, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 3 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, such as Kahlua)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- For the Cream Filling:
- 500g mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Layers:
- 24-30 ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
- Brew 1 ½ cups of strong coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature. Stir in the coffee liqueur (if using) and sugar until dissolved. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and gently fold in the whipped cream mixture. Be careful not to deflate the cream. The result should be a smooth, thick, and airy filling.
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee mixture, making sure not to soak them too long, as they will become soggy. Place a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish (a 9×9-inch pan or similar works well).
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the layer of ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone filling.
- Chill the Tiramisu:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Just before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
- Slice into portions and serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of espresso powder for an extra touch of elegance.