ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Introduction
ADVERTISEMENT
Tiramisu, an iconic Italian dessert, perfectly balances rich mascarpone cream with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creating a decadent treat loved worldwide. This version focuses on achieving a creamy, light texture without an overwhelming eggy flavor. A dusting of cocoa powder ties together the coffee and mascarpone, ensuring every bite is indulgent and flavorful.
Ingredients
Coffee Syrup
- 1/4 cup (20g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2/3 cup (140g) espresso or strong brewed coffee, hot
- 1/4 cup (55g) crème de cacao or chocolate liqueur (optional)
- 1/4 cup (55g) Cardamaro or sweet Marsala wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) vanilla extract
Mascarpone Filling
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 24 ounces (680g) mascarpone cheese, chilled
To Assemble
- About 30 ladyfingers (savoiardi), store-bought or homemade
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
1. Prepare the Coffee Syrup
- In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, hot espresso, crème de cacao, Cardamaro, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Mascarpone Filling
- Place eggs, sugar, and salt in a heatproof bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk constantly until the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Transfer the bowl to a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whip the mixture on high speed until it quadruples in size and becomes pale and thick (5–10 minutes).
- Reduce to medium speed and add mascarpone one scoop at a time. Mix until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
3. Assemble the Tiramisu
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee syrup (1–2 seconds) and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of a 7×11-inch dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone filling evenly over the ladyfingers. Dust a generous layer of cocoa powder on top.
- Add a second layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers. Top with the remaining mascarpone filling and smooth the surface.
- Dust the top with cocoa powder. For a decorative touch, use string or twine to create a swirl pattern before dusting.
4. Chill and Serve
- Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight) to let the flavors meld and the filling firm up.
- Serve chilled, using a spoon or spatula to scoop generous portions.
Conclusion
This creamy tiramisu strikes the perfect balance between coffee-soaked biscuits, airy mascarpone filling, and the bittersweet touch of cocoa. Simple yet luxurious, it’s an ideal dessert for any gathering or indulgent treat for yourself. Refrigerated for up to 3 days, it gets even better with time—if it lasts that long!
For more details, visit the full recipe