The Best Tiramisu Recipe - Live Well Bake Often (2024)

This is hands down the best tiramisu recipe I’ve ever eaten. Ladyfingers are dipped in coffee and layered with a creamy mascarpone mixture. A dusting of cocoa powder finishes off this stunning dessert!

The Best Tiramisu Recipe - Live Well Bake Often (1)

What Is Tiramisu?

If you’ve never made this delectable Italian dessert before, you may be scratching your head wondering what tiramisu even is.

In essence, tiramisu is a coffee-flavored dessert comprised of ladyfinger cookies that have been dipped in coffee and layered with an egg and mascarpone cheese mixture. It’s then topped with cocoa powder and chilled for several hours.

What I’m sharing with you today is hands down the best tiramisu recipe I’ve ever eaten. It’s almost completely homemade (I used store-bought ladyfingers, but I figured you wouldn’t mind) and it’s so easy to make. Win-win!

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Ingredients in This Recipe

I kept this a classic tiramisu recipe, because I didn’t see the point in messing with something that’s already perfect. Here are the tiramisu ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe:

  • Egg yolks: Be sure to use large egg yolks. You can save the egg whites for an omelette or egg scramble (they’ll last about 24 hours in an airtight container in the fridge).
  • Granulated sugar:Just 2/3 cup is all you need to sweeten this dessert. This isn’t an overly sweet tiramisu, but you do need some sugar to balance out the coffee.
  • Salt:Enhances the rich vanilla flavor of the mascarpone filling.
  • Vanilla extract:Pure vanilla extract will deliver the best flavor.
  • Mascarpone cheese:Not to be confused with cream cheese. You’ll find it near the other spreadable cheeses in the dairy aisle. Make sure that your mascarpone is cold too. Room temperature mascarpone has a tendency to curdled sometimes, so be sure to take it straight out of the refrigerator right before you use it.
  • Heavy whipping cream:Some tiramisu recipes use whipped egg whites and some use heavy cream that’s whipped to medium or stiff peaks. While both are delicious, I prefer to use heavy cream. Your cream should be very cold so that it whips up properly. Be sure to use a heavy cream that’s at least 36% fat.
  • Espresso:To make things easier, I prefer to buy Delallo instant espresso powder and mix it with warm water to get 2 cups of espresso. Just be sure the espresso is chilled before dipping the ladyfingers in it.
  • Kahlua: This is completely optional, so feel free to omit it from the recipe. I used 1/4 cup in this recipe, but you can increase it to 1/2 cup.
  • Ladyfingers:Make sure to use crunchy ladyfingers so that they hold up in the tiramisu. You will need about 40 to 45, which is equal to about two 7-ounce packages.
  • Cocoa powder:Use unsweetened cocoa powder. For best results, use a metal sieve to create a fine dusting of cocoa powder on top of the dessert.

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How to Make Tiramisu

Homemade tiramisu looks impressive, but it’s actually quite easy to make. You’ll start by making the mascarpone filling. To do so, combine the egg yolks, sugar, and and salt in a large bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water to cook the eggs.

You’re looking for the mixture to thicken and turn pale in color (this will take about 10 to 13 minutes). Note that the eggs and sugar need to be whisked constantly and reach a temperature of 165°F-170°F.

Once thickened, set the mixture aside to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

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Once the egg mixture has cooled just slightly, add the cold mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract and whisk until well combined. Make sure not to mix too much as this could cause the mascarpone to curdle.

In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer. It should be beat to medium-stiff peaks, in other words, they’re whipped enough to stand up firmly but curl just at the tip. Fold in about half of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, then fold in the remaining whipped cream.

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Now, it’s time to assemble the tiramisu dessert! Combine the Kahlua (if using) and the coffee in a shallow dish. Dip the ladyfingers into the coffee and arrange along the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Don’t let the ladyfingers sit in the espresso for too long, otherwise they can end up being soggy. Just a quick dip on each side is all they need.

Once the bottom of the pan is covered in an even layer of ladyfingers, spread half of the mascarpone mixture over top. Repeat this process once more, ending with the remaining half of the mascarpone mixture.

Dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 8 hours before serving. This gives the dessert time to set and for the flavors to come together.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Prep This Dessert in Advance?

Absolutely! Homemade tiramisu can be made up to 24 hours before you plan on serving it. This is one of the few desserts that gets better the longer it sits in the fridge.

How Long Does Tiramisu Last?

This dessert will last up to 4 days in the fridge. Keep it covered tightly the entire time to prevent it from drying out.

Are the Egg Yolks Safe to Eat?

Yes, as long as you are not allergic to eggs they are safe to eat. This recipe has you gently cook the egg yolks and sugar over simmering water until the mixture reaches a temperature of 165°F-170°F.

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Baking Tips

  • I recommend separating the egg yolks from the whites in a separate bowl before combining them with the sugar. This way, if any shells sneak into the yolks or you accidentally crack in a whole egg you won’t have to start the entire recipe over.
  • Be sure to use heavy whipping cream in this recipe, half and half or whole milk won’t work.
  • Make sure to let this chill for at least 8 hours, overnight is even better! This will give the ladyfingers time to soften and make it easier to slice and serve the tiramisu.

More No-Bake Desserts to Try!

  • Classic No-Bake Cookies
  • No-Bake Cheesecake
  • No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
  • No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
  • No-Bake Berry Cheesecake Trifle

Recipe Video

The Best Tiramisu Recipe - Live Well Bake Often (9)

Tiramisu

5 from 21 ratings

Prep Time: 30 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Chilling Time: 8 hours hrs

Total Time: 8 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

This is hands down the best tiramisu recipe I've ever eaten. Ladyfingers are dipped in coffee and layered with a creamy mascarpone mixture. A dusting of cocoa powder finishes off this stunning dessert!

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Ingredients

Servings: 16 slices

  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 24 ounces (680 grams) cold mascarpone cheese (straight from the refrigerator)
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) cold heavy whipping cream
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold espresso
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Kahlua (optional)
  • 40 to 45 ladyfingers
  • 1/4 cup (22 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

  • Combine the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt in a large heat-proof bowl.

  • Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, whisking constantly to ensure that the eggs don’t scramble.

  • Once the mixture has thickened, is pale in color, and reaches a temperature of 165°F-170°F (it should take about 10 to 13 minutes) remove the bowl from the saucepan and set aside to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

  • Whisk the cold mascarpone and vanilla extract into the egg mixture until well combined and no lumps remain (make sure not to overmix).

  • In a separate cold mixing bowl with clean beaters, beat the heavy whipping cream to medium-stiff peaks.

  • Fold half of the whipped cream into the mascarpone egg mixture until fully combined, then fold in the remaining whipped cream. Set aside.

  • In a shallow dish, combine the cold espresso and Kahlua.

  • Dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture, one at a time, and arrange half of them in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking pan.

  • Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and top with another layer of dipped ladyfingers.

  • Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and dust with cocoa powder.

  • Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Tiramisu can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Mascarpone Cheese:Make sure that your mascarpone is cold. Room temperature mascarpone has a tendency to curdled, so be sure to take it straight out of the refrigerator right before you use it.

Espresso:I prefer to buy Delallo instant espresso powder and mix it with warm water to get 2 cups of espresso. You may also use 2 cups of strongly brewed coffee. Just be sure that your espresso or coffee is cold before you assemble the tiramisu.

Kahlua:This is completely optional, feel free to omit it from the recipe if you prefer! If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can reduce the espresso by 1/4 cup and increase the Kahlua to 1/2 cup. You may also use dark rum instead.

Ladyfingers:Make sure to use crunchy ladyfingers so that they hold up in the tiramisu. You will need about 40 to 45, which is equal to about two 7-ounce packages.

Cuisine: Italian

Course: Dessert

Author: Danielle

Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.

This site contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission.

The Best Tiramisu Recipe - Live Well Bake Often (2024)

FAQs

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

Should mascarpone be at room temperature for tiramisu? ›

Room Temperature Ingredients

One of the first steps to making the perfect Tiramisu is by making sure that your eggs and mascarpone cheese are at room temperature. Also be sure to use the freshest of ingredients.

Why is my tiramisu not creamy? ›

The choice is yours, even though connoisseurs of this dessert will always tell you to choose savoiardi. In fact, the result is completely different if you use these biscuits, which are tall and spongy and absorb less coffee. As a result, the consistency will be less creamy and slightly more compact.

What is the cream in tiramisu made of? ›

Most American recipes I've seen make tiramisu with heavy whipping cream–Italians would be appalled. Tiramisu cream should be made with only eggs, sugar, and mascarpone. And maybe a little rum if you like it boozy.

Is it better to use egg whites or cream in tiramisu? ›

Using egg whites instead of cream: Some authentic recipes for tiramisu use whipped egg whites instead of whipped cream. Tiramisu made with egg whites is lighter and more airy. To make our recipe with egg whites, whip 3 egg whites until they hold stiff peaks.

How long should tiramisu sit before serving? ›

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.

What is the best alcohol for tiramisu? ›

Alcohol: I prefer Kahlua, but use any of the following: Marsala wine, rum (dark is best!), brandy, or Amaretto. Make it Alcohol-Free: Omit the Kahlua entirely from the coffee mixture and replacing it with coffee in the mascarpone mixture.

What alcohol is good in tiramisu? ›

Fortified wine: The traditionalist's choice is a sweet fortified wine like Marsala. It's lower in alcohol content and adds a light, fragrant note. You could also use Vin Santo or Madeira. Liquor: Rum and brandy are the popular choices for boozy desserts, and when it comes to adding depth to tiramisu, it's no different.

What is a good substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu? ›

Pavesini Biscuits: Pavesini biscuits are a popular alternative to ladyfingers in tiramisu. These small, thin biscuits are low in calories and can be brushed with coffee instead of being dipped. They are commonly used in making tiramisu, especially in individual servings [2].

Is it better to use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu? ›

Wondering if you should use soft or hard ladyfingers for tiramisu? They come in both forms, but we tend to use the soft variety. Espresso powder: We use instant espresso coffee powder ($7, Target) found in the coffee aisle at your grocery store.

Is it better to leave tiramisu overnight? ›

You leave a tiramisu in the fridge to allow it to firm up. If you eat it straight away, it tends to be a mushy mess. Putting it in the fridge gives it the creamy airy texture.

What can you substitute for heavy cream in tiramisu? ›

Half and Half and Butter

Mixing half and half with butter is one of the best heavy cream substitutes because it has the most similar flavor. Half and half is made from a mixture of whole milk and cream that results in a rich liquid with a lower fat content than heavy cream alone.

What is Costco tiramisu made of? ›

It Sticks with the Traditional Tiramisu Flavors

While a tiramisu is normally made with soaked lady fingers, this cake mostly uses coffee-soaked sponge cake with creamy mascarpone filling. It is then topped off with a sprinkle of chocolate powder, chocolate shavings or espresso beans.

How do you keep lady fingers from getting soggy in tiramisu? ›

Garten dips ladyfingers one by one in a mixture of rum and coffee, allowing each to soak for just a few seconds, then quickly moves them to the dish she's using to layer the tiramisu.

Why is my tiramisu so soggy? ›

She uses crisp ladyfingers and subsequently dips them in a mixture of rum and coffee. It is this dipping stage that makes or breaks a tiramisu. According to Garten, if you dip your ladyfingers for too long, they will turn soggy. However, if you don't dip them for long enough, they won't absorb the proper flavor.

Why did my tiramisu curdle? ›

Unfortunately it sounds as if the mascarpone curdled because it was whisked too much. Mascarpone has a very high fat content and so will split more easily than double/whipping cream or cream cheese.

Why don't you cook the eggs in tiramisu? ›

In most traditional tiramisu recipes, you'll find egg yolks. This adds richness and a decadent flavor to the mascarpone filling. While true classic tiramisu recipes use raw egg yolks, I prefer to cook them to eliminate the risk of salmonella, so that's what this recipe calls for.

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