Classic Homemade Tiramisu Recipe

Introduction

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert known for its creamy texture and rich coffee flavor. This recipe combines homemade lady fingers with a luscious mascarpone filling soaked in coffee and rum, creating a perfect treat to impress your guests. With some hands-on preparation and patience, you’ll enjoy a truly authentic tiramisu experience.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs, separated
• ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 6 egg yolks
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup whole milk
• 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¾ cups strong brewed coffee or espresso
• ⅓ cup rum
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Trace the bottom of an 8×8” or 9×9” square pan (or a 9” round pan) on each sheet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Using a mixer, whip the egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar until thick and pale. Transfer to a clean bowl and rinse the beaters.
3. Step 3: Whip the egg whites until they start to thicken, then gradually add the remaining ½ cup sugar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form, then add vanilla and mix briefly.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites on low speed. Add flour and salt, folding in with a spatula until the batter is thick and pale yellow.
5. Step 5: Pour about 1 cup of batter onto each traced square, spreading evenly with a ¼” border. The batter should be about ½” thick.
6. Step 6: Bake for 10-12 minutes until set and lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack, then carefully remove the lady finger squares from the parchment.
7. Step 7: Brew the coffee and let it cool. Stir in rum and pour the mixture into a large shallow dish for soaking the lady fingers.
8. Step 8: In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks, milk, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until boiling. Reduce heat and boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
9. Step 9: Transfer custard to a container without the lid and whisk every few minutes until slightly cooled. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
10. Step 10: Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
11. Step 11: Beat chilled custard with mascarpone and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream.
12. Step 12: Quickly dip a lady finger layer into the coffee-soaking liquid for 5-10 seconds, then place it in the bottom of your baking dish.
13. Step 13: Spread one-third of the filling over the soaked layer. Repeat layers twice more, alternating soaked lady fingers and filling.
14. Step 14: Dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder.
15. Step 15: Chill the tiramisu for at least 8 hours or overnight before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a quicker option, use store-bought lady fingers instead of making your own, soaking them slightly longer in the coffee mixture.
• Add a splash of coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa for extra depth of flavor.
• If raw eggs concern you, use pasteurized eggs or temper the eggs carefully as directed in the recipe.
• Try dusting with a mix of cocoa powder and finely grated dark chocolate for an indulgent finish.

Storage

Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it often tastes even better the next day. To serve, slice and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for the best texture. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture of the creamy filling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make tiramisu ahead of time?

Yes, tiramisu benefits from chilling for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.

What can I use if I don’t have rum?

You can substitute rum with coffee liqueur, brandy, or omit alcohol altogether and just use brewed coffee for soaking the lady fingers.

Classic Homemade Tiramisu Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 94 reviews

Classic homemade Tiramisu featuring delicate lady finger layers soaked in coffee and rum, layered with a rich mascarpone and whipped cream filling, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. This indulgent Italian dessert is perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a creamy, coffee-flavored treat.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Lady Fingers

• 6 eggs, separated
• ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Soaking Liquid

• 1 ¾ cups strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
• ⅓ cup rum

Filling

• 6 egg yolks
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup whole milk
• 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Topping

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Make the Lady Fingers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line three baking sheets with parchment paper. Trace the bottom of an 8×8”, 9×9” square pan, or a 9” round cake pan onto each piece of parchment paper for guides. In a standing mixer bowl fitted with a whisk, whip the egg yolks with ¼ cup sugar until thick and pale, then transfer to a separate bowl and rinse the whisk.
2. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whip egg whites until they begin to thicken, add the remaining ½ cup sugar, and beat until stiff peaks form. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat to combine.
3. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg whites on low speed. Then gently fold in the flour and salt using a spatula until the batter is thick and pale yellow.
4. Shape and Bake: Pour about 1 cup of batter onto each traced shape on the parchment, spreading evenly to about ½ inch thick with a ¼ inch border. Bake for 10-12 minutes until set and lightly browned. Cool on wire racks, then carefully peel off the parchment.
5. Make the Soaking Liquid: Brew strong coffee or espresso and let it cool. Stir in the rum, then pour the mixture into a wide baking dish for soaking the lady fingers.
6. Prepare Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, milk, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture boils. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and transfer to a lidded container. Allow to cool slightly while whisking occasionally, then chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
7. Whip Cream: Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
8. Combine Filling: Beat the chilled custard, mascarpone cheese, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into this mixture until fully combined.
9. Assemble Tiramisu: Quickly dip each lady finger layer into the coffee-rum soaking liquid for 5-10 seconds, being careful not to oversoak. Arrange the first soaked layer in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread 1/3 of the filling over it. Repeat with the second and third layers and remaining filling, alternating lady fingers and filling.
10. Finish and Chill: Dust the top of the assembled tiramisu with unsweetened cocoa powder. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight to set before serving.
11. Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled for a luscious Italian dessert experience.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh eggs and high-quality mascarpone cheese.
• You can prepare the custard the day before to save time.
• If you prefer alcohol-free version, omit the rum and use additional coffee or coffee-flavored syrup.
• Homemade lady fingers are more delicate than store-bought, so soak carefully to avoid them falling apart.
• Chilling overnight enhances the flavors and texture of the tiramisu.

Keywords: Tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, lady fingers, coffee dessert, classic tiramisu, homemade tiramisu