Classic Homemade Tiramisu Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Whip Cream: Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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