Tiramisu

This classic Italian tiramisu is the most elegant and indulgent dessert you can make at home. Delicate ladyfinger biscuits soaked in rich espresso are layered with a light and creamy mascarpone mixture and finished with a generous dusting of dark cocoa powder. With no baking required and just 30 minutes of preparation, this authentic tiramisu recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dessert that will impress everyone at the table.

⏱Prep Time

30 minutes

⏱Cook Time

0 minutes

⏱Total Time

30 minutes

(+ 4 hours chilling)

🥘 Servings

6 Serving

Ingredients

  • 250g mascarpone cheese
  • 200g ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup strong espresso, cooled
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons dark cocoa powder for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

🍽 Serving Suggestion

Serve the tiramisu chilled directly from the fridge in individual portions. It pairs beautifully with a shot of espresso or a small glass of dessert wine for a truly authentic Italian experience.

Nutrition (Approximate)

Calories: 380 kcal        Protein: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g        Fat: 22 g

Instructions

  1. Brew the espresso and let it cool completely. Mix with coffee liqueur if using.
  2. Separate the egg yolks from the whites into two bowls.
  3. Beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale, thick, and creamy.
  4. Add the mascarpone cheese to the egg yolk mixture and mix until smooth and well combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the mascarpone mixture until light and airy.
  7. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso — just 1–2 seconds per side, do not soak.
  8. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish.
  9. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
  10. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top.
  11. Spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the second layer.
  12. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  13. Before serving, dust generously with dark cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings.

⭐ Tips

  • Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers — a quick 1–2 second dip is enough to avoid a soggy tiramisu
  • For best results, prepare the tiramisu the night before serving
  • Use high quality mascarpone for the creamiest and richest flavor
  • Add a pinch of vanilla extract to the mascarpone mixture for extra depth of flavor