This authentic tiramisu recipe is a luxurious, no-bake Italian dessert layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a velvety mascarpone cream. Light, rich, and dusted with cocoa powder, it’s perfect for date nights, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet indulgence.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Chill Time: 6+ hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
✨ Why You’ll Love This
✔ Authentic Italian recipe (no shortcuts!)
✔ Make-ahead dream (tastes better overnight)
✔ 3 boozy/non-boozy options
✔ Elegant yet easy – no oven required
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa) or more cooled coffee (optional)
- 30-36 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 pound (450g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for dusting cocoa)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
- In a shallow dish, combine the cooled brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using). Set aside.
Step 2: Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and thick in consistency. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Incorporate Mascarpone
- Add the room temperature mascarpone cheese to the egg yolk mixture. Gently fold it in with a rubber spatula until smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Whip Heavy Cream
- In a separate clean bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
Step 5: Combine the Cream with the Mascarpone Mixture
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two or three additions until just combined. The mixture should be light and airy.
Step 6: Dip Ladyfingers
- Working one at a time, quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture. Do not soak them; a quick dip on each side is sufficient. They should be moistened but not soggy.
Step 7: Assemble the First Layer
- Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer on the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to break some ladyfingers to fit.
Step 8: Spread Half the Cream Mixture
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the layer of ladyfingers.
Step 9: Create the Second Layer
- Dip the remaining ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and arrange them in a single layer over the cream.
Step 10: Spread the Remaining Cream Mixture
- Spread the remaining mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the second layer of ladyfingers.
Step 11: Chill the Tiramisu
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.
Step 12: Dust with Cocoa Powder
- Just before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve for an even coating.
Step 13: Serve and Enjoy!
- Cut the tiramisu into squares and serve chilled.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories 380
- Protein 6g
- Carbs 30g
- Caffeine ~40mg
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Ladyfinger secret: Use hard savoiardi (soft ones get mushy)
✅ No raw eggs: Substitute ½ cup whipped cream cheese + 1 tsp vanilla
✅ Clean slices: Dip knife in hot water before cutting
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Dinner Party
- Serve in individual glasses
- Garnish with chocolate curls
- Coffee Lover’s
- Add espresso beans on top
- Kid-Friendly
- Use decaf coffee + orange juice instead of alcohol
Enjoy your delicious homemade Classic Tiramisu!
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