Creamy Classic Tiramisu Recipe Easy Homemade Espresso Cocoa Delight
A simple and comforting classic tiramisu made with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 ladyfingers (savoiardi) – crisp and airy
- 1 cup (240 ml) strong espresso, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- 3 large eggs, separated, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, full fat, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
Instructions
- Brew 1 cup (240 ml) of strong espresso. Mix with 2 tbsp coffee liqueur if using. Set aside to cool completely (about 10 minutes).
- In a medium bowl, whisk 3 egg yolks with 3/4 cup sugar until pale and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and fold in 8 oz mascarpone cheese until fully incorporated but still light.
- In a clean bowl, beat 3 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture in three batches, using a spatula to keep the mixture airy.
- Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso mixture for 1-2 seconds per side. Do not soak them; they should be moist but not soggy.
- Line the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish with a single layer of soaked ladyfingers.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers and smooth the surface.
- Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, then top with the remaining mascarpone cream and smooth again.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld and the dessert set.
- Before serving, sift 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder evenly over the top. Optionally, add dark chocolate shavings or a dusting of cinnamon.
Notes
Let mascarpone sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing to avoid clumping. Dip ladyfingers briefly to prevent sogginess. Chill tiramisu at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Dust cocoa powder just before serving to maintain its bittersweet bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: tiramisu, classic tiramisu, creamy tiramisu, espresso dessert, easy tiramisu, homemade tiramisu, cocoa tiramisu