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Creamy Classic Tiramisu Recipe Easy Step-by-Step for Perfect Dessert

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A creamy classic tiramisu recipe that combines bold espresso-soaked ladyfingers with smooth mascarpone and whipped cream for a luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • About 24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi)
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) freshly brewed espresso, cooled
  • 16 oz (450 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) dark rum or Marsala wine (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) of strong espresso and set aside to cool completely. Add 2 tbsp (30 ml) of dark rum or Marsala wine if using.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk 4 large egg yolks and 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar together until pale and thick, about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Gently fold 16 oz (450 g) room-temperature mascarpone cheese and 1 tsp vanilla extract into the egg yolk mixture using a spatula.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup (240 ml) chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  5. Slowly fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until just combined.
  6. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso for 1-2 seconds per side, moist but not soggy. Layer them evenly in a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) dish.
  7. Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and spread smoothly.
  8. Add another layer of espresso-dipped ladyfingers, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream on top.
  9. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  10. Just before serving, sift unsweetened cocoa powder evenly over the top.

Notes

Do not over-soak ladyfingers to avoid sogginess. Use room-temperature mascarpone and eggs for smooth texture. Whip cream to soft peaks only. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Variations include adding chocolate ganache, fruit layers, or dairy-free substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: tiramisu, classic tiramisu, creamy tiramisu, easy tiramisu recipe, espresso dessert, mascarpone dessert, Italian dessert