Easy Tiramisu Classic Italian (Printable)

Layered ladyfingers soaked in coffee with a creamy mascarpone blend, chilled for a smooth, elegant finish.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
02 - 1 cup heavy cream, cold
03 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar

→ Eggs

04 - 2 large egg yolks, room temperature

→ Liquids

05 - 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
06 - 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

→ Cookies

07 - 7 ounces ladyfinger biscuits (about 24 cookies)

→ Topping

08 - Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
09 - Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

# How-To:

01 - Whisk egg yolks with powdered sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, creating a double boiler. Whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes pale in color. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
02 - In a separate clean bowl, beat the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
03 - Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg yolk mixture until smooth and well incorporated. Then carefully fold in the whipped cream until fully combined and no streaks remain.
04 - In a shallow dish wide enough to dip ladyfingers, combine the cooled coffee with coffee liqueur if using. Stir gently to mix.
05 - Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for just 1-2 seconds per side. They should be moistened but not soggy or falling apart. Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer in the bottom of an 8-inch square dish.
06 - Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the first layer of ladyfingers, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
07 - Repeat the dipping process with the remaining ladyfingers and arrange them in a single layer on top of the cream. Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture evenly over the second layer of ladyfingers.
08 - Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling is recommended for the best texture and flavor integration.
09 - Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap and dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No baking means you can make it ahead and focus on your main course
  • Restaurant quality results with ingredients you can find at any grocery store
02 -
  • Overdipped ladyfingers will turn your tiramisu into a soggy mess, so dip quickly and confidently
  • Pasteurized eggs are worth the extra effort if you are serving anyone with immune concerns
03 -
  • Use a serrated knife to trim ladyfingers if your dish is smaller than expected
  • The mixture should be spreadable but not runny, adjust chilling time if needed