Authentic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee and Mascarpone
Tiramisu is an elegant Italian dessert that needs no oven, yet it tastes like something straight out of a fine restaurant. The bitterness of the coffee, the silky sweetness of the mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa create a balance that’s hard to resist. Perfect when you want a refined dessert with minimal effort.
The key is not to soak the ladyfingers in coffee for too long, so they don’t turn soggy, and to let the tiramisu rest in the fridge for several hours so the flavours meld and the layers set.
Authentic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee and Mascarpone
المقادير
Method
- Whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla until the mixture is pale and creamy.
- Add the mascarpone and whisk gently until smooth.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff, then gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture to make a light cream.
- Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the coffee and arrange them in the bottom of the dish.
- Spread a layer of cream, then another layer of ladyfingers, more cream, and so on until you run out of ingredients.
- Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, then dust with cocoa just before serving.
ملاحظات
Chilling for several hours is essential so it sets and the flavours come together.
You can swap the raw eggs for whipped cream if you'd rather avoid them.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of mascarpone?
A mix of cream cheese and whipped cream, though the flavour and texture will be slightly different.
Does tiramisu contain alcohol?
The traditional version may include a little marsala, but you can leave it out entirely and use just coffee.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Two to three days in a covered dish, though it's best enjoyed fresh.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons — Creative Commons license (CC BY-SA)
