Everyone loves this Classic Tiramisu recipe! With layers of espresso soaked ladyfingers and fluffy mascarpone, it's a creamy, decadent and delicious Italian dessert!
Tiramisu is the one of the most iconic Italian desserts! Layers of espresso soaked ladyfingers, a creamy mascarpone cheese/whipped cream filling, and a topping of either dark chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
It's a very rich and decadent treat, with a strong coffee flavor and hints of chocolate. If
This layered dessert is the most popular during the Christmas and New Year's Eve holidays. But really, it is the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it's a fancy dinner party or a cozy night in!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent flavors. The mascarpone and whipped cream mixture in this recipe is absolutely divine!
- Perfect for coffee lovers: The whole dessert has a rich coffee flavor due to the espresso soaked ladyfingers.
- A classic tiramisu recipe. Shortcut recipes are convenient, but where authentic Italian desserts are concerned, it's best to stick to this tried and true recipe.
Making tiramisu from scratch may seem intimidating, but I promise, it is much easier than you might think.
Ingredients
See ingredient substitutions in the next section. ⬇️
To make this classic tiramisu recipe, you'll need:
- mascarpone cheese: This is a soft and mild Italian cheese, with a consistency similar to cream cheese. The flavor isn't as tangy as cream cheese.
- clear chocolate liquor: Despite its name, chocolate liquor is not alcohol, but chocolate liqueur does! Chocolate liquor is made from cocoa nibs that are ground into a paste and then melted.
- granulated white sugar
- heavy whipping cream
- ladyfingers: These are actually dried sponge cake. They are very absorbent, which is why they are so good at soaking up the espresso in tiramisu.
- espresso: This is actually just very strong coffee!
- dark chocolate
Substitutions and Recipe Variations
For a truly classic tiramisu, it's best to avoid using substitutions if possible.
- Liquor: For an adults-only dessert, you can substitute the non-alcoholic chocolate liquor with a booze like brandy or unspiced rum. Other good options are coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, or hazelnut liqueur (I like Frangelico).
- Mascarpone is very rich and high in fat, and there are really no perfect substitutes for it. It's essential to this recipe.
- Espresso: If you don't have access to freshly brewed espresso, you can make a substitute using water and instant espresso or espresso powder. Or use extra strong coffee.
- Ladyfingers are the authentic choice for a classic tiramisu recipe. If you need a substitute, the best choice is to cut pieces of sponge cake or vanilla pound cake into the shape of ladyfingers. Then, place them on a wire rack to dry out for a couple of days.
How to make Classic Tiramisu
Summary only. The complete recipe instructions are in the card at the bottom of this post ⬇️
- Combine sugar and mascarpone cheese.
- Make whipped cream and fold it into the mascarpone mixture.
- Arrange first layer of ladyfingers.
- Drizzle half of the espresso over them.
- Cover with half of the mascarpone cream mixture.
- Sprinkle with half of the dark chocolate shavings.
- Continue layering the remaining ingredients.
- Let the layers set up in the fridge.
Liz's Recipe Tips
- Do not over soften the mascarpone cheese. The fat can easily separate, causing the cheese to curdle. It’s fine to take it out 5 minutes before you’re ready to use it.
- Be sure your heavy cream is very cold so it whips up easily. To make it even easier, put the bowl and beaters of your mixer in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Keep beating until stiff peaks form.
- Make this dish 24 hours before you plan to serve it. Tiramisu is best made in advance of serving it so the cookies can soak up the espresso and the flavors can meld together!
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover tiramisu in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 5 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container.
Because of its soft consistency and texture, this dessert doesn't freeze well.
Classic Tiramisu Recipe FAQ
Yes, tiramisu is made with espresso. You can make it with decaf espresso if you would prefer for it to be caffeine free!
Tiramisu does not have nuts in it, but many recipes call for hazelnut liqueur. You can skip the alcohol by making it with chocolate liquor.
Other Delicious Italian Desserts
- Italian Chocolate Cookies (AKA meatball cookies)
- Italian Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Classic Tiramisu
Ingredients
- 1 lb mascarpone cheese softened but still cold - *see Notes
- 3 tablespoons clear chocolate liquor or dark rum (not spiced rum)
- ⅓ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 28 ladyfingers *see Notes for substitutions
- 1 ½ cup espresso cooled to room temperature
- ⅔ cup dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
- To the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use an electric hand mixer and large mixing bowl), add mascarpone, liquor, and sugar. Combine on medium-high speed until mixture is smooth.
- Transfer mixture from the mixing bowl to a separate bowl. Set aside.
- In the same mixing bowl (you don’t have to wash it!) using a whisk attachment to whip the cream until firm peaks form.
- Using a rubber or silicone spatula, gently fold mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream.
- Layer half of the ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8-inch square dish. *You might have to cut off the ends off the cookies so they'll fit. Drizzle half of the espresso over the ladyfingers, making sure to saturate them evenly.
- Spread half of the mascarpone/whipped cream mixture over the top of the soaked lady fingers. Sprinkle half of the chocolate shavings evenly over the mascarpone mixture.
- Layer with the remaining ladyfingers, drizzle with espresso, and cover with the remaining mascarpone and chocolate shavings.
- Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible.
Helpful Notes and Tips From Liz
- Do not over soften the mascarpone cheese. The fat can easily separate, causing the cheese to curdle. It’s fine to take it out 5 minutes before you’re ready to use it.
- If you don't have access to freshly brewed espresso, you can make a substitute using water and instant espresso or espresso powder.
- The best substitute for ladyfingers is pieces of sponge cake, cut into the shape of ladyfingers.
Joe
Love this recipe- easy to make and tastes great
Cathy
Can you make tiramisu without the coffee, or is there a substitute for it? Do not like the taste of coffee, or the smell either. But the texture F tiramisu
Liz @ Tasty Treats & Eats
You need something to soak the lady fingers with. I haven't tried tea but maybe that would work?