Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe

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I have always been intimidated by this lovely layered, classic Italian dessert; so today, I’m going to show you how very easy it is to make this Traditional Tiramisu recipe! With a not-to-sweet, creamy mascarpone custard, light vanilla whipped cream, layered between rum and espresso soaked ladyfingers. Bellissimo! Which loosely translates to the BEST tiramisu recipe!

If you are looking for an elegant, make ahead, simple dessert recipe; this simple Tiramisu recipe is the one! This classic Italian tiramisu recipe is perfect for the holidays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s day, bridal showers; anytime you want a show stopping make ahead dessert.

Love make ahead desserts like I do, try this Best Key Lime Pie, Old Fashioned Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Dirt Cake or this amazing no bake Mile High Mud Pie.

Recently while at a Favorite Things Party (<— check it out!), my friend, Natalie brought this simple tiramisu recipe!

I love receiving recipes from friends, how about you? Her recipe is AMAZING and I love that she made her own tweaks, like I tend to do which I will note below in the step-by-step.

Post update: I just learned that this recipe was actually discovered first by Natalie’s teenage son, who wanted to make an Italian dinner for Natalie on Mother’s day by himself! Bravo Bendor!!

How do you make Classic Tiramisu

INGREDIENTS

The full list of ingredients is in the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

• Egg yolks | Start with room temperature eggs (scramble up the egg whites for a dog, or make an egg white omelet, then you’ll feel better about eating this dessert! HA)
• Granulated sugar | I use all natural cane sugar, which is unrefined, you may substitute refined white sugar
• Whole milk | I use organic whole milk in my baking
• Heavy cream (no substitutions here, the real, full fat kind)
• Pure vanilla extract | Make your own vanilla or purchase quality vanilla.
• Mascarpone cheese (typically found in the deli section, near the fresh mozzarella, parmesan, you’ll need two tubs)
• Strong brewed coffee | Room temp or a pull of espresso
• Rum | Use light or dark (or see notes below for other alcohol options or to omit entirely)
• Ladyfingers | Instead of the really soft ladyfingers you find in the local grocery store, try and find real Italian ladyfingers, which are a little more firm and will do a nice job soaking up the liquids, for a perfect spongy tiramisu.
• Optional chocolate drizzle and chocolate curls

How to separate eggs?

1. Personally, I use the shell to shell method, where you crack the egg, open it and slip the yolk from shell to shell allowing the whites to drip into a bowl beneath. 
2. I’ve also used the hand method; crack an egg and pour entire egg into your hand, slowly opening your fingers just enough to allow the whites to slip through, then sliding the yolk into a clean bowl.
3. If both those methods scare you or gross you out (I get it) then you can always buy one of these handy dandy yolk separators. 

• Place egg yolks in a medium saucepan, whisking sugar until well blended. If using all natural cane sugar, whisk a little longer than normal to incorporate the coarser crystals of all natural cane sugar.
• Whisk in milk and stirring constantly, cook over medium heat, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Boil gently for 1 minute.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 1 hour or more if needed. 
• Once egg mixture custard is cool; in a separate large bowl, using a whisk attachment beat heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form, refrigerate until ready to use. I love that Natalie increased the whipping cream to the full pint, after-all, what do you do with the leftovers? 
• Whisk the softened mascarpone into the yolk mixture, whisking the mascarpone cream until smooth, set aside.
• If your Tiramisu cream is runny, read to the end of the post for reasons and fixes. 

How to Assemble Traditional Tiramisu Recipe

The original recipe calls for a 7×11 dish, which is fine, but Natalie’s notes and I completely agree are to put it in a deep 8×8 or 9×9 pan, makes it more compact, with thicker tiramisu cream layers between. Choose your preference. 

1. In a 1 cup measuring cup, mix the strong coffee and dark rum (see notes below to make without rum), Natalie doubled from the original recipe, I concur!
2. Layer ladyfingers evenly on the bottom of your chosen dish.
3. Drizzle 1/2 of the espresso mixture over the top, they do not need to be completely soaked, but should be evenly drizzled, I ended up adding a couple additional tablespoons of coffee to the lady fingers.
4. Swirl your plate around so that the ladyfingers soak up the liquid. 

WHAT ARE LADYFINGERS?

“Ladyfingers (sometimes known by their Italian name savoiardi,sponge fingers in British English, or as Boudoir in French) are low density, dry, egg-based, sweet sponge biscuits roughly shaped like a large finger. Plain ladyfingers are commonly given to infants, being soft enough for teething mouths, but easy to grasp and firm enough not to fall apart. Source

5. Layer half the mascarpone custard on top of the lady fingers, smoothing out. I even gave the dish a little gentle “tap” on the counter to get the custard to settle between the lady fingers. 
6. Spread half of the vanilla whipped cream on top of the mascarpone mixture, smooth out evenly. I like using an offset spatula for things like this, makes the smoothing go a lot quicker. 
7. In a separate dish or shallow bowl, lay out ladyfingers and pour reserved coffee-rum liquid over the tops, until evenly drizzled. 
8. Carefully place ladyfingers on top of whipped cream-custard layer, they should not be too soggy, but a couple of mind did get soaked and it didn’t seem to impact the texture or taste of the tiramisu dessert.
9. Repeat layering with custard and whipped cream, cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours. 
10. Before serving, don’t forget the traditional dusting of cocoa powder.

The easiest way to get this dessert plated pretty is by using a mini spatula, I have three and I use them for everything from brownies, to cornbread.

If desired, drizzle a little chocolate sauce and/or chocolate curls to dress it up even more!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does tiramisu last?

It is best kept in the refrigerator and will last up to 4 days (though we have certainly eaten leftovers longer after that! The flavors are at their peak at day 1 and 2, so eat it sooner rather than later.

Is Tiramisu a cake?

Technically it is not a traditional cake, however; I would consider this a cake in many ways! It is a layered dessert that is best served in slices, just like cake.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Does Tiramisu have alcohol? Yes! I used traditional rum, but a nice Marsala or Madeira wine, a Tawny Port, amaretto or coffee liquor like Kahlua are also acceptable choices. Other sweet liquors like Irish cream, orange or chocolate liquor will blend well with tiramisu coffee and cocoa flavors. Change it up! Make it Yours!
2. Individual Tiramisu desserts | You may have to get creative about cutting your ladyfingers, but simply choose your dishes or cups and layer away! Tiramisu in a cup! Yes!
3. Can I substitute cream cheese for mascarpone? Not easily, but it can be done. “Mascarpone is a cream cheese with a high fat content and a slightly sweet taste. It is difficult to find a substitute and regular cream cheese has a lower fat content and a more acidic flavor.
   
   However you could try beating together 225g (8 ounces) full fat cream cheese with 60ml (4 tablespoons/1/4 cup) double or whipping cream and 30g (1 ounce/2 tablespoons) softened unsalted butter until just blended. This will give the equivalent of around 300g (10 ounces/1 1/4 cups) mascarpone.” Source
4. I can’t find ladyfingers, now what? I can’t find ladyfingers, now what? Instead of the Italian Savoyardi (ladyfingers/sponge fingers) a vanilla or plain sponge cake would be the best choice.
5. Slice the cake into “finger sized” portions and bake fingers in 350 degree oven for 10 minutes, until dry and crisp or leave it on a wire rack to dry out for a day or two so that when it is dipped into the coffee mixture it absorbs liquid without breaking up too much. Or try making homemade ladyfingers.

I hope you enjoy this traditional tiramisu recipe, it’s one of my most popular recipes on the blog and if you are into creamy, delicious, decadent desserts, this won’t disappoint! Looks fancy, but it’s really not!

More Italian Recipes

Here are some menu suggestions from an Italian mama, to you! Mangia!

• Penne alla Vodka | The Best Vodka Sauce Recipe
• Grandpa Frank’s Spaghetti Sauce
• Easy 30 minute Chicken Parmesan Recipe + Gluten Free and Low Carb Option
• Slow-Roasted Veggie Pasta
• Olive Garden Crock Pot Chicken
• Air Fryer Ravioli
• Bow-Tie Pasta | A Creamy Pasta Recipe
• Italian Braised Short Ribs

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