Classic Tiramisu with Mascarpone and Espresso

Introduction

Real tiramisu is a lesson in restraint — five ingredients, no baking, and a dish that keeps improving the longer it sits in the fridge. The mascarpone cream should be silky and airy, the ladyfingers dipped briefly in cold espresso (not soaked to mush), and the top dusted with cocoa just before serving. Make it a day ahead for the best texture; it needs at least 6 hours in the fridge to set. Serve after a plate of spaghetti carbonara or Neapolitan pizza for a proper Italian dinner at home.

Cooking your way through our archive? Don't miss our Classic French Lemon Tart or our Molten Chocolate Lava Cake for Two, and browse every dessert recipe for more ideas.

Ingredients

• •4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
• •100 g granulated sugar, divided
• •500 g mascarpone cheese, cold
• •1 1/2 cups strong espresso or very strong coffee, cooled
• •3 tbsp coffee liqueur (Kahlúa) or dark rum (optional)
• •300 g savoiardi (ladyfinger biscuits)
• •Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
• •Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half the sugar until pale, thick and ribbon-like, about 3 minutes.

2. 2

   Add the mascarpone in three additions, folding gently with a spatula after each until smooth. Don't overmix or the cream will loosen.

3. 3

   In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks. Add the remaining sugar and continue to whisk to stiff, glossy peaks.

4. 4

   Fold the whites into the mascarpone mixture in three additions, keeping as much air as possible.

5. 5

   Stir the coffee liqueur into the cooled espresso in a shallow bowl.

6. 6

   Working one at a time, quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee — 1–2 seconds per side, no more. Arrange in a single layer in a 23 x 23 cm dish.

7. 7

   Spread half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers in an even layer.

8. 8

   Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and a second layer of cream, smoothing the top.

9. 9

   Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.

10. 10

    Just before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and scatter with chocolate shavings if using.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Nutrition is an approximation generated from ingredient databases and may vary based on brands and exact measurements.

Calories

440 kcal

Protein

9 g

Carbs

34 g

Fat

30 g