Description
A no-bake classic Italian dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) mascarpone cheese
- 3 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- About 24 ladyfingers
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) dark rum or Marsala wine (optional)
Instructions
- Brew 1 ½ cups of strong espresso or coffee and let it cool completely. Stir in the rum or Marsala if using. Pour into a shallow bowl wide enough to dip ladyfingers.
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the 3 egg yolks and ½ cup sugar. For food safety, gently heat this mixture over a double boiler, whisking constantly until pale and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Slowly add the cooled egg yolk mixture, mixing gently until combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate the airiness.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee soak for less than 2 seconds. Line the bottom of your dish with a layer of soaked ladyfingers. Spread half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers evenly. Repeat with another soaked ladyfinger layer and the remaining cream.
- Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
- Serve chilled, scooped into bowls or cut into squares.
Notes
Do not soak ladyfingers too long to avoid sogginess; quick dips of 1-2 seconds are ideal. Use fresh mascarpone cheese for best results. Whip egg whites to stiff peaks for a light, fluffy cream. Chill overnight for best flavor and texture. Alcohol is optional and can be omitted for a kid-friendly version. For safer consumption, cook egg yolks gently or use pasteurized eggs.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice or scoop (1/
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 75
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: tiramisu, coffee tiramisu, mascarpone cream, no-bake dessert, Italian dessert, ladyfingers, espresso dessert