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–+ servings
Various types of Italian Tiramisu and cocoa powder in bowls and bars arranged on a white marble surface.

Italian Tiramisu

A rich and creamy traditional Italian Tiramisu passed down from Nonna Elena, made with love, strong espresso, and velvety mascarpone. Perfectly balanced and made a day ahead for easy entertaining.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 12 hours
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Coffee Base:
  • 1.5 cups Strong espresso - Cooled
  • 2 tablespoon Sugar - Optional adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoon Dark rum or liqueur - Optional skip for alcohol-free
  • 30 Ladyfinger cookies - Use Italian savoiardi
Cream Layer:
  • 4 Egg yolks - Use pasteurized if preferred
  • ½ cup Granulated sugar
  • 16 oz Mascarpone cheese - Room temperature very important!
  • 1 cup Heavy cream - Whipped to soft peaks
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - Pure only
  • 1 pinch Salt - Enhances flavor
Finishing:
  • 2 tablespoon Unsweetened cocoa powder - For dusting
  • 2 tablespoon Dark chocolate - Optional: shaved or grated

Equipment

  • 2 Large mixing bowls (For mixing cream and egg yolk mixture)
  • 1 Hand whisk (Nonna insists: no electric mixers!)
  • 1 Glass baking dish (9x13 recommended)For dusting cocoa powder)
  • 1 Fine-mesh sieve (For dusting cocoa powder)
  • 1 Rubber spatula (For folding and spreading)
  • 1 Shallow bowl (For dipping ladyfingers in coffee)

Method
 

  1. Brew strong espresso, sweeten slightly, and let it cool.
    A tray of tiramisu covered with plastic wrap, ready to be chilled or stored in the refrigerator.
  2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
    Tiramisu in a glass dish fully dusted with cocoa powder, with a light and airy cream layer underneath.
  3. Slowly mix in mascarpone, vanilla, and a tiny pinch of salt.
    A hand dusting cocoa powder over the top layer of tiramisu in a glass dish on a rustic table.
  4. Whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
    Whisking a creamy mascarpone mixture in a white bowl, surrounded by ingredients like eggs and sugar on a floured wooden surface.
  5. Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture without overmixing.
    A close-up of a fluffy cream mixture being whisked in a glass bowl, showing a smooth and rich texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 120gCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 6gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 950IUCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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