Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cheese mixture, dusted with cocoa powder. This no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your guests with its creamy texture and delightful coffee flavor.

Ingredients

For the Coffee Mixture:

• 1 cup brewed espresso (or strong coffee, cooled)
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)

For the Mascarpone Mixture:

• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

For Assembly:

• 24-30 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

Timing

Making Tiramisu takes about 30 minutes for preparation and requires 4-6 hours for chilling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture

1. Brew Coffee: Brew the espresso or strong coffee and let it cool. If using, mix in the coffee liqueur and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Mixture

1. Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until pale and creamy.
2. Add Mascarpone: Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and well combined.
3. Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu

1. Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy.
2. Layer: In a rectangular or square dish, arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
3. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers on top of the mascarpone mixture, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.

Step 4: Chill

1. Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Step 5: Serve

1. Dust with Cocoa: Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.
2. Enjoy: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this delightful dessert!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Tiramisu (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	6g
Fat	24g
Carbohydrates	29g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different liqueurs such as amaretto or rum for a unique flavor twist.
• Coffee Alternatives: For a non-coffee version, substitute the espresso with a strong brewed tea or chocolate milk.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate chocolate chips or nuts into the mascarpone mixture for added texture.

Conclusion

Tiramisu is a timeless Italian dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee and cream in a delightful layered treat. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet ending to any meal, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delightful recipe!