Description
A classic Italian dessert elegantly presented in glass cups, featuring layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream, dusted with cocoa powder for a perfect finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
Soaking Liquid
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
Assembly
- 18 to 20 ladyfinger cookies (Savoiardi)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare the egg custard: Whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together over a double boiler until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and creamy. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, which adds lightness to the mascarpone mixture.
- Combine mascarpone and cream: In another bowl, stir the mascarpone cheese until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream followed by the cooled egg yolk mixture, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- Dip the ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso or coffee mixed with coffee liqueur if using. Do not soak them too long to avoid sogginess.
- Assemble the dessert: In glass cups, arrange a layer of the dipped ladyfingers followed by a layer of the mascarpone cream. Repeat the layering until the cups are full, finishing with cream.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
- Finish and serve: Just before serving, dust the tops generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for a traditional and elegant touch.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs and ensure the custard cools completely before folding it into the mixture to maintain the desired texture.
- If coffee liqueur is not desired, simply omit it or replace with a splash of vanilla extract for flavor variation.
- Dip the ladyfingers quickly to avoid them becoming too soggy and losing structure.
- This dessert tastes best when made a day ahead to allow full flavor development.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Layering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass cup (approx. 1/5 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: tiramisu, Italian dessert, mascarpone, coffee, no-bake dessert, layered dessert, ladyfingers, easy tiramisu
