Tiramisu is one of the most beloved Italian desserts, and for good reason. With its rich layers of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a light dusting of cocoa powder, this dessert is nothing short of indulgent. The addition of strong brewed coffee and optional coffee liqueur elevates the flavor, making it a perfect treat for coffee lovers. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this Classic Tiramisu with Coffee recipe will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This tiramisu recipe is a classic for a reason. The combination of creamy mascarpone, perfectly soaked ladyfingers, and the depth of coffee flavor is a match made in dessert heaven. Despite its elegance, it’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. The best part? It can be made ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the company of your guests. The rich, creamy texture combined with the coffee-soaked ladyfingers makes this dessert irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Egg Mixture:
-
6 large egg yolks
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Mascarpone Mixture:
-
1 cup mascarpone cheese
-
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
For the Coffee Mixture:
-
1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
-
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
For Assembling:
-
24–30 ladyfinger cookies
-
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
-
Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale. To safely cook the egg yolks, place the bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler setup. Whisk continuously for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once done, remove the bowl from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Add Mascarpone:
-
Once the egg mixture has cooled, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and well combined. The mascarpone cheese will add richness and creaminess to your tiramisu.
3. Whip the Cream:
-
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. This is crucial for achieving the light, airy texture in your tiramisu. Once whipped, gently fold the cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
4. Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
-
In a shallow dish, mix the cooled brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur, if using. The coffee liqueur adds an extra depth of flavor but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they’re soaked just enough without becoming too soggy.
5. Assemble the Tiramisu:
-
In a 9×13-inch dish, start by arranging half of the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
6. Chill and Serve:
-
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set. Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings, if desired, for a sophisticated touch.
Prep Time:
-
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition (Per Serving):
-
Calories: 370 kcal
-
Sugar: 18g
-
Sodium: 55mg
-
Fat: 27g
-
Saturated Fat: 16g
-
Carbohydrates: 28g
-
Fiber: 1g
-
Protein: 6g
Conclusion
This Classic Tiramisu with Coffee is the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. With its smooth mascarpone filling, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder, this dessert is the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and decadent. It’s an easy, make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to something sweet. Impress your guests with this authentic, delicious tiramisu that is sure to become a new favorite!
Print
Classic Tiramisu with Coffee
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Classic Tiramisu is one of Italy’s most beloved desserts, celebrated for its luxurious layers of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a delicate dusting of cocoa powder. This easy-to-make recipe features strong brewed coffee, with an optional splash of coffee liqueur to enhance the flavor. Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this tiramisu is elegant, rich, and undeniably delicious.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
6 large egg yolks
¾ cup granulated sugar
Mascarpone Mixture:
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1½ cups heavy cream
Coffee Mixture:
1½ cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
Assembly:
24–30 ladyfinger cookies
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Dark chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
Whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar in a heatproof bowl until thick and pale. Place the bowl over simmering water to create a double boiler and whisk continuously for 10 minutes until creamy and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. - Add Mascarpone
Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg mixture until fully combined. The mascarpone adds richness and a creamy texture. - Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture carefully to maintain its light, airy texture. - Prepare the Coffee Mixture
Combine cooled coffee and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, soaking just enough to absorb flavor without becoming soggy. - Assemble the Tiramisu
In a 9×13-inch dish, layer half of the coffee-dipped ladyfingers. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over them. Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture, smoothing the top with a spatula. - Chill and Serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Coffee Strength: Strong espresso or brewed coffee works best for authentic flavor. Adjust sweetness if desired.
- Make-Ahead: Tiramisu tastes even better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld together.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the coffee liqueur and substitute with an equal amount of brewed coffee.
- Garnish Ideas: Cocoa powder, dark chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of espresso powder add visual appeal and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
