Classic Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu - Classic Recipe for an Unforgettable Dessert

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of Servings: 8

Tiramisu is an iconic dessert, enjoyed by sweet lovers around the world. With origins that date back to ancient times, this dessert stands out for its perfect combination of textures and flavors. It blends the delicacy of mascarpone with the intensity of coffee, offering an unforgettable tasting experience. Whether served on a special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds, tiramisu is surely a dessert that will impress.

Our ingredients are simple, but each plays an essential role in achieving a perfect tiramisu. Here’s what you will need:

Ingredients:
- 3 fresh eggs (preferably free-range for a richer taste)
- 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a slight caramel flavor)
- 500 g mascarpone (make sure it is at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 300 g ladyfingers (choose quality ones that absorb coffee well)
- 1 cup of strong, freshly brewed coffee (preferably espresso)
- 2 tablespoons of brandy or amaretto (for an extra hint of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (to sweeten the coffee, optional)
- Cocoa powder (for decoration)

Preparing the Dessert:

1. Preparing the Coffee:
Start by making the coffee. Boil water and add ground coffee in a coffee maker or pot. Once brewed, let it cool slightly. Add sugar (if desired) and brandy, stirring well. Allow the coffee to reach room temperature.

2. Separating the Eggs:
In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure the bowl is clean, without any traces of fat; otherwise, the egg whites will not whip properly.

3. Beating the Yolks:
Add the 6 tablespoons of sugar to the yolks and beat them with an electric mixer until they become a light, fluffy cream. This step is crucial for achieving an airy texture.

4. Incorporating the Mascarpone:
Gradually add the mascarpone to the yolk mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid lumps. It’s important that the mascarpone is at room temperature for even incorporation.

5. Beating the Egg Whites:
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will add a light and airy texture to your mixture. Begin to fold the egg whites into the mascarpone cream using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

6. Combining the Ingredients:
Once you have a smooth cream, gently combine the egg whites with the mascarpone cream. Mix using circular motions from top to bottom to maintain the airy texture.

7. Assembling the Tiramisu:
Meanwhile, prepare a serving dish, preferably rectangular or square. Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the coffee, ensuring you don’t leave them too long, or they will become overly soggy. Place a layer of ladyfingers at the bottom of the dish, followed by a generous layer of mascarpone cream. Continue alternating layers of ladyfingers and cream, finishing with a layer of cream.

8. Cooling:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the tiramisu chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to stabilize.

9. Serving:
Before serving, dust cocoa powder over the tiramisu using a sieve for an even result. You can also add grated chocolate or a few coffee beans for an elegant touch.

Helpful Tips:
- Quality First: Choose quality ingredients, especially for mascarpone and coffee. The taste of the tiramisu heavily depends on these.
- Variations: You can experiment with flavors by adding a few drops of vanilla extract or orange essence to the mascarpone cream.
- Eggless Option: If you prefer an eggless version, you can replace the egg cream with well-whipped cream.
- Serving Ideas: Served alongside an espresso or a glass of sweet wine, tiramisu becomes a special dessert for any occasion.

Nutritional Information:
A serving of tiramisu contains approximately 350 calories, providing a good source of protein from the eggs and mascarpone, as well as carbohydrates from the ladyfingers. Although it is an indulgent dessert, consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use decaffeinated coffee?
Yes, if you prefer to avoid caffeine, decaffeinated coffee is an excellent choice.

2. What if I don’t have brandy?
You can omit the brandy or replace it with another liqueur, such as amaretto or even chocolate syrup for a non-alcoholic version.

3. How can I make the tiramisu less sweet?
Adjust the amounts of sugar in the yolks and coffee. You can use coconut sugar or alternative sweeteners for a less sweet taste.

Tiramisu is more than just a dessert; it is a true culinary experience. Each bite will take you on a journey of flavors, comforting the soul and bringing joy. So gather your friends and family because this tiramisu is not just a recipe, but a reason to come together and celebrate! Enjoy!