Original Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu - The Italian Delight that Lifts the Spirit

Who hasn't heard of tiramisu? This iconic dessert, with deeply rooted origins in culinary culture, is more than just a simple cake. Its name, "tira-mi su," which translates to "lift me up," suggests its invigorating effect, thanks to the delicious combination of coffee, creamy mascarpone, and chocolate. Tiramisu is a dessert that blends textures and flavors, making it perfect for any occasion, from a romantic dinner to a party with friends. Let's discover the original recipe together, step by step!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 4-6 hours
Number of servings: 8

Necessary Ingredients

- 400 g Savoiardi biscuits
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 400 g mascarpone (fresh and high quality)
- 120 g sugar (preferably powdered sugar for a finer texture)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of coffee (strongly brewed)
- 1 tablespoon of rum essence
- 3 tablespoons of coffee liqueur (optional, but recommended for an authentic taste)
- Cocoa (for dusting)

Preparing Tiramisu

1. Preparing the Coffee
Start by brewing the coffee. Boil 400 ml of water and add 3 heaping tablespoons of coffee. Make sure it's quality coffee to give the dessert an intense flavor. Let the coffee cool slightly, then add a tablespoon of rum essence and 3 tablespoons of coffee liqueur, mixing well. This combination will give your tiramisu a deep flavor.

2. Separating the Eggs
Crack the 4 eggs and separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that no yolk is mixed with the whites, or they will not whip properly.

3. Preparing the Cream
In a large bowl, mix the yolks with 60 g of sugar until you get a light-colored mixture that has doubled in volume. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the cream. Then, gradually add the mascarpone, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.

4. Whipping the Egg Whites
In another bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. When the foam starts to form, gradually add the remaining 60 g of sugar. Continue to whip until you achieve a glossy foam. Here’s a trick: to check if the egg whites are whipped enough, turn the bowl upside down - if they don’t move, you’re on the right track!

5. Combining the Mixtures
Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone cream, mixing softly from top to bottom so as not to deflate the air in the whites. It’s important to do this delicately.

6. Assembling the Tiramisu
Take each Savoiardi biscuit and quickly dip it in the coffee, ensuring it is moistened but not soaked. Start with a layer of biscuits at the bottom of a high-sided dish. Cover with half of the mascarpone cream, leveling it well and dusting with cocoa. Repeat the process with a second layer of biscuits and the remaining cream. Finally, dust generously with cocoa, using a sieve to achieve an even layer.

7. Chilling
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.

Serving and Suggestions

Once the chilling time is up, take the tiramisu out of the fridge and cut it into portions. You can serve it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet wine, which will perfectly complement the dessert's flavors. A personal touch I recommend adding is a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top, which will provide a unique texture and taste.

Variations and Practical Tips

- Chocolate Variation: Add 100 g of grated dark chocolate to the mascarpone cream for a decadent flavor.
- Alcohol-Free: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the coffee liqueur and replace it with a sugar syrup.
- Fruits: Add a fresh touch by including slices of berries between the layers of biscuits.

Nutritional Benefits

Tiramisu, although a dessert, contains ingredients that can offer benefits. Coffee, besides its delicious taste, is also a powerful antioxidant, while mascarpone provides a dose of calcium and protein. However, moderation is essential, considering its sugar and calorie content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
While mascarpone is the traditional ingredient, you can experiment with cottage cheese or ricotta, but the result will differ in texture.

2. How long can tiramisu be stored?
Tiramisu can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain optimal texture.

3. What is the secret to a perfect tiramisu?
The ingredients should be at room temperature, and the mixture of egg whites and cream should be done gently to maintain aeration.

Tiramisu is not just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that blends tradition with the pleasure of taste. I encourage you to make it and enjoy every bite, sharing this moment with loved ones. Enjoy!