Original Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu: The Original Recipe for an Irresistible Dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours (ideally 24 hours)
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Tiramisu is one of the most beloved desserts in the world, with a rich history dating back decades. This Italian delight, which translates to "pick me up," combines the intense flavors of coffee, cocoa, and mascarpone, creating an unforgettable tasting experience. Whether served for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, tiramisu is sure to become a favorite for everyone.

In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to prepare a perfect tiramisu using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques. Whether you use a round or square dish, this dessert will surely impress.

Ingredients

- 400 g mascarpone (choose a high-quality product, as this will influence the final taste)
- 120 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 4 fresh eggs (make sure they are of good quality, as they will be consumed raw)
- 14 cups of coffee (approximately 200 ml of brewed coffee) sweetened with 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 400 g savoiardi (ladyfingers)
- 150 g small cookies/ladyfingers (optional for decoration)
- unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting at the end)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the coffee
Start by brewing the coffee. Use a medium-strength coffee, as too strong coffee can make the tiramisu bitter. Sweeten the coffee with 3 tablespoons of sugar and let it cool aside. This step is essential because hot coffee can soften the ladyfingers too quickly.

Step 2: Separating the eggs
Separate the egg whites from the yolks into two tall bowls. Ensure they are clean, with no traces of fat, to achieve a perfect foam.

Step 3: Beating the egg whites
Add a pinch of salt to the bowl with the egg whites. Use a mixer to beat them at maximum speed until they become a stiff foam. Well-beaten foam is the secret to an airy tiramisu.

Step 4: The yolk cream
In the other bowl, beat the yolks with the remaining sugar (60 g) until they become a light-colored, fluffy cream. Here, you can also add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 5: Mixing the mascarpone
Add the mascarpone to the yolk cream and gently mix with a silicone spatula or a wooden spoon, being careful not to turn the mascarpone into butter. A delicate up-and-down motion is ideal for keeping the cream airy.

Step 6: Combining the egg white foam
Gradually incorporate the egg white foam into the mascarpone cream, gently mixing with the spatula. This will add a fine and airy texture to the dessert.

Step 7: Assembling the tiramisu
Start by dipping the ladyfingers in the cooled coffee, being careful not to leave them too long, or they will fall apart. Place a first layer of ladyfingers in the chosen dish, followed by a generous layer of mascarpone cream. Continue with another layer of ladyfingers, then another layer of cream, alternating until the ingredients are finished, ensuring that the last layer is cream.

Step 8: Cooling
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the tiramisu chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Ideally, leave it overnight for the flavors to combine perfectly.

Step 9: Serving
Before serving, dust unsweetened cocoa powder over the tiramisu and decorate with small cookies around the edges if desired. This detail adds an attractive look and a crunchy texture.

Useful Tips

- Coffee: Choose a quality coffee, but not too strong. Excess bitterness can ruin the balance of flavors.
- Eggs: Use fresh eggs, preferably from a trusted source, as they will be consumed raw.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your desired sweetness.
- Alcohol-free option: You can add a splash of liqueur (such as amaretto or rum) to the coffee, but this is not a strict rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pasteurized eggs?
Yes, pasteurized eggs are an excellent choice to avoid the risks associated with consuming raw eggs.

2. How can I store the tiramisu?
Tiramisu stores well in the fridge and can last up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.

3. Can I freeze the tiramisu?
Although not recommended, you can freeze the tiramisu, but the texture may suffer upon thawing.

Delicious Combinations

Tiramisu pairs perfectly with espresso or cappuccino but can also be served with a sweet wine or a fruit dessert. A fresh fruit salad can be a refreshing option alongside this creamy dessert.

Conclusion

Now that you have this original tiramisu recipe, all that's left is to try it! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, the result will surely be a dessert that everyone will enjoy. Share this recipe with friends and enjoy the moments spent together savoring this irresistible delight. Enjoy your meal!