Original Tiramisu Recipe

Tiramisu - A Classic Italian Delight

Tiramisu, an iconic dessert that has captured the hearts of sweet lovers around the world, is essentially a perfect blend of aromatic coffee, creamy mascarpone cheese, and fluffy ladyfingers. Although it may seem like a complicated dessert, you'll find that making tiramisu is easier than it appears. In this detailed guide, I will share the original tiramisu recipe, clear steps to follow, helpful tips, and some interesting variations.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 2-3 hours or overnight
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 6 fresh eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 500 g mascarpone cheese
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 1.5 packs of ladyfingers (I recommend Savoradi, orange packaging)
- 1 cup of strong coffee (about 250 ml)
- 50 ml liqueur (e.g., Alexandrion)
- Cocoa powder for decoration
- 1-2 tablespoons rum extract (optional)
- Raisins (optional, for added flavor)

Step 1: Prepare the coffee

Start by brewing a cup of strong coffee. Make sure not to add sugar, as we want the dessert to be balanced in sweetness. Once the coffee has cooled slightly, add the liqueur to enhance its flavor. Set it aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Separate the eggs

In a large bowl, carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. It's essential that no yolk remains in the egg whites, or they won't whip properly.

Step 3: Yolk mixture

In another bowl, add the egg yolks and 200 g of sugar. Place the bowl over a double boiler and whisk constantly for about 10 minutes. The sugar should dissolve completely, and the mixture will become lighter in color and fluffy. Once you achieve a smooth texture, remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool.

Step 4: Mascarpone mixture

After the yolk mixture has cooled, add the mascarpone cheese and mix with a hand mixer on low speed until well combined. Avoid overmixing, as the cream should not become liquid but retain a creamy texture.

Step 5: Whipping the egg whites

In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy. When the froth begins to form, gradually add the remaining sugar (about 50 g) and the rum extract, continuing to whip until you achieve stiff peaks. This step is crucial for a light and airy tiramisu.

Step 6: Incorporating the cream

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm. Then, using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone and yolk mixture. Also, add the whipped egg whites and gently mix to avoid losing the air in the mixture.

Step 7: Assembling the tiramisu

Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble the tiramisu. Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the cooled coffee (making sure the sugared side is down) and arrange them in an even layer at the bottom of a baking dish. You can use a 20x30 cm dish for generous portions.

On top of the ladyfingers, add a layer of cream, spreading it evenly. Repeat the process with another layer of ladyfingers and finish with the final layer of cream. Finally, generously dust cocoa powder on top for an elegant finish.

Step 8: Chilling

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 2-3 hours, but ideally, let it chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become perfect.

Serving and variations

Tiramisu is served cold, cut into square portions. A wonderful idea to enhance the flavor is to sprinkle some roasted coffee beans or grated chocolate on top before serving. Additionally, if you prefer a more intense flavor, try substituting the liqueur with another type of alcohol, such as Amaretto.

Chef's tip

If you want a richer tiramisu, you can add some raisins to the mascarpone mixture or use grated chocolate to enhance the flavor. Also, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth emulsion.

Nutritional benefits

Tiramisu is a dessert with a significant caloric content, but it also offers benefits thanks to its ingredients. Mascarpone cheese provides a good dose of calcium, while coffee can give an energy boost due to its caffeine content. Of course, moderation is key, especially for those following a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I substitute mascarpone cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but the taste will be slightly different. Mascarpone is ideal for a creamy texture.

2. What liqueur can I use instead of Alexandrion?
Amaretto or Baileys are excellent options.

3. Is tiramisu suitable for vegans?
There are vegan versions of tiramisu that use ingredients like tofu, coconut milk, or plant-based cream, but the texture and taste will differ.

4. Can tiramisu be frozen?
While it is not recommended, if you have leftovers, you can freeze them, but the texture may change after thawing.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left to do is put on your apron and enjoy making this refined dessert. Tiramisu is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that will bring smiles and delightful moments with your loved ones. Enjoy!