Tiramisu recipe with sponge cake

Tiramisu with Base and Caramelized Hazelnuts – A Delicacy for Holidays

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

If you are looking for a dessert that will delight the taste buds of all your guests, Tiramisu with Base and Caramelized Hazelnuts is the perfect choice. This delicious version combines the velvety texture of mascarpone cream with the intense flavor of coffee and the crunchiness of caramelized hazelnuts, offering a perfect balance of tastes and textures. Inspired by Laura Adamache's recipe, I made a few adjustments that make this cake a true culinary indulgence.

The history of Tiramisu is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary tradition. Over time, this dessert has evolved, adopting various variations and ingredients, but its essence remains the same: a mix of coffee, cheese, and biscuits that brings joy and satisfaction in every bite. It is the ideal dessert for holidays, parties, or any special occasion.

Let’s start the culinary adventure!

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 250 g ladyfingers
- 150 g Greek yogurt
- 250 g mascarpone cheese
- 200 g whipped cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet instant coffee
- 150 g hazelnuts
- 6 heaping tablespoons sugar (for caramelized hazelnuts)

*For the syrup:*
- Approximately 150 ml water
- 2-3 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons sugar

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the caramelized hazelnuts
- Start by toasting the hazelnuts. Place them in a dry skillet and let them roast over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. After 5-7 minutes, the hazelnuts will have an intense aroma and a crunchy texture.
- In a saucepan, add the sugar and let it melt over medium heat. When the sugar turns into a golden caramel, add the toasted hazelnuts. Stir well to coat them completely with caramel, then pour them onto a baking sheet. Let them cool completely, then place them in a plastic bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin. These hazelnuts will add a crunchy contrast to the cake, so don’t neglect them!

2. Preparing the cream
- In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mascarpone cheese, and the 3 tablespoons of sugar. Use a mixer to achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream.
- In another bowl, whip the cream until it becomes firm. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cream using a spatula to avoid breaking it down. Add the instant coffee and mix well.
- Reserve some of the cream and a few caramelized hazelnuts for decoration, then add the remaining crushed hazelnuts to the remaining cream. This cream will be the delicious base of your tiramisu.

3. Preparing the syrup
- In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee and sugar in the 150 ml of cold water. This will be the syrup in which you will soak the ladyfingers, giving them an intense coffee flavor.

4. Assembling the tiramisu
- Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil to facilitate the removal of the dessert once it has cooled.
- Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the coffee syrup, being careful not to leave them too long, so they don’t fall apart. Place a layer of ladyfingers at the bottom of the pan.
- Add a portion of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers and level it with a spatula. Continue with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by another layer of cream. Repeat the process until you have used all the ingredients, making sure to finish with a layer of cream.
- Cover the cake with aluminum foil and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time will allow the flavors to blend harmoniously.

5. Decorating the tiramisu
- After the cake has cooled and set, remove it from the refrigerator. Use the reserved cream to decorate the surface of the cake. Sprinkle the remaining caramelized hazelnuts on top to add an attractive appearance and a crunchy taste.

Serving Suggestions
Your tiramisu is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it alongside freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet wine, which will enhance the delicate flavors of the dessert. It also pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This tiramisu recipe contains approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of sugar used and the type of whipped cream. Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, while Greek yogurt provides a source of protein and beneficial probiotics for digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can try using cottage cheese or cream cheese, but the taste will be different.
- How can I make the tiramisu less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup is a simple option. You can also use stronger coffee.
- Can I make tiramisu without hazelnuts?
Of course! You can replace the hazelnuts with walnuts, almonds, or even grated chocolate to add a different flavor.

Tiramisu with base and caramelized hazelnuts is a perfect choice for festive meals or simply to treat your loved ones. Whether you choose to serve it at a party, a romantic dinner, or just to enjoy a sweet moment, this recipe will bring smiles and appreciation from everyone. Try it and enjoy every bite!