Tiramisu recipe with sponge cake

Tiramisu - The Exceptional Italian Dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 12

Tiramisu, a name that instantly evokes images of a delicious blend of flavors, is truly the emblematic dessert of Italy. Smooth, creamy, and with a delicate texture, this dessert brings together the basic ingredients: ladyfingers, coffee, and a divine mix of mascarpone and chocolate. Its origin is shrouded in mystery, disputed among various regions, but it is said to speak of the refinement and elegance of Italian cuisine, even having a story linked to the Venetian courtesans of the 16th century, being appreciated for its aphrodisiac properties.

So, let’s discover together how to prepare a delicious Tiramisu step by step, without feeling overwhelmed by the number of ingredients.

Ingredients for a tray of 38 cm x 25 cm:

For the sponge:
- 200 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g butter (make sure it is at room temperature)
- 8 eggs
- 1 packet baking powder

For the cream:
- 200 g white chocolate
- 50 ml coffee liqueur
- 280 ml heavy cream
- 330 g mascarpone
- 7 g gelatin

For the layer of ladyfingers:
- 18 ladyfingers (approximately 220 g)
- 350 ml strong, unsweetened coffee

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate (we recommend Schogetten)
- 100 ml heavy cream
- half a cup of powdered sugar

Step by step to a perfect Tiramisu:

1. Preparing the sponge:
- Start by taking the butter out of the fridge and letting it soften completely at room temperature. This will contribute to a finer texture of the sponge.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color.
- Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a fluffy sponge.
- Mix the flour with the baking powder and gradually add them to the egg and butter mixture, gently mixing until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. These will provide an airy structure to the sponge.
- Fold the egg whites into the sponge mixture using a spatula, with gentle up-and-down motions to maintain the air from the whites.

2. Baking the sponges:
- Divide the mixture in half and pour each half into a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure it is evenly distributed.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the sponges are ready.
- Once baked, let the sponges cool completely in the tray.

3. Preparing the cream:
- Start by hydrating the gelatin in 1-2 tablespoons of water for about 10 minutes. This is a crucial step to avoid lumps in the cream.
- Heat the gelatin over a double boiler or low heat, stirring constantly, until the granules are completely melted. Important: do not let it boil!
- In a saucepan, melt the white chocolate with 80 ml of the heavy cream and 50 ml of coffee liqueur. When the chocolate is completely melted, let it cool slightly, then add the melted gelatin.
- In a separate bowl, whip the remaining heavy cream (200 ml) until it becomes firm. Then, gently fold this whipped cream into the mascarpone and chocolate mixture using a spatula to keep the air in the mixture.

4. Assembling the Tiramisu:
- Here comes the fun part! Place the first sponge on a serving platter and spread half of the prepared cream evenly (about 430 g).
- Prepare the strong, unsweetened coffee and pour it into a deep plate. Quickly dip the ladyfingers in the coffee for 2-3 seconds, being careful not to soak them too much.
- Arrange the ladyfingers in even layers over the cream in the tray, then cover with the remaining cream. Place the second sponge on top.

5. Preparing the glaze:
- On low heat, melt the dark chocolate with the heavy cream and powdered sugar, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- When the chocolate is completely melted and homogenized, let the glaze cool slightly, then pour it evenly over the Tiramisu.

6. Cooling and serving:
- Cover the Tiramisu with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This time allows the flavors to combine perfectly.
- When you are ready to serve, you can sprinkle cocoa or grated chocolate on top for an elegant touch.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of coffee? Absolutely! If you prefer, you can experiment with vanilla-flavored coffee or even espresso with milk.
- Is it possible to make Tiramisu without alcohol? Definitely! You can omit the coffee liqueur and add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- What is the best way to store Tiramisu? I recommend keeping it covered in the fridge, where it can stay fresh for 2-3 days.

Nutritional benefits:
Tiramisu contains healthy ingredients, such as eggs and mascarpone, which are sources of protein. Additionally, chocolate has beneficial antioxidants. However, it is a calorie-rich dessert, so enjoy it in moderation!

Serving suggestions:
For an extra touch of elegance, serve the Tiramisu with a hot espresso or a sweet wine. Decorate with coffee beans or chocolate slices for a wow effect!

Now that you have the complete and detailed recipe, all that’s left is to get cooking! Your Tiramisu will surely become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy!