Tiramisu—a name that instantly conjures up images of creamy layers, rich coffee, and a touch of indulgence. This classic Italian dessert, with its roots deep in tradition, is loved worldwide for its luxurious taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture. And here’s the best part: this recipe comes straight from an Italian nonna, passed down through generations, ensuring that every spoonful is filled with authentic, homey goodness. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can whip up a tiramisu that will have your friends and family coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
For 6-8people
Ingredients:
500 g Mascarpone
5 eggs
5 tablespoons of Sugar
Coffee
Crunchy biscuits (Savoiardi or Pavesini)
A drop of rum or sweet wine
Dark chocolate flakes and dark cocoa powder
Step-by-Step Process
1. Prepare the Eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Place the yolks in a large, clean bowl and the whites in another.
2. Make the Cream: In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the sugar. Now, here’s the first secret to a great tiramisu: mix the yolks and sugar for a long time. You want to create a smooth, soft cream where the sugar has completely dissolved into the yolks. This will give your tiramisu that signature silky texture.
Next, gradually add the mascarpone cheese to the yolk mixture. Be careful to use only the solid part of the mascarpone, avoiding any liquid that might be present. Mix well until you get a firm, thick cream. This step is crucial—if your cream isn’t firm enough, add a bit more mascarpone cheese until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Whip the Egg Whites: In a separate, impeccably clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a small pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This will take a few minutes, so be patient. Once the egg whites are ready, gently fold them into the mascarpone cream. Do this slowly, with a gentle hand, folding from the bottom of the bowl to the top, so you don’t lose the airiness of the whites.
4. Brew the Coffee: While your cream rests, brew a fresh pot of coffee. Let it cool to room temperature before using it. Hot coffee will make your biscuits soggy, which is definitely not what we want! Once the coffee has cooled, add a splash of your favourite liqueur for an extra kick.
5. Assemble the Tiramisu: Now comes the fun part—assembling your tiramisu. Start by quickly dipping each biscuit into the coffee mixture. The key word here is quickly. You want the biscuits to soak up some coffee without becoming too soft.
Create the first layer by lining the bottom of your serving dish with the dipped biscuits. Once your first layer is down, spread a generous amount of the mascarpone cream over the biscuits. If you like, this is where you can sprinkle in some dark chocolate flakes or even a handful of wild berries for a fruity twist.
Repeat this process for the second layer, starting with another round of dipped biscuits, followed by more cream. Finish with a thick layer of cream on top.
6. Chill and Garnish: Cover your tiramisu and let it set in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 hours. This resting time allows all the flavours to meld together, and the cream to firm up nicely.
Just before serving, dust the top of your tiramisu with dark cocoa powder or sprinkle on some dark chocolate flakes for a bit of extra decadence.
And there you have it—a classic Italian dessert made right in your kitchen, with love, tradition, and just a few simple ingredients. Buon appetito!
Pro Tips:
- Ensure your eggs and coffee are at room temperature before starting.
- Make sure your mixing bowls are completely oil-free—clean them thoroughly for the best results.
- For the egg whites, add a pinch of salt before beating them to stiff peaks.
