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Authentic Italian Tiramisu Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This authentic Italian Tiramisu recipe features a luscious combination of creamy mascarpone, rich coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder. With a smooth egg custard base and a touch of rum, it’s a classic no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion, requiring a few hours of chilling for the flavors to meld beautifully.


Ingredients

Custard

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 2/3 cup milk

Cream Mixture

  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pound mascarpone cheese

Assembly

  • 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 2 tablespoons rum
  • 2 (3 ounce) packages ladyfinger cookies
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder


Instructions

  1. Make the egg custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well blended. Whisk in the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  2. Chill the custard: Cover the custard mixture tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill thoroughly and thicken.
  3. Whip the cream: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
  4. Combine mascarpone and custard: Once the egg mixture has cooled, fold in the mascarpone cheese gently until smooth and well combined to form the creamy filling.
  5. Prepare coffee mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the cooled strong brewed coffee and rum for soaking the ladyfingers.
  6. Assemble the first layer: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee and rum mixture, being careful not to soak them too long to avoid sogginess. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch serving dish.
  7. Add mascarpone layer: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers layer to add creaminess.
  8. Repeat layers: Dip remaining ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and layer over the mascarpone. Then spread the remaining mascarpone mixture on top.
  9. Chill: Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the dessert set properly.
  10. Finish and serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Serve chilled and enjoy this classic Italian treat.

Notes

  • Ensure not to over-soak ladyfingers to prevent a soggy dessert.
  • For best flavor, use freshly brewed strong coffee and good quality mascarpone cheese.
  • The tiramisu improves if refrigerated overnight.
  • Egg yolks are gently cooked in the custard for safety but if concerned, use pasteurized eggs.
  • Alcohol can be omitted or substituted with coffee or coffee liqueur if preferred.