Classic Tiramisu Recipe – A Heavenly Italian Dessert You’ll Love

Few desserts captivate the heart and taste buds quite like Tiramisu. This iconic Italian treat is silky, creamy, and indulgent, with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, this Tiramisu recipe is sure to impress.

✨ Once you taste this homemade Tiramisu, you’ll never want to buy store-bought again!

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What is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu, which means “pick me up” in Italian, is a layered dessert made with coffee-dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder. Its origins trace back to Italy in the 1960s, but today, it’s beloved worldwide as a classic no-bake dessert that blends bold espresso flavor with creamy sweetness.

Why You’ll Love It

There are countless reasons why Tiramisu is one of the most adored desserts:

Elegant & impressive – Looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to make.
Perfect flavor balance – Coffee, cocoa, and cream create a dreamy combination.
No baking required – Just assemble and chill.
Great for gatherings – Serves 12, making it ideal for holidays, birthdays, or dinner parties.

Tips for the BEST Tiramisu

✔️ Use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee for authentic flavor.
✔️ Opt for high-quality mascarpone cheese—this makes a big difference.
✔️ Chill for at least 4–6 hours (overnight is best) for the flavors to meld.
✔️ Dust cocoa powder just before serving for a perfect presentation.
✔️ Don’t oversoak ladyfingers—quick dips are enough to avoid sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Tiramisu is best served cold in a large dish or pre-portioned cups. For a creative twist, you can:

Serve in individual glasses or mason jars for easy, elegant desserts.
Add a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs on top.
Pair with an espresso shot.

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Ingredients

(Yields 12 Servings)

2 cups heavy whipping cream (480ml)
16 ounces mascarpone (452g)
6 large egg yolks
⅔ cup granulated sugar (133g)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (33g)
1½ cups espresso or very strong coffee, room temperature
40 ladyfingers

How to Make Tiramisu Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Prepare the Coffee Base
Brew espresso or strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
Make the Mascarpone Cream
- If you have a double-boiler, combine the egg yolks and sugar in the top.
- Otherwise, combine them in a medium heat-proof mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined.
- Bring 2 inches of water to a simmer in a small pot or the bottom of a double boiler.
- Place the egg yolk mixture over the simmering water making sure the water does not touch the bowl.
- Whisk constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is light yellow in color and thickened a bit, about 5 to 8 minutes
- Pour the egg yolk mixture into the mascarpone and whisk until combined. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to cool.
Whip the Cream
Add the whipped cream to the mascarpone mixture in 2-3 additions, folding gently with a rubber spatula and taking care not to knock out the air. You will have a creamy, light mixture
Assemble the Layers
- Quickly dip ladyfingers into the cooled espresso (don’t soak).
- Arrange a layer of ladyfingers at the bottom of your dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream on top.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
Chill & Finish
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder.

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Make Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead: Tiramisu tastes even better when prepared a day in advance.
Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Option: You can freeze tiramisu for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition per Serving

Calories: 554kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Cholesterol: 255mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 94mg
Potassium: 160mg
Calcium: 111mg
Iron: 2mg

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Final Thoughts

Tiramisu is more than just a dessert—it’s a timeless indulgence that brings joy with every bite. With its layers of creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and rich cocoa topping, this recipe guarantees an unforgettable treat. Make it for your next celebration or simply when you want to spoil yourself with something extraordinary.
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