Simple and Elegant Tiramisu Recipe with Coffee and Creamy Mascarpone

July 9, 2024

Simple Tiramisu: Ladyfingers, Coffee, and Creamy Mascarpone

When it comes to Italian desserts, Tiramisu is always at the top of my list. I first fell in love with this treat at an Italian restaurant where they served a perfect version that was cold, creamy, and had the right amount of coffee flavor. When I wanted to recreate this experience at home for theme dinners, I knew I had to find a simple, yet delicious version. And here it is! The key is serving it ice-cold, straight from the fridge to make sure every layer tastes fresh and melds together. It’s the perfect dessert to impress guests while keeping things simple.

Did You Know?
Tiramisu, meaning "pick me up" in Italian, originated in the Veneto region of Italy. Known for its layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, this dessert combines creamy, rich textures with bold coffee flavors. It became widely popular in the 1960s and is now a beloved treat all over the world, especially in Italian cuisine.

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
24 ladyfingers
Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee and coffee liqueur (if using). Set aside.
Personal Tip: Use strong espresso for the coffee mixture to really enhance the flavors.

Make the Cream Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
Personal Tip: Make sure the heavy cream is very cold before whipping to achieve the fluffiest peaks.

Assemble the Tiramisu:
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Arrange half of the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer in an 8x8 inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone filling.
Personal Tip: Dip the ladyfingers briefly—just enough to absorb the coffee without becoming too mushy.

Chill:
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Personal Tip: The longer the tiramisu chills, the better it tastes. Overnight chilling is ideal.

Serve:
Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder. Slice and enjoy!

Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

Choosing Ladyfingers: Store-bought ladyfingers are convenient, but if you have the time, baking your own can provide a fresher taste. Either way, make sure they are dry and crisp for the best texture.
Strong Coffee: Use espresso or strong coffee to enhance the flavor of the tiramisu. If you're in a rush, instant espresso powder works well too.
Coffee Liqueur: Adding coffee liqueur like Kahlua enhances the richness of the coffee. If you want to skip the alcohol, just leave it out.
Mascarpone Substitute: If you can’t find mascarpone, make a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream as a substitute. This alternative provides a similar creamy texture.
Whipping Cream: For best results, ensure that the heavy cream is cold before whipping. Cold cream whips more quickly and holds its shape better.
Dipping Ladyfingers: Be careful not to oversaturate the ladyfingers when dipping them in coffee. A quick dip on each side will keep them from becoming too soggy.
Chill Time: Tiramisu needs at least 4 hours to chill, don't cut corners on the chilling time as the flavor infuses through the tiramisu.
Dusting Cocoa: For an elegant presentation, dust cocoa powder evenly with a fine mesh sieve. This gives the tiramisu a professional finish.
Garnish Options: Add shaved chocolate, fresh berries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a creative touch.
Bulk Buying: Ingredients like ladyfingers, coffee, and mascarpone often go on sale, so buy in bulk to save money.

Let's Learn About Ladyfingers

Ladyfingers, also known as "savoiardi" in Italian, are light, crispy, and sweet sponge cakes. Originating in the Piedmont region of Italy, these delicate biscuits have been used in desserts for centuries. They are made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. When purchasing ladyfingers, look for ones that are crisp and dry, as these hold up best in recipes like tiramisu. If you can’t find quality ladyfingers, making them at home is a great option. Homemade versions offer a fresher, more delicate texture, enhancing the dessert’s overall flavor.

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