Ingredients
Coffee Syrup
- 425 ml espresso coffee
- 70 g granulated sugar
- 425 g milk
- 60 g liqueur of your choice (optional, Licor 43 recommended)
Main Ingredients
- 400 g sponge fingers (Savoiardi)
- 5 large egg yolks
- 40 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 14 g vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 600 g heavy cream (whipping cream, cold)
- 250 g mascarpone cheese (cold)
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee Syrup: Combine the espresso coffee and granulated sugar in a large jug, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add in the milk and your choice of liqueur, then chill the mixture in the fridge.
- Whip Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, caster sugar, and vanilla extract using a stand mixer or hand mixer at high speed until pale, thick, and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should fall off the beaters in a ribbon.
- Whip Mascarpone and Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream and mascarpone together at high speed until stiff peaks form. This is crucial for the texture of the tiramisu cream.
- Fold Mixtures Together: Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the whipped mascarpone cream using a spatula. The mixture will loosen but should remain smooth and creamy. Refrigerate this prepared cream until layering.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Use a 22 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish with about 5 cm (2 inch) height. Halve the recipe for a 23 cm (9 inch) square dish if desired. Lightly dust the bottom with cocoa powder to absorb moisture from the biscuits.
- Dip Sponge Fingers: Quickly dip each sponge finger into the coffee syrup, testing one first to avoid over-soaking. The biscuits should be evenly soaked but still firm enough to hold their shape.
- Layer Biscuits: Arrange dipped biscuits neatly in rows on the cocoa-dusted base, leaving small gaps for cream absorption. Lightly dust with cocoa powder.
- Add Cream Layer: Spoon half of the prepared mascarpone cream (about 465 g) evenly over the biscuit layer, smoothing with a spatula.
- Cocoa Dusting and Second Biscuit Layer: Dust the cream with more cocoa powder. Repeat dipping biscuits and layering on top.
- Final Cream and Dusting: Spread the remaining cream over the top layer, optionally creating decorative ridges. Dust generously with cocoa powder.
- Chill: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.
- Serve: Slice into 12 pieces and serve chilled, using a flexible silicone spatula for neat serving.
Notes
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the coffee syrup to ensure a robust coffee flavor.
- Adjust dipping time of sponge fingers depending on brand and absorption capacity to avoid sogginess.
- Ensure heavy cream and mascarpone are cold before whipping to achieve stiff peaks.
- This recipe contains raw egg yolks; use pasteurized eggs if concerned about food safety.
- You can substitute the liqueur or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
- Chilling overnight is essential for the tiramisu to set properly and develop its signature taste.
- The cocoa powder layers help absorb excess moisture and create distinct layers for an attractive presentation.
- Prep Time: 13 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian