The best tiramisu you will ever make. A layer of chocolate in the middle not only adds more chocolate flavor but a fabulous crunch against the soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone filling. Easily made a day ahead of your party, this is a great make-ahead dessert recipe!
Tiramisu. Heaven on a plate.
When I was 15 I started working at an Italian restaurant and I believe it was there that I fell in love with Tiramisu. Although, I can't really remember their tiramisu that well, I can remember the tiramisu from another Italian restaurant. I started ordering this tiramisu around 19, so its been 10 years of their glorious tiramisu.
You see there are good and bad tiramisus, it can be soo good but then sooo wrong. The worst is when you order tiramisu and get a whipped cream filling. Hello, where is the mascarpone?! I legit stop eating it, not worth the calories!
Another thing I don't like about tiramisu is when the ladyfingers are a. too dry or b. too wet. You have to find the right balance, I definitely lean towards the more soaked side of tiramisu but I don't want them drenched.
I first made my own tiramisu about 6 years ago, I remember that day so vividly my friend was over and we were baking together. Then we had to wait for the tiramisu to chill. That was hard.
Nowadays though most of my favorite/ frequently made recipes are made ahead. Whether it is preparing cookie dough or cheesecake, I love a recipe I can make over a couple of days.
Jump to:
What are the ingredients
You are going to need a coffee mixture- spiked with liqueur. Some ladyfingers- Savoiardi. And a large amount of the cream filling, made mainly of mascarpone. Mascarpone is the best and I also love a thick filling, there's a time and a place for soft and fluffy filling, this ain't it.
I have made tiramisu with both the soft and hard ladyfingers. I prefer the hard for my tiramisu recipe.
You will also need cocoa powder for dusting, and since I am a chocoholic I also include some layers of pure chocolate
How do you make traditional tiramisu
In a large bowl or in the bowl of your stand mixer whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar. You want them to become very pale in color and fluffy- this can take anywhere between 3-5 minutes.
Then add the Kahlua or Marsala Wine and salt, whisking for another 3 minutes until everything is fully combined.
Add the mascarpone cream and whisk together until combined. The mixture will be nice and thick.
In a separate bowl beat the heavy cream until medium-stiff peaks are formed.
Gently fold half of the whipped cream and then fold in the remaining whipped cream. Set the bowl aside.
How do you make chocolate layer pieces
Melt chocolate in a bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave for 20-second increments. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to draw lines of chocolate on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the fridge for the chocolate to harden.
What alcohol can I put in tiramisu
My preference for Tiramisu is Kahlua or Marsala Wine, you can use Rum also or if you don't want alcohol, feel free to leave it out.
In a small bowl combine the coffee, Kahlua, and espresso powder.
How do you assemble tiramisu
Place each ladyfinger biscuit in the coffee mixture for 10-15 seconds* Place the biscuits in an 8" X 11" ish size dish, make sure to make an even layer- you may want to break the biscuits to fit. Place half of the mascarpone cream on top of ladyfinger layer.
Add chocolate pieces, then more soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours- 8 is preferred, or up to 2 days.
Sieve cocoa powder on top of the tiramisu before serving.
How early can you make tiramisu
I prefer to make this tiramisu recipe a day in advance, you can make it up to 2 days in advance.
Another dessert I love to make that is soaked in wine is my Crack Cake!
Fancy another make-ahead dessert? Try one of these recipes:
- Chai Cheesecake Recipe
- Salted Caramel Tres Leches Cake
- Apple Pie with Cloves
- New York Cheesecake Recipe
- Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!
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How To Make Tiramisu
The best tiramisu you will ever make. A layer of chocolate in the middle not only adds more chocolate flavor but a fabulous crunch against the soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone filling. Easily made a day ahead of your party, this is a great make-ahead dessert recipe!
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 9-16 Servings 1x
Ingredients
Cream Filling
- 3 Egg yolks
- 100 grams (½ Cup) Granulated Sugar
- 2oz (4 Tablespoons) Kahlua/ Marsala Wine
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 24oz Mascarpone, set out at room temperature for 20 minutes to take the chill off
- 6oz (¾ Cup) Heavy Cream
Coffee Mixture
- 16oz (2 Cups) Strong Brewed Coffee
- 2 Teaspoons Espresso Powder
- 2oz (4 Tablespoons) Kahlua/ Marsala Wine
- 9oz Savoiardi biscuits
- 4oz Dark Chocolate, finely chopped (chocolate chips will work)
- 3-4 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for dusting
Instructions
- Take the mascarpone out of the fridge first as it needs about 20 minutes to take the chill off. In a large bowl or in the bowl of your stand mixer whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar. You want them to become very pale in color and fluffy- this can take anywhere between 3-5 minutes.
- Then add the Kahlua or Marsala Wine and salt, whisking for another 3 minutes until everything is fully combined. Add the mascarpone cream and whisk together until combined, do not overmix you risk having the mixture split and become separated instead of cohesively creamy. The mixture will be nice and thick.
- In a separate bowl beat the heavy cream until medium-stiff peaks are formed.
- Gently fold half of the whipped cream and then fold in the remaining whipped cream. Set the bowl aside.
- Melt chocolate in a bowl over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave for 20-second increments. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to draw lines of chocolate on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the fridge for the chocolate to harden.
- In a small bowl combine the coffee, Kahlua, and espresso powder.
- Place each ladyfinger biscuit in the coffee mixture for 10-15 seconds* Place the biscuits in an 8" X 11" or deep 9-inch square dish, make sure to make an even layer- you may want to break the biscuits to fit. Place half of the mascarpone cream on top of the ladyfinger layer. Add chocolate pieces, then more soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours- 8 is preferred, or up to 2 days. Sieve cocoa powder on top of the tiramisu before serving.
Notes
*I prefer a wetter lady finger, not soggy but wet.
If you want to make this in a 9"X13" pan just multiply each ingredient by 1.25.
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 4 Hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: Italian
Maria Badar says
Hey elizabeth.
I want to ask if i want what can i use instead of wine
Plz help.
Love you for all the goodies you make and help us make.
Thanks in advance
Maria
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Maria, thanks so much for reaching out. If you are looking to swap it out you could try dark rum, brandy or coffee-flavored liqueur. Or if you do not want any alcohol in the tiramisu you can also omit it completely. Please let me know if you have any further questions, if I can help in any way or if you make the tiramisu! XX Liz
Maria Zubair says
Sorry just saw your reply.I dont want to use any alcohol in my tiramisu. what can be used instead plz guide.
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Maria, no worries! You can just omit it completely or add in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract if you would like. Let me know if I can help with anything else! XX Liz
Maria Zubair says
will definitely let you know how it went. Thank you so much Liz 🙂
Maria Zubair says
Hey Liz Hi
I made this recipe for valentine's day. I used peach malt with vanilla essence. Everybody loved this tiramisu. Thank you so much xo
Maria
Maria Zubair says
Dear Liz
I messaged you two days ago but i think my message didn't get through.
I have a question regarding tiramisu. What can i use instead of wine in tiramisu.
Please guide. I will be very thankful to you.
regards
Maria
Maria Zubair says
Hey Liz Hi
I made this recipe for valentine's day. I used peach malt with vanilla essence. Everybody loved this tiramisu. Thank you so much xo
Maria
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Maria, thanks so much for coming back to review the recipe, thank you so much! The peach malt sounds like a delightful addition, I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe! May I ask a huge favor when you leave a comment next time could you please pick a star rating so your comment rates the recipe, it helps my website to have star-rated recipes, and other readers really appreciate it. I would be so so grateful! Thanks again, Maria. Take care. XX Liz
Maria Zubair says
awesome recipe.
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Maria, thanks so much for coming back to star rate and review the recipe. I love this tiramisu, so glad you did too!! Take care. XX Liz
Nikp says
Hi there..... you might want to change the coffee from 160oz to 16oz.... haha 🙂
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Nik, thank you for pointing that out, should be all fixed now 🙂 Merry Christmas! XX Liz