Easy Tiramisu Italian Dessert

The first time I made tiramisu, I stood in my tiny apartment kitchen wondering if something so elegant could really come together in twenty minutes. I had invited coworkers over for dinner and panic-settled on this Italian classic I'd seen my grandmother make countless times. The moment I dipped that first ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, the aroma filled the entire space and suddenly I felt like I knew exactly what I was doing.

My roommate walked in midway through layering and asked if she could help dip the cookies. We ended up with slightly uneven layers and cocoa powder everywhere, but somehow that imperfect version became the one our friend group started requesting for every gathering. Food tastes better when you make it with someone laughing in the kitchen with you.

Ingredients

• 250 g mascarpone cheese: Room temperature makes folding so much easier, and trust me youll thank yourself later
• 240 ml heavy cream: Cold is nonnegotiable here, warm cream simply will not cooperate
• 60 g powdered sugar: Dissolves beautifully into the yolks without that grainy feeling
• 2 large egg yolks: Room temperature helps them emulsify properly with the sugar
• 180 ml strong brewed coffee: Cooled completely, because hot coffee will turn your ladyfingers to mush
• 2 tbsp coffee liqueur: Completely optional but adds that little something special
• 200 g ladyfinger biscuits: The crisp kind, not the soft cake ladyfingers
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: For that classic dusted finish on top
• Dark chocolate shavings: Because why not make it even more indulgent

Instructions

Prepare the egg mixture:

Whisk yolks and powdered sugar over simmering water until thick and pale, then let it cool slightly

Whip the cream:

Beat cold heavy cream until you have stiff peaks that hold their shape

Make the creamy filling:

Fold mascarpone into the cooled egg mixture, then gently incorporate the whipped cream

Mix the coffee dip:

Combine cooled coffee with coffee liqueur in a shallow dish

First layer of ladyfingers:

Quickly dip each cookie for just 1 to 2 seconds per side and arrange in a single layer

Add the first cream layer:

Spread half the mascarpone mixture evenly over those dipped ladyfingers

Repeat the layers:

Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by remaining cream

Chill thoroughly:

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better

Finish and serve:

Dust generously with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings right before serving

Save

Last Christmas my aunt asked for the recipe and I had to admit I mostly do it by feel now. She called me two days later saying hers turned out even better than mine at the family party, which is exactly how recipe evolution should work anyway.

Making Ahead

Tiramisu actually improves with time, making it perfect for preparing the day before a dinner party. The flavors deepen and the texture settles into something almost custard like.

Storage Tips

Keep it covered in the refrigerator and try to enjoy within 3 days. After that the ladyfingers can start breaking down too much.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert needs no accompaniment but a crisp glass of wine or espresso on the side creates a lovely ending to any meal. Serve it cold straight from the refrigerator.

• Let it sit for 10 minutes after removing from the fridge before serving
• Use a fine mesh sieve for the most even cocoa powder dusting
• Clean your knife between slices for the prettiest presentation

Save

Some desserts are worth every single calorie, and this one genuinely is. Hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dessert without alcohol?

Yes, omit the coffee liqueur and add a splash of vanilla extract to maintain flavor without alcohol.

→ How long should the dessert chill before serving?

Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and set properly.

→ What is the purpose of soaking ladyfingers in coffee?

Soaking infuses them with rich coffee flavor and softens the texture for a balanced bite with creamy layers.

→ Can I use egg substitutes safely in this dessert?

Pasteurized eggs or egg substitutes can be used to reduce risk while maintaining texture in the creamy mixture.

→ What tools are needed to prepare this dessert?

You will need mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, a heatproof bowl for double boiler, a shallow dish, and a square dish for assembly.