INTRODUCTION
Tiramisu is a soft, creamy dessert that tastes like coffee and chocolate. This Easy Tiramisu Recipe gives you a rich dessert that is simple to make. You do not need many tools. With a few steps, you can make a dessert that looks and tastes special.
If you like simple desserts and fruit on the side, try pairing this tiramisu with a delicious blueberry jam recipe to add a bright, fresh flavor. The jam makes a nice contrast to the rich cream.
This recipe works for any meal where you want a sweet finish. It chills overnight, so it is a good choice when you plan ahead. The steps are clear, and each step uses easy actions like whisking, folding, and dipping. Read on to learn why this tiramisu is worth trying and how to make it at home.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is simple and fast to make. The flavors are classic: coffee, mascarpone, a little rum, and cocoa. The texture is soft and creamy, with a light lift from whipped cream and a tender bite from ladyfingers.
This recipe uses clear steps that anyone can follow. It does not require baking. You only need to mix, whisk, and chill. The ingredients are easy to find at most stores. You can make the dessert a day ahead, which saves time on the day you serve it.
The result is a dessert that feels fancy but is easy to make at home. It is great for family meals, small parties, or a quiet dinner. The flavors are crowd-pleasers and will impress guests without a lot of work.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Tiramisu Recipe
This section guides you through the main idea of making tiramisu. The key parts are the mascarpone cream, the coffee dip for the ladyfingers, and the time to chill. First, make a warm egg mixture. Then mix in mascarpone and whipped cream. Dip the ladyfingers quickly so they do not get too soggy. Layer and chill overnight. Finish with whipped cream on top, a dusting of cocoa, and optional chocolate curls.
Plan your time. Make the egg and mascarpone mix first. Chill the dish overnight so the flavors blend and the texture sets. When ready to serve, add the final whipped cream and cocoa. You will end up with a smooth, sliceable dessert that still feels light.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 9×13 baking dish or similar glass dish
- Medium glass mixing bowl (for egg mix)
- Cold mixing bowl (for whipped cream)
- Hand beater or electric mixer
- Pot for simmering water (for a double boiler)
- Whisk
- Spatula for folding
- Sifter or fine mesh for cocoa dusting
- Piping bag and tip (optional for topping)
- Refrigerator space to chill overnight
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 6 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounce mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream, cold (divided)
- 7 ounce packages ladyfinger cookies
- 1 1/2 cups espresso, cooled
- 6 tablespoons Meyers dark rum
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- semi-sweet chocolate bar for curls, optional
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
In a medium glass mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth. Add granulated sugar and continue whisking until combined. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and place the bowl with egg yolks and sugar over the steam. Whisk constantly while heating until the mixture is warm, thick, and light yellow. Allow the egg mixture to cool for a few moments. Add 2 tablespoons of rum and the mascarpone cheese to the egg mixture. Beat with a hand beater until the mixture is smooth. In a cold bowl, add 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the egg and mascarpone mixture. Add 1/4 cup of rum to the espresso and stir to combine. Dip ladyfingers into the espresso quickly and place them in a 9×13 baking dish. Spread half of the cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Top with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and cover with the remaining cream mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator overnight. Whip remaining 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form and pipe onto the tiramisu. Dust with cocoa powder and add chocolate curls if desired. Serve chilled.
HOW TO SERVE Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Serve tiramisu chilled. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the tiramisu into squares. Wipe the knife between cuts to keep slices neat. You can pipe extra whipped cream on each piece for a clean look. Dust with a little extra cocoa right before serving to keep the cocoa fresh.
Place small dessert plates near the dish and use a flat spatula to lift each slice. Tiramisu pairs well with a small cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine. For a simple party, set the tiramisu in the middle of the table and let guests help themselves.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Store tiramisu in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other fridge smells. The top cream and cocoa will stay fresh for a couple of days.
To freeze tiramisu, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that freezing may change the texture of the whipped cream slightly, but the dessert will still taste good after thawing. If you plan to freeze, you may want to wait to add the final whipped cream topping and cocoa until after thawing.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Add a few fresh berries on the side for color and bright flavor. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work well.
- Serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle finely grated dark chocolate on each slice for a strong chocolate note.
- For a richer chocolate touch, offer an easy hot fudge sauce recipe on the side. Warm sauce adds a warm contrast to the cold tiramisu.
Keep the serving simple and clean. Tiramisu tastes best when it is not crowded with too many strong flavors. Small additions like berries or a drizzle of sauce can add interest without hiding the classic taste.
VARIATIONS
You can change this recipe to match your taste. Try one of these simple ideas:
- Chocolate Tiramisu: Add cocoa to the cream or layer thin slices of chocolate between the ladyfingers.
- Fruit Layer: Add a thin layer of berry jam or fresh fruit between the layers for a fruity twist.
- No Alcohol: Skip the rum and add a teaspoon of vanilla to the espresso for flavor without alcohol.
- Liqueur Swap: Use coffee liqueur or amaretto instead of dark rum for a different taste.
- Single Serve Cups: Build the tiramisu in ramekins or small glasses for individual desserts.
If you want to pair dinner and dessert in one plan, you can serve tiramisu after a full meal that includes a main dish such as quick homemade butter chicken. The warm spices of the main dish and the cool sweetness of tiramisu make a nice contrast.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in tiramisu?
A: The yolks are gently cooked over steam in this recipe. This step heats the eggs and reduces the risk. If you are worried, use pasteurized eggs.
Q: How long should I chill tiramisu before serving?
A: Chill at least 8 hours, but overnight is best. The longer chill helps the layers set and the flavors blend.
Q: Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
A: Yes. Use strong brewed coffee or instant espresso powder made to a strong strength. Let it cool before dipping the ladyfingers.
Q: Can I make tiramisu without alcohol?
A: Yes. Omit the rum and add a teaspoon of vanilla or extra coffee flavor to keep depth.
Q: Why are my ladyfingers soggy?
A: Dip them quickly and do not soak. Ladyfingers should be wet but not falling apart. Work fast and use cool coffee.
Q: Can I use a different cream cheese instead of mascarpone?
A: Mascarpone gives the classic flavor and texture. You can mix cream cheese with a little heavy cream, but the taste and texture will change.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Make the tiramisu a day before you plan to serve. It needs the chill time to set. You can also prepare the mascarpone mixture and keep it covered in the fridge for up to one day. Keep the whipped cream separate until just before assembly if you need to save time.
For parties, assemble the tiramisu in the morning and chill all day. Add the final whipped cream and cocoa just before guests arrive. If you want a full menu idea, plan a simple main course like quick homemade butter chicken to serve before the tiramisu. This helps you pace cooking and cleanup.
When transporting, keep the tiramisu cold. Use a cooler with ice packs for short trips. If you freeze the dessert to transport, thaw it slowly in a cooler or in the fridge before serving.
Easy Tiramisu
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium glass mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar and continue whisking until combined.
- Bring a pot of water to a simmer and place the bowl with egg yolks and sugar over the steam.
- Whisk constantly while heating until the mixture is warm, thick, and light yellow.
- Allow the egg mixture to cool for a few moments.
- Add 2 tablespoons of rum and mascarpone cheese to the egg mixture. Beat until smooth.
- In a cold bowl, add 2 cups of heavy whipping cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the egg and mascarpone mixture.
- Add 1/4 cup of rum to the espresso and stir to combine.
- Dip ladyfingers into the espresso quickly, then place them in a 9x13 baking dish.
- Spread half of the cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers.
- Top with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and cover with the remaining cream mixture.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
- Whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form and pipe onto the tiramisu.
- Dust with cocoa powder and add chocolate curls if desired.