Classic easy tiramisu is a no-bake Italian dessert layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, a luscious mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s a crowd-pleasing treat that’s elegant yet simple to prepare, perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or when you’re craving a taste of Italy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: Perfect for hot days or when you want a fuss-free dessert.
- Rich and Creamy: The mascarpone filling is decadently smooth and pairs beautifully with the coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
- Authentic Flavor: Combines classic Italian ingredients for a truly traditional taste.
- Make-Ahead Dessert: Tastes even better after chilling, making it great for entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- Brewed espresso (cooled)
- Marsala wine or coffee liqueur (optional)
- Mascarpone cheese
- Heavy whipping cream
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Directions
- Prepare the Espresso Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine cooled espresso with marsala wine or coffee liqueur if desired. Set aside.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture until well combined.
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture, ensuring they’re moistened but not soggy.
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or similar-sized pan.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Chill: Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Slice and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Variations
- Alcohol-Free Version: Skip the marsala wine or liqueur and stick with plain espresso.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of shaved dark chocolate between the layers for extra richness.
- Fruit Topping: Garnish with fresh berries for a fruity twist.
- Single-Serve Portions: Assemble tiramisu in individual glasses or ramekins for an elegant presentation.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free mascarpone substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store tiramisu in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Tiramisu is best enjoyed cold; no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I make tiramisu without mascarpone?
Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream, though the flavor will differ slightly.
2. What type of ladyfingers should I use?
Use firm, crispy ladyfingers (savoiardi) for the best texture. Avoid soft, cake-like varieties.
3. Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, but brew it strong to replicate the intensity of espresso.
4. How long should I soak the ladyfingers?
Dip them briefly (1-2 seconds) to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
5. What can I use instead of marsala wine?
You can substitute marsala with coffee liqueur, rum, or omit the alcohol entirely.
6. Can I make tiramisu gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free ladyfingers or a similar gluten-free sponge cake.
7. Why is my mascarpone cream runny?
Ensure the heavy cream is whipped to stiff peaks, and avoid over-mixing the mascarpone.
8. Can I make tiramisu ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
9. How do I prevent the cocoa powder from clumping?
Use a fine-mesh sieve to evenly dust the cocoa powder over the tiramisu.
10. Can I add other flavors?
Yes, try layering with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg in the mascarpone cream or sprinkling chocolate shavings between layers.
Conclusion
Classic easy tiramisu is a timeless dessert that’s elegant yet simple to make. With layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and rich mascarpone cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a treat for yourself, this recipe brings a taste of Italy to your table. Prepare it today and enjoy a luxurious dessert that’s sure to delight!
Print
Classic Easy Tiramisu
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic easy tiramisu is a no-bake Italian dessert that layers coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone filling. It’s light, indulgent, and perfect for special occasions or any time you want a simple yet elegant treat.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
- 1/3 cup (70g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coffee Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlúa)
For the Assembly:
- 24–30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese until fully combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled coffee or espresso with the coffee liqueur (if using).
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, one at a time, for about 2 seconds. Do not soak, as they may become too soggy.
- Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill:
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Finish and Serve:
- Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder. Use a fine-mesh sieve for an even layer.
- Slice into portions and serve chilled.
Notes
- For added texture, grate a little dark chocolate over the cocoa powder layer.
- Tiramisu can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For a kid-friendly version, omit the coffee liqueur and use decaffeinated coffee.