Your friends and family will love my tiramisu recipe. It's easy to make and I guarantee it will be the Best Tiramisu you've ever had! Can you believe that this classic dessert can be made in 30 minutes?
Up until this week, I always thought the best Tiramisu I ever had was in Rome, at this sweet little restaurant right near the Spanish Steps. But after tasting my own version of this classic dessert, I’ve changed my mind.
My girls at school wanted to learn to make Tiramisu. I have made it at home for years and it was always very creamy and delicious, but I was never thrilled with how it held up.
So I started trolling for recipes to see what I might be doing wrong. And let me tell you there are as many different Tiramisu recipes as there are Italian grandmothers, each with their own little twist. Some which weren’t tiramisu at all.
What I did find was a recipe that took me back to a time when life was simpler. When food had become something almost magical to me, something that resonated deep down inside of me. Something that I knew I could do and be good at. Taping into this ability had been a gift from God and Mama Jeanette taught me how to use it.
What Ingredients to I need to Make Tiramisu?
I’ve had so many questions about the process of making my Tiramisu that I’ve added step by step pictures to help you along the way.
Let’s start by gathering our ingredients. In chef speak this is called a mise en place (everything in its place).
Chef Dennis Tip: Have the eggs and mascarpone at room temperature before making this recipe. That will help them mix together more smoothly
Is there a substitute for mascarpone when making Tiramisu?
There are two methods that you can use to make a faux mascarpone. You won’t get quite the same flavor but it will work.
Blend 8 ounces softened full-fat cream cheese with 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter OR – Blend 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/8 cup whipping cream and 1/8 cup sour cream.
Is it difficult to make Tiramisu?
It’s a lot easier than you might think to make tiramisu. Just follow my step by step instructions and you’ll be making tiramisu better than your favorite local restaurant!
The first step is whipping the egg yolks (approx. 1/2 cup) and the sugar until they are very thick. One of the mistakes people tend to make is under whipping the egg mixture. This is done using a double boiler method with a bowl over a pot of simmering water. I like using a bowl because there are no corners that I can’t get into. This is your Sabayon.
Chef Dennis Tip: Always use the freshest products available. If the eggs, cream or mascarpone are close to the expiration date, they can break down in the recipe.
My sabayon is grainy the sugar didn’t dissolve!
If you used regular sugar instead of superfine / castor sugar your finished sabayon may be grainy. That’s okay it will finish dissolving while your tiramisu is firming up.
*If you can’t find superfine sugar you can always pulse your sugar in a food processor to make the grains smaller.
Next, add the mascarpone and mix it together until fully incorporated and smooth.
Why did my Tiramisu cream curdle?
- Over whipping can cause the fat to separate, causing the mixture to curdle.
- Allowing the mascarpone to get too warm can wreak havoc with the fat in the mascarpone causing it to curdle
- Using mascarpone that is too cold can cause curdling. Let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before using.
- The brand Bel Gioso has been reported to cause curdling, although I have never experienced this.
Chef Dennis Tip:
Whipping your cream is also where some people make a mistake. The idea with whipped cream is to do it slowly. Using an electric mixer begin whipping the cream on low, increasing the speed over 10 minutes. This makes a whipped cream that will last for days in your fridge without the aid of gelatin.
*If you make whipped cream as a topping for desserts don’t forget to add the sugar and vanilla, for the tiramisu, we are not adding sugar or vanilla to the mixture.
The last step is gently folding in the whipped cream into the sabayon mixture. Do not hurry this step and use a spatula or large spoon to fold the whipped cream in.
You want to keep as much of the air in the whipped cream intact, so the tiramisu cream is light and fluffy.
The next step is assembling the tiramisu.
Chef Dennis Tip:
Soak the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture briefly. Don’t let them get soggy, it will ruin the dessert?
Chef Dennis Tip:
Only use Crunchy SAVOIARDI (ITALIAN LADYFINGERS) Cake style ladyfingers will get too soft. You can find them on Amazon by following the link above.
Follow this link to find Superfine Castor Sugar on Amazon. It’s the only place I’ve been able to find it in Florida.
If you can’t Find Ladyfingers
You can use sponge cake, angel food cake or as a last choice pound cake. Cut the cake into 4-inch oblongs and dry them in a 250-degree oven before assembling the tiramisu.
Set your pan up with a layer of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers. (Standard 9″x 9″ pan)
Then add your first layer of tiramisu cream. Use half of your mixture and spread it evenly.
Add a second layer of prepared ladyfingers to the pan.
Add the remainder of the tiramisu cream and spread evenly. Dust the tiramisu with cocoa and you’re finished!
Now comes the hardest part. Let the tiramisu set up for at least 6 hours, overnight is best. This tiramisu can be made a day or two ahead of time and should last in your fridge for up to a week.
Can I Freeze Tiramisu?
Yes, you can freeze tiramisu. Use plastic wrap and place it directly against the surface (without cocoa) to prevent a skin from forming, cover tightly. Repeat the process with an additional layer of plastic wrap and then cover with tin foil and freeze. To defrost, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. After it has defrosted, add the layer of cocoa and serve.
How Long Can I keep Tiramisu in the Refrigerator?
Personally, I have kept tiramisu for up to a week. The flavors actually get better after 2 days. If you don’t think you’re not going to finish it in a week, I would consider freezing part of it. (Or make your neighbors very happy by offering them some).
Can I Make the Tiramisu ahead of Time?
You can easily make the tiramisu up to 2 days before you need it.
How do I make enough for a 9 x 13 Pan?
To make a larger version of this recipe that will fit in a 9 x 13 pan simply multiply the ingredients by 1½ (one and a half). This will come very close leaving you with a little extra cream to snack on while you wait for the tiramisu to set.
Can I make the Tiramisu without Alcohol?
Yes you can. Leaving out the Kahlua is not a deal-breaker, just use more coffee when dipping the ladyfingers.
Chef Dennis Tip***
If for some reason your Tiramisu doesn’t firm up, don’t throw it away! You can freeze the cream and have an amazing frozen dessert. I have done this when testing new recipes. Use a springform pan and you can slice it. Add fruit or other toppings and you’ve got an amazing dessert.
Equipment I use to make Tiramisu:
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The Best Tiramisu You Will Ever Make
Equipment
- double boiler
- wire whisk
- 9 x 9 inch pan
- electric mixer
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks (approx. 1/2 cup of yolks)
- 1 cup sugar superfine or caster if possible
- 1 ¼ cup mascarpone cheese ( room temperature
- 1 ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 30 each Italian ladyfingers about 1 ½ of the 7 ounce packages (Savoiardi style)
- 1 cup cold espresso or strong coffee
- ½ cup coffee flavored Liqueur optional
- 1 ounce unsweetened cocoa for dusting
Instructions
- This is how you will make the Sabayon:When you are ready to make the sabayon place about one inch of water in a small pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer and place a bowl on top of the small pot so it's sitting on the pot without touching the water.
- Now Begin Making the Sabayon:Add the egg yolks and sugar to the bowl, whipping to mix the ingredients together. Place the bowl on the small pot of simmering water. Using a whisk to mix, whip the egg/sugar mixture constantly for about 10 minutes. This will cook the eggs. The mixture will increase in volume as it thickens. This is your sabayon. After you have finished whipping the sabayon, remove the bowl from the heat and continue to whip yolks to help it cool. The mixture should be thick and a lemon yellow color. Allow to cool briefly before mixing in mascarpone.**If the bowl starts to get too hot, lift it off the pot of water for 15 seconds or so while continuing to whip the mixture. You can do this as often as necessary. * *If you used regular sugar instead of superfine / castor sugar your finished sabayon may be grainy. That's okay it will finish dissolving while your tiramisu is firming up.
- Add room temperature Mascarpone to whipped yolks, mix until well combined. Don't overmix this can cause curdling.*Mascarpone only needs to get to set out for 15-20 minutes. Don't let it get warm.
- In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer whip cream to stiff peaks. (hand mixer or stand mixer is fine). This process should be slow, starting. on low increasing the speed over about ten minutes.**This method is how you keep the whipped cream from breaking. The cream should be ice cold and as fresh as possible. Look for heavy cream with the longest expiration date.
- Gently fold the whipped cream in the mascarpone sabayon mixture and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the tiramisu.
- Mix the cold espresso (or strong coffee) with the coffee liqueur and dip the ladyfingers into the mixture just long enough to get them wet, do not soak them!**If you can't use alcohol, just leave out the liqueur.
- Arrange the ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish (or container similarly sized)
- Spoon half the mascarpone cream filling over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat process with another layer of ladyfingers
- Add another layer of tiramisu cream
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Overnight is best.
- Dust with cocoa before serving
Notes
- Have the eggs and mascarpone at room temperature before making this recipe. That will help them mix together more smoothly
- Whipping your cream is also where some people make a mistake. The idea with whipped cream is to do it slowly. Begin whipping the cream on low, increasing the speed over 10 minutes. This makes a whipped cream that will last for days in your fridge without the aid of gelatin.
- Soak the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture briefly. Don’t let them get soggy, it will ruin the dessert.
- Only use Crunchy SAVOIARDI (ITALIAN LADYFINGERS) Cake style ladyfingers will get too soft.
- Allow Tiramisu to set up for at least 6 hours before serving. Overnite is best.
- Have the eggs and mascarpone at room temperature before making this recipe. That will help them mix together more smoothly.
-
Chef Dennis Tip***
If for some reason your Tiramisu doesn’t firm up, don’t throw it away! You can freeze the cream and have an amazing frozen dessert. I have done this when testing new recipes. Use a springform pan and you can slice it. Add fruit or other toppings and you’ve got an amazing dessert.
Nutrition
Tp says
This recipe is responsible for me gaining 5lbs. Watch out it is seriously addictive. I made excuses to stop at home on my lunch break for a bite as it haunted me from my fridge. I’m only allowing myself to make this for get together s going forward. Hmm I think I will plan a get together this weekend. Great recipe.
Chef Dennis Littley says
I feel your pain! That’s why I don’t make it as often as I would like!
Agnes Grossmann says
Your Tiramisu recipe looks wonderful! Can you send me the ingredients in grams instead of cups?
Thank you.
A.G.
Chef Dennis Littley says
in the recipe card, there is a button under ingredients to switch to metric
RP says
I don’t normally write reviews (I know I should !) but i felt compelled to do so about for this particular one.
I wanted to surprise the wife for Valentines with her favorite dessert. Only problem was the only dessert i’ve ever made was a chocolate sponge cake. My wife said this was the best Tiramisu she has ever tasted and can’t stop raving about it.
This is a truly an amazing recipe. I don’t think we will ever buy one from the stores ever again.
For absolute beginners like me, i’d like to share a few tips (that i learnt as I made this)
1. Be careful when you are whipping up the cream. Do NOT over whip it. I used an electric whisk and went past the firm peak stage to actually creating butter !
2. I felt that this was a bit too sweet, so i would probably reduce the sugar content by about 10%.
3. The cream texture was a bit too soft, so i would probably add a touch more mascarpone (depending on how firm you want the Tiramisu to be).
4. I did not use any liquers, as i wanted the kids to have it as well. It still tasted wonderful. I used decaf coffee (a mixture of a couple of nespresso capsules and some instant coffee).
5. Be careful when soaking in the ladyfingers. I reckon you should not let them soak for more than 2-3 seconds. They might feel firm when you take them out but i reckon they are still soaking in.
Clearly Chef Dennis knows a thing or two about desserts. Im looking forward to trying other recipes on his website !
Cece says
So good! Easy also. I used cognac, it was amazing! I didn’t have any other spirits. Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe!!!
E L says
Absolutely fantastic!
Instructions spot on and delicious.
I didn’t have kalhua so used good whisky instead.
Juliana says
Such a great tiramisu recipe. Your detailed instructions on whipping the cream and making the sabayon were super helpful so my tiramisu set perfectly (yay!). Thanks Dennis!
Desiree says
So tonight is the second time I’m making this. Tonight I ground the superfine sugar in a mortar and pestle but was still very grainy after 10 min of cooking so I added some warm heavy cream and kept cooking. After added the whipped cream it’s absolutely amazing! I added the cream the last time as well but it was still grainy after chilling overnight, but this time it’s perfect. Anyone know where to get castor sugar in south Florida? Can’t find it anywhere!
Chef Dennis Littley says
I ordered it through Amazon. I couldn’t find it in central Florida.
Robert Jannicelli says
I have made this recipe for my family gatherings 3x. I need to say that I’m not just an ” Italian American” but I actually lived there on and off for years…so I know the people and the language and the incredible foods of Italy! I am someone who approaches the making the food of our native land with a deep , abiding respect.
Your recipe is beyond a shadow of a doubt the very best I have made! I made everyone’s recipe for Tiramisu…all generations of my people!
This is the ONLY recipe that anyone who wants that rich authentic flavor that Tiramisu brings NEEDS!
I am preparing this recipe once again this weekend for a small gathering of my loved ones….because
After a year of Covid, and “2020 blues”, EVERYONE needs a little bring me up!
Thank you so much for presenting this exceptional recipe!
Thank you for bringing me and my whole family up!!!
Rob
Mark W says
I made this yesterday for dessert and it was a hit! I followed the recipe as written and it turned out perfect. I had been missing this yummy dessert since having to stop traveling and eating out at restaurants. The only thing I changed was the chocolate. I microplaned an extra dark chocolate bar on top and it was amazing. Thanks Chef Dennis!!
Chef Dennis Littley says
you are very welcome and I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the tiramisu!
Orit says
Thank you so much for this stellar recipe!! Better than any tiramisu I’ve eaten in the finest restaurants!!
KATHLEEN BRADDICK says
This is the BEST Tiramisu I ever had. Everyone goes crazy for it. I even have people that wants to order it from me.
Truly love it . BEST EVER!!!!
KATHLEEN BRADDICK says
This is the Tiramisu I ever had. Everyone goes crazy for it. I even had people that want to order it from me.
Truly love it, best ever!!!!!
Nadia says
Easily the yummiest tiramisu I have ever tasted! I whipped up chocolate cream as well and put it in the layers to make it like a mocha tiramisu (aside from this I followed the recipe exactly). I got so many compliments and people were raving on about it! Thank you for the amazing recipe!
UPINDER SANDHU says
Best home made Tiramisu. Nothing short of the one that i would have had in any top restaurant. My whole family was totally impressed and absolutely loved it. Absolute fantastic directions to the T.
Lisa Robinson says
The taste was great, but it didn’t totally set. What did I do wrong?
Chef Dennis Littley says
there are a lot of tips in the blog post. It could be a number of things, the sabayon wasn’t thick enough, the whipped cream wasn’t whipped enough, and the age of the cream, mascarpone and eggs can affect the dessert if they’re close to expiration
Andrew says
Can you overcook the sabayon? Sometimes I feel it gets a bit too thick. Many thanks for a wonderful recipe.
Chef Dennis Littley says
you can overcook the sabayon, but that would mean it’s turning into scrambled eggs more than thickening.
Ayda says
Hi, to substitute the mascarpone cheese, do we use room temperature heavy cream?
Chef Dennis Littley says
I’m not sure what you mean but heavy cream is not a substitute for mascarpone
Tan says
What would be a substitute for mascarpone?
Chef Dennis Littley says
Blend 8 ounces softened full-fat cream cheese with 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter OR – Blend 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/8 cup whipping cream and 1/8 cup sour cream.
Helen Papas says
I really love4d making this Tiramisu Dessert, we are celebrating Australia Day tomorrow and I thought I would try the recipe.
I cant wait for my family and I to taste!
Thank you for the recipe, I will let you know how it went.
Thanks Helen
Adelaide
Australia
Hind Barnieh says
It was amazing. The texture was so soft and the taste was delicious. I thought with that amount of egg yolks it will definitely smell like eggs. BUT NO! No egg smell! Will recommend!
Refky El-Sebaie says
Great Thank You so Much
Anna says
Thank you!
Megan says
I made this recipe for my mom who loves Tiramisu and it did not disappoint. My dad even liked it and he has never been a fan of Tiramisu. My sister said this was the best she’s ever had. The recipe was easy to make and the best Tiramisu I have ever tasted. I’ve made it with other recipes before and this one was next level, hands down the best! The only difficult part was trying to find lady fingers in my area… lol.
Eliza says
I made the Tiramisu for my birthday dinner party, was absolutely amazing! The gests who even don’t eat tiramisu enjoyed it so much! From now on I share the recipe with others so right now sending the translation to my sister in Poland.
Thank you Dennis for such a good recipe is really easy to follow and all your tips are helpful.
Chef Dennis Littley says
You are very welcome and I’m happy to hear you’ll be sending it to your sister! I love sharing my favorite dessert and making new friends.
Janice Vranicar says
I doubled the recipe and it still turned out perfectly amazing!!!! It was a little harder and took about 5 minutes longer on the stove top (making the sabayon) but it still tasted just like in little Italy in Chicago! Thank you!!
M says
Chef, my 1st finished product was AMAZING but I’ve got too much alcohol in my 2finished product, what can I do to remedy? My thoughts go to using the batch for another recipe, any suggestions?
Chef Dennis Littley says
you can always cut it with a little more whipped cream and mascarpone
M says
It worked perfectly, thank you!
Patricia Mapley says
I am 74 years old and this was my first attempt at making Tiramisu. Not only was it easy but also delicious. My whole family loved it. I will be making it again.
Am Holub says
Taste amazing and like in the restaurant in Italy. Totally the best tiramisu recipe I have used and it is so organized and easy to follow. You cannot go wrong! Thank you Chef!
Donna Cara says
Hi,Can i use brandy instead of coffee flavored liqueur?how about the amount if it is ok to substitute?Thanks
Chef Dennis Littley says
yes you can, use the same amount. Taste the mixture before using it to see if its what you want
Haley says
Hello Chef Dennis,
I am planning on making this for my S.O.’s birthday and I was wondering if you could advise me on egg safety. Would making sabayon per your recipe would be enough to kill all the bacteria? Or do you recommend to pasteurize the eggs beforehand?
Thank you in advance,
Haley
Chef Dennis Littley says
if you follow my recipe you should be good. Feel free to use pasteurized eggs it won’t change the end result
Louis Rotella says
Great recipe. My first time try & it was excellent.
Sara says
Thank you! This recipe is a staple now in our house !
Emilia says
For how long should I dry the sponge cake fingers in the oven on 250F?
Chef Dennis Littley says
until they’re dried out. It’s okay for them to brown. Start with 20 minutes
Alida says
This is the best tiramisu recipe and my go to everytime. I used to make this in a restaurant I worked in and over the years forgot the recipe, tried a few other online recipes until I found this one which is as close to the one I used to make as I have been able to find.
One tip though is to follow all chef denis tips in the recipe, don’t rush it, take your time with the sabayon and whipping the cream and also let the sabayon mix cool well before folding into the cream. When folding in I fold while I’m dripping in the sabayon/marscapone mix.the longer you let it set the better
Very nice recipe and friends have enjoyed it when I’ve made it.
Oli says
Definately the best tiramisu ever. Made it already three times, always a success, everyone loved it. Easy to follow and now i don’t even need to check the recipe anymore, done in 30 minutes.
Loves to cook says
I just made this for the first time ever. One of my all time favorites. Waiting for it to chill. I tried not to make it look messy so I had to play with it a little. How can it be bad? All of the ingredients make sense and I used all required. Looking forward to my favorite bite. Thank you for the easy to follow instructions.