My step by step instructions for Tiramisu are easy to follow and will make seem like a superstar in the kitchen!
It seems so long ago that Mama Jeanette taught me how to make this classic dessert from her hometown of Sienna just as her mother had taught her, and her mother’s mother before her.
Mama Jeanette’s version of Tiramisu recipe is one of the most requested recipes I have on my blog, and the only complaint I receive is that so many people assume it’s beyond their skill level and are afraid to try making this amazing dessert. Recently I’ve gotten quite a few emails asking that I do step by step pictures of my Tiramisu to help them through the process.
While step by step images are not a regular feature on my blog, in this instance I’m happy to oblige in the hopes that they will help everyone to understand the process more clearly. Once you get through your first sabayon you’ll see just how easy it is to make this classic and it will become your signature dessert, requested by your friends and family.
What is Tiramisu?
Translated from Italian, tiramisu comes from the phrase tirami su ‘pick me up.’ It’s also known as a Tuscan Trifle as legend has it created in Sienna in the 17th century for a visit from the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Tiramisu is a rich, layered dish that classically contains hard ladyfingers or Savoardi, mascarpone cheese, espresso, egg yolks, sugar, Marsala wine, rum and cocoa powder. Of course, there are as many Tiramisu recipes as there are Italian grandmothers.
How do you make Classic Tiramisu?
Tiramisu Prep
Egg yolks and sugar become your Sabayon
add in the Mascarpone
add the whipped cream
fold in the whipped cream
finished mascarpone cream
dip the Savoiardi ladyfingers in the coffee-Kahlua mixture
layer the prepared ladyfingers in the bottom of the pan
add a layer of Tiramisu cream
add another layer of prepared ladyfingers
add another layer of Tiramisu cream and dust with unsweetened cocoa
Chef Dennis Tiramisu Tips for a perfect Tiramisu:
- Make sure your mascarpone and egg yolks are at room temperature.
- Don’t oversoak your ladyfingers. A quick dip in and out of the espresso mixture is all that is needed. Soggy ladyfingers will ruin this dessert.
- Beat the whipped cream slowly (over 10 minutes) and it will hold up for an extended period.
- Traditionally Marsala wine is added to the espresso in a classic tiramisu, but I prefer keeping the flavor of the coffee using a coffee liqueur like Kahlua.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, overnight is best to let the ladyfingers soften and the filling to firm up.
I can promise you once you’ve made your first Tiramisu with my recipe you’ll never be happy with restaurant Tiramisu again. And definitely, plan on making it on regular basis, it’s just that good! And if you love Tiramisu make sure to check out my Peach Tiramisu with Raspberries.
My step by step instructions for Tiramisu are easy to follow and will make seem like a superstar in the kitchen!
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup sugar (201 gm)
- 1 1/4 cup mascarpone cheese - room temperature (284 gm)
- 1 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (420 ml)
- 2 -12 oz packages Savoiardi Lady fingers crunchy not soft variety
- 1 cup cold espresso or strong coffee (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup coffee flavored Liquor optional (120 ml)
- 1 tbsp cocoa for dusting (30 gm)
- Combine egg yolks and sugar in the top of a double boiler, over boiling water. Reduce heat to low, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
- This is your sabayon, remove from the heat and whip yolks until thick and lemon colored. (whipping the eggs off the heat should allow them to cool off sufficiently if you're going to make a larger batch make sure to give the sabayon time to cool down before adding the rest of the ingredients.)
- Add Mascarpone to whipped yolks, beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream in the mascarpone sabayon mixture and set aside.
- Mix the cold espresso with the coffee liquor and dip the ladyfingers into the mixture just long enough to get them wet, do not soak them!
- Arrange the ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8 inch square baking dish (or 6×9)
- Spoon half the mascarpone cream filling over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat process with another layer.
- Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Dust with cocoa before serving
Kristi says
January 29, 2019 at 10:33 amLove this recipe. It is PERFECT! Have been using it for a couple years now. First time I made it was for a gathering and it was so wonderful to have a recipe do so well the first time and ever since. 🙂
One quick question.. I am very careful to dip the lady fingers quickly submerging them and out. This time we actually had some for ourselves as leftovers and I really experienced more espresso after the time in the fridge. Which makes me wonder if dipping and submerging are the same thing. Should I just be dipping one side?
Thanks!
Chef Dennis Littley says
January 29, 2019 at 11:55 amif the flavor of the espresso is too much you can just dip one side or brush the ladyfingers with the espresso instead of dipping it in. It’s all about how you like the dessert so feel free to make any adjustments to get the flavor profile you like.
CC Blackburn says
January 5, 2019 at 12:04 amOutstanding!
I’ve recently returned from Italy and a class in Tiramisu 101. This recipe is far better (although we DID use the same lady fingers; everyone seems to agree that they’re the best). IAdding the coffee liqueur, I served it at Christmas dinner to rave reviews. THANK YOU!
Chef Dennis Littley says
January 5, 2019 at 8:46 amWow!! Thank you so much for taking time to let me know my tiramisu was better than your class in Italy! Best wishes for the New Year as you continue to share this amazing dessert with your friends and Family!
Lois McKeown says
December 21, 2018 at 7:52 amI’m Italian…75 on 2/2 /19. Cooking from scratch is my Dennis and I for 47 yrs. A fan of Tiramisu, never made it. We di, and the raves were tops!!!! Easy, thank you. Boston Ma, but Dallas right now…yum!!!
Chef Dennis Littley says
December 21, 2018 at 8:48 amThank you for letting me know you tried and enjoyed my recipe for Tiramisu!
Bora says
December 13, 2018 at 2:43 pmHi Dennis, i loved your recipe and it is totally wonderful and delicious. While making sabayon, i made a mistake i think because egg&sugar mixture became solid too quickly if i cook over boiling water. Can you give a tip for sabayon preparation. This is the tricky point 😉
Chef Dennis Littley says
December 13, 2018 at 4:43 pmThe water should not be boiling, just a light simmer after it gets hot. You can even take it off the stove completely. The idea is to cook the eggs slowly as it thickens.
Jane says
May 11, 2019 at 8:54 pmIt’s an amazing recipe! It’s our first attempt in making Tiramisu. It’s easy! And all of our friends loved it and were so impressed by this! Thanks for sharing.
The only problem we had was the tiramisu doesn’t hold its shape well.. any thoughts what might have caused this?
Would definitely use this recipe over and over again!
Chef Dennis Littley says
May 12, 2019 at 8:27 amhi Jane
Usually, when tiramisu doesn’t hold it shape there are a few possible reasons. The first being the sabayon wasn’t thick enough. The second being the whipped cream wasn’t whipped long enough. The third reason is that if the cream, eggs or mascarpone are close to expiration date this does seem to affect the consistency. Always look for product that has a long expiration date to ensure its freshness.
Hopefully next time it will come out perfect!
mary r wilson says
December 12, 2018 at 4:36 pmmy neighbor was kind enough to give me a piece of her recipe. IT WAS DELICIOUS. Amazing. She printed the recipe for me…so now I can try my luck. THank You for your sharining the recipe…and Thank You Carolyn for sharing with me!
Chef Dennis Littley says
December 13, 2018 at 9:14 amI love when my recipe gets shared! Thanks so much for letting me know you enjoyed my recipe and I look forward to hearing about your first time serving this delicious dessert!
Kathleen Cole says
December 7, 2018 at 6:59 amI made this for an Italian friend and she raved about it. My friend from church wants the recipe. also. It was FABULOUS!!! I loved the tip about whipping the cream for 10 minutes. It didn’t break down, so the dessert held up well. Thanks, Chef Dennis.
Chef Dennis Littley says
December 7, 2018 at 8:50 amThanks for letting me know my tiramisu recipe was a success! And thank you for the great review!
Inquisitive says
November 26, 2018 at 10:38 pmIv’e been experimenting with mixtures of rum and burbon and other liquors along with kahlua…I like a bit of a liquor kick. Plus… Droste Coco from Holland, dusted thick for super decadence! Mixing the marscapone with egg mix, before folding in the whip cream, was a great tip. Thanks!
Mary Doss says
November 4, 2018 at 1:28 pmLove, love, this! I am always skeptical when I read such glowing comments, but this time, you made me a believer! Made it for the first time this week, and our guest said it was the best she has ever eaten – and she’s hard to please! Follow the directions, and it turns out prefect. This one goes in the good file!
Chef Dennis Littley says
November 4, 2018 at 3:07 pmThank you so much for the great review and for trying this amazing dessert! Make sure to tell your friends where to find it.
J says
October 10, 2018 at 10:03 amI made this for Thanksgiving and it was really good. Probably the best tiramisu recipe I have used. Thanks Chef Dennis!
Chef Dennis Littley says
October 10, 2018 at 10:44 amthank you for the great rating! I’m very happy to hear you enjoyed my recipe!
Acupofassamtea says
October 7, 2018 at 2:42 pmThe Tiramisu looks decadent. Thank you so much for the easy to follow recipe.
Maddy Gutierrez says
October 7, 2018 at 9:49 amThis recipe looks so delicious. And easy! 🙂 I’ve never been brave enough to attempt tiramisu at home, but now I feel like I need to give it a go!
Denay DeGuzman says
October 5, 2018 at 3:59 amIt’s been way too long since I last made tiramisu! Thank you for the inspiration. I look forward to trying out your yummy recipe this weekend!
Kita Bryant says
October 4, 2018 at 5:44 pmThis recipe was jumping off the screen at me! I would so much love to try this one.
Mely Martinez says
October 4, 2018 at 2:54 pmThank you for the helpful Tiramisu tutorial. Love that you added a picture for the part when you add the eggs. It sure looks creamy amazing!
Catalina says
October 4, 2018 at 12:31 pmTiramisu is my all time favorite dessert. So easy to make and so delicious! I was talking to my kid about remaking it these days…. Yummy!
Anosa Malanga says
October 4, 2018 at 4:04 amI love tiramisu but I have never make one by myself yet. I guess this is the perfect time for me to try making it. It’s nice to learn that it is very easy to make.
Shannan P says
October 4, 2018 at 2:41 amI love Tiramisu but have never tried to make it myself. I think I might have to take a crack at this recipe for our next date night at home. Now who wants to keep the kids for me so I can make it happen?
Heather says
October 3, 2018 at 11:42 pmOh, I love tiramisu. I’ve never thought about making it at home, only a restaurant treat. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.
Alyssa Hertzig says
October 3, 2018 at 10:24 pmI’ve never been much of a tiramisu person, but this seriously looks SO good. I think you may have made me a convert! 😉
Jeanine says
October 3, 2018 at 9:27 pmWow this looks incredible. My husband is a huge fan of terimasu I bet he would love this!