Tiramisu – Italian original recipes

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that combines coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a creamy mascarpone mixture. Here’s a traditional Tiramisu recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

1. Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): About 24
2. Espresso or Strong Coffee: 1 cup, cooled to room temperature
3. Rum or Brandy: 3 tablespoons (optional)
4. Egg Yolks: 4 large
5. Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup
6. Mascarpone Cheese: 8 oz (227g)
7. Heavy Cream: 1 cup
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
9. Salt: A pinch
10. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For dusting
11. Dark Chocolate (optional): For grating

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
   • Combine the espresso (or strong coffee) with the rum or brandy. Set aside.
2. Mascarpone Mixture:
   • In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) and whisk constantly until the mixture thickens. This will take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
   • In another bowl, whip the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
   • Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the egg yolk mixture until smooth.
   • Carefully fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Tiramisu:
   • Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring it’s soaked but not soggy. Arrange a layer of the dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of a serving dish.
   • Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
   • Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers.
   • Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture on top.
4. Chill:
   • Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld.
5. Serve:
   • Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder.
   • Optionally, grate some dark chocolate on top for added flavor and texture.
6. Enjoy:
   • Serve chilled. Tiramisu is best consumed within a day or two, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Note: Traditional tiramisu sometimes includes raw eggs. If you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs, ensure you use pasteurized eggs or look for recipes that cook the egg mixture.

Classic Tiramisu with Egg Whites:

Ingredients:

1. Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): About 24
2. Espresso or Strong Coffee: 1 cup, cooled to room temperature
3. Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlua): 3 tablespoons
4. Egg Yolks: 3
5. Egg Whites: 3
6. Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
7. Mascarpone Cheese: 8 oz (227g)
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
9. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For dusting
10. Dark Chocolate: For grating (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Coffee Mixture:
   • Mix the espresso with the coffee liqueur. Set aside.
2. Mascarpone Mixture:
   • Whisk egg yolks and half of the sugar in a bowl until thick and pale.
   • In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth, and then fold it into the egg yolk mixture.
   • In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks.
   • Gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture.
3. Assemble:
   • Similar to the previous recipe, dip ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and layer them in a dish. Add a layer of the mascarpone mixture and repeat.
4. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, then dust with cocoa powder and optionally, grated chocolate.

Variations:

1. Tiramisu with Berries:
   • Layer fresh raspberries or strawberries between the mascarpone mixture and ladyfingers. You can also add berry liqueur to the coffee mixture for added flavor.
2. Chocolate Tiramisu:
   • Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the coffee mixture. You can also fold chocolate chips or chunks into the mascarpone mixture for a rich, chocolaty flavor.
3. Limoncello Tiramisu:
   • Replace the coffee with Limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur). Skip the cocoa powder dusting and instead zest a lemon on top before serving.

Remember, the key to a great tiramisu is to allow it to set properly in the refrigerator. It lets the flavors meld together and gives the dessert its signature creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whatever variation you choose, enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Absolutely! Tiramisu is a versatile dessert, and there are numerous ways to put a twist on the traditional recipe. Here are more variations and a vegan version for those looking for dairy-free alternatives:

Matcha Tiramisu:

Ingredients:

1. Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): About 24
2. Matcha Powder: 3 tablespoons, plus extra for dusting
3. Hot Water: 1 cup
4. Egg Yolks: 3
5. Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
6. Mascarpone Cheese: 8 oz (227g)
7. Heavy Cream: 1 cup
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

Instructions:

1. Prepare Matcha Mixture:
   • Whisk the matcha powder in hot water until it’s smooth. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
2. Mascarpone Mixture:
   • Similar to the traditional recipe, whisk the egg yolks and sugar. In separate bowls, whisk the mascarpone until smooth and whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks. Combine them.
3. Assemble:
   • Dip ladyfingers in the matcha mixture and layer in a dish. Add a layer of the mascarpone mixture and repeat.
4. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Before serving, dust with matcha powder.

Vegan Tiramisu:

Ingredients:

1. Vegan Ladyfingers: About 24 (available at some health food stores or specialty bakeries)
2. Espresso or Strong Coffee: 1 cup, cooled
3. Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlua): 3 tablespoons
4. Raw Cashews: 2 cups, soaked overnight
5. Maple Syrup: ½ cup
6. Coconut Cream: 1 cup (from a can of chilled full-fat coconut milk)
7. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
8. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare Coffee Mixture:
   • Mix the espresso with the coffee liqueur. Set aside.
2. Vegan Mascarpone Mixture:
   • In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, maple syrup, coconut cream, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble:
   • Dip the vegan ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and layer in a dish. Add a layer of the vegan mascarpone mixture and repeat.
4. Chill and Serve:
   • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, then dust with cocoa powder.

Chai Latte Tiramisu:

1. Brewed Chai Tea: Replace the coffee with strong brewed chai tea for a spicy twist.
2. Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to the mascarpone mixture.

With these variations, you can enjoy the richness and comfort of tiramisu while exploring different flavors and even catering to dietary restrictions. The key to a good tiramisu is the layering and allowing the dessert to set, ensuring the flavors meld together perfectly. Enjoy experimenting and indulging!