The Best Tiramisu Recipe

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A classic Italian dessert made with layers espresso soaked lady fingers and the creamiest mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder to finish. Truly The Best Tiramisu Recipe that is light in texture but rich and flavor, requires no baking and will be the perfect ending to your meal.

What is Tiramisu?

A classic Italian dessert that is made with layers of espresso soaked lady fingers and the lightest and creamiest mascarpone cream, Tiramisu is the perfect way to end a meal. The word Tiramisu means "pick me up", which is exactly what every bite will do, an energy boost of delicious flavors. An authentic tiramisu is made in a 9x13 pyrex dish, but I love making these an individual portion that can be presented at each place setting.

I have a love for classic Italian flavors like Ricotta Cheesecake , a simple and easy Bruschetta appetizer or a fun and festive Apple Spice Aperol Spritz. This classic Tiramisu recipe is definitely one of the most popular and familiar Italian desserts that you and your guest will love.

A clear glass filled with lady fingers, marscarpone cream and cocoa powder with a flower.

Ingredients

Eggs-Creating a super creamy texture, egg yolks combined with sugar and whisked over simmering water is the base for the tiramisu cream.
Mascarpone Cheese- A soft Italian style cream cheese that is light in flavor.
Espresso- A traditional espresso machine or keeping it easy with instant espresso powder, the strong flavor is a perfect pair to the light mascarpone cream and better than brewed coffee.
Kahlua- This ingredient is optional but will add a nice pop of flavor to the espresso soaking liquid
Lady Fingers- Piped strips of sponge cake that bakes into a crispy texture. Ladyfingers absorb the liquid and become very spongy and soft without getting soggy.
Cocoa Powder- A traditional garnish for the top of the tiramisu, unsweetened cocoa powder is the best!

Three clear glasses layered with lady fingers, mascarpone cream and cocoa powder on gray plates with flowers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

A bowl of egg and sugar with whisk next to another bowl with a whisk.

In a medium glass or metal bowl, combine the egg yolks, granulated sugar and salt
Place the bowl sitting over a pot of simmering water and whisk until the egg yolks are light in color and start to thicken (approximately 8 minutes)

Two bowls next to each other with whisked egg yolks and sugar.

Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract and cinnamon; set aside and allow to cool
In a mixing bowl with whisk attachment, whip the cream until it creates soft to medium peaks
Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture and gently mix until fully combined

A glass cup with coffee soaked lady fingers next to another glass with soaked lady fingers and mascarpone cream.

Pour the espresso and kahlua (optional) into a shallow bowl; set aside
Quickly dip each lady finger into the espresso mixture and place the lady finger into the bottom of the glass or serving dish; repeat until the bottom of the glass is covered (do not keep the lady fingers in the espresso for very long or they will fall apart)
Scoop the mascarpone cream over the lady fingers and spread to cover them completely

A clear glass filled coffee soaked fingers, layered with mascarpone cream next to another glass with layers of lady fingers and mascarpone cream.

Repeat with the remaining espresso soaked lady fingers and mascarpone cream until the glass or serving dish is filled

Clear glasses filled with layers of lady fingers and mascarpone cream and cocoa powder.

Dust the top of the mascarpone cream with cocoa powder and refrigerate the Tiramisu for 2-3 hours or until you are ready to serve them (these can be made in advance and refrigerated for 24 hours)

Expert Tips & FAQS

Tiramisu can be made 24 hours in advance to help with meal preparation and also will allow the flavors to absorb strengthen
Some tiramisu recipes are made with raw eggs but this method of cooking the eggs and sugar over a simmering water will cook the eggs and create a very fluffy mascarpone cream.

Can this recipe be made in a full size pyrex or serving dish?

Yes! This will make a small serving dish but can also be doubled for a larger serving portion.

Can you use regular coffee for soaking ladyfingers?

Absolutely! Espresso will definitely give a stronger flavor, but coffee will also be great! If you don't have an espresso machine you can also use instant espresso.

Where can I find lady fingers?

Lady fingers are usually found in traditional grocery stores and specialty markets. If you love to bake and want to try making your own, Homemade Ladyfingers are a delicious options!

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone cheese?

There is a slight flavor difference in the cream cheese vs. mascarpone cheese and will not taste authentic, but you can replace it if you are having trouble finding mascarpone cheese.