Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (2024)

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The easiest and most delicious Tiramisu recipe! This authentic Italian dessert is rich and creamy but as light as air made with coffee dunked Savoiardi (ladyfingers), a smooth and creamy mascarpone filling and dusted with cacao powder to finish it off. Perfect for any occasion!

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (1)

When it comes to Italian desserts you just can't beat a good Tiramisu! It's hands down one of my favourite desserts ever and I never get bored of it!

Espresso soaked Savoiardi fingers, light, smooth and creamy mascarpone and all topped with a light dusting of cacao powder. It's rich and indulgent but so light and airy that there's always room for a slice (or two).

Jump to:
  • What makes Tiramisu authentic?
  • Ingredients - what you need
  • Step by step photos and recipe instructions
  • Top tips and recipe FAQs
  • More delicious Italian desserts you might like
  • ☆Full Recipe

What makes Tiramisu authentic?

So how do you make an authentic tiramisu? The ingredients and method are key!

Controversially a traditional recipe is made with raw eggs, not tempered eggs and certainly not with whipped cream. Traditionally there's also no alcohol involved although that's one modern addition that I absolutely love and always add when I make it.

There are many recipes that involve raw eggs from chocolate mousse to homemade mayonnaise so it's not an unusual ingredient you just have to make sure you use good quality free-range eggs and make sure they are as fresh as possible.

I have made and eaten tiramisu countless times and never had any issues but if you have concerns or need to avoid raw eggs don't worry we have an Eggless Tiramisu recipe too!

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Ingredients - what you need

To make this dessert you'll need; Savoiardi ladyfingers, eggs (yolks and whites separated), mascarpone cheese, white sugar, strong coffee, cocoa powder, dark chocolate and coffee liqueur (optional).

See the photo below that shows all the ingredients you need!

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (2)

Step by step photos and recipe instructions

First, you need to divide the egg yolks and egg whites in two separate bowls and add 3 tbsps of sugar to each. Whisk the egg whites until they are stiff and glossy (photos 1 & 2).

Then continue with the egg yolks and whisk those with an electric whisk until pale and thick (photos 3 & 4).

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (3)

Next, add the mascarpone and whisk again until smooth and creamy (photos 5 & 6).

Next, add one-third of the whisked egg whites to the mascarpone mixture and gently fold it in as you would with a cake batter. Continue with the remaining whites a third at a time until it's completely incorporated (photos 7 & 8).

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (4)

Mix the espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow bowl and dip in the Savoiardi ladyfingers for 1-2 seconds on each side and line them on the bottom of the dish in an even layer (photos 9 & 10).

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (5)

Next, add half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and spread out in an even layer, top with some grated dark chocolate (photos 11 & 12).

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (6)

Repeat with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone as directed above. Finally, dust with cocoa powder and chill in the fridge for roughly 6-8 hours (photos 13-16).

Top tips and recipe FAQs

  • Whisking the eggs - make sure you don't get any egg yolk in the egg whites before beating them. If you do they will collapse and won't become stiff peaks and glossy like you need them.
  • Liqueur - other than coffee liqueur you could use amaretto, dark rum, marsala, brandy, or Frangelico.
  • Savoiardi - it's really important to use Italian Savoiardi cookies, Pavensini are another good option or ladyfingers but make sure they are crisp in texture and not soft.
  • Topping - The cocoa powder will darken as it soaks into the mascarpone mixture in the fridge, you can add an extra sprinkling just before serving if you prefer.
  • Let it rest - Leave the Tiramisu in the fridge for at least 6 hours, overnight is even better. This gives the Savoiardi or ladyfingers a chance to soften and soak up the flavours and gives the whole dessert a chance to develop and become extra delicious.
  • Size of dish used - I used an 8x10 inch dish to make this Tiramisu you may need more or less ladyfingers according to your dish size.

What does tiramisu mean?

Tiramisu literally translates as "pick me up" as in cheer up. It's such a perfect name for a dessert that does just that!

Can I make this alcohol free?

Absolutely, traditionaly Tiramisu is made without alcohol so if you leave it out it'll still be absolutely delicious!

How long does it last?

It'll keep well covered and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Can I freeze it?

Although you can freeze it I don't recommend freezing tiramisu simply because dairy doesn't tend to freeze well and will likely lose it's creamy and rich texture.

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (7)

More delicious Italian desserts you might like

  • Eggless Tiramisu (delicious flavour without the egg!)
  • Strawberry Tiramisu with White Chocolate
  • Tiramisu Ice cream
  • Chocolate Panna Cotta
  • Chocolate Salami (Salame di Cioccolato)
  • Italian Crostata (Jam Tart)

If you've tried this Tiramisu recipe or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME onFACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I'm getting up to.

This recipe was first posted on 13th April 2018 but has since been updated with better photos and more helpful tips.

☆Full Recipe

Step By Step Photos AboveMost of our recipes come with step by step photos, helpful tips and tricks to make it perfectly first time and even video!

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Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (8)

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5 from 42 votes

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe!

The easiest and most delicious Tiramisu recipe! This authentic Italian dessert is rich and creamy but as light as air made with coffee dunked Savoiardi (lady fingers), a smooth and creamy mascarpone filling and dusted with cacao powder to finish it off. Perfect for any occasion! Also check out our Egg-Free Tiramisu version and our Chocolate Tiramisu!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 470kcal

Author Emily Wyper

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mascarpone (500g)
  • 24 (roughly) Savoiardi biscuits (lady fingers)
  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee (230ml)
  • 3 tablespoons dark chocolate grated
  • 4 egg yolks at room temperature
  • 3 egg whites at room temperature
  • 6 tablespoons sugar
  • 4 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Instructions

  • Carefully separate the egg yolks and whites into two separate bowls. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar to the egg yolks and whisk them with an electric whisk until pale and thick. Add the mascarpone and whisk again until smooth and creamy, set aside.

  • Clean your beaters thoroughly. This is very important as egg whites will not whip if any egg yolk is added.

  • Using a clean electric whisk start to whisk the egg whites. When they become frothy, add 3 tablespoons of sugar and whisk until the egg whites are stiff and glossy. You should be able to turn the bowl upside down and they remain stiff (be careful not to overwhip them).

  • Next, add one third of the whisked egg whites to the mascarpone and egg yolk mixture and gently fold it in as you would with a cake batter. Continue with the remaining whites a third at a time until it's completed incorporated.

  • Mix the espresso and 4 tablespoon coffee liqueur in a shallow bowl and dip in the lady fingers (savoiardibiscuits). You want to dip them into the liquid quickly (around 2-3 seconds) whilst turning to soak each side.

  • Lay the ladyfingers in a glass or ceramic dish until you have one even layer. You can brake some biscuits to fit your dish .

  • Next, add half of the mascarpone mixture over the biscuits and spread out in an even layer, top with some grated dark chocolate.

  • Continue with another layer of ladyfingers and mascarpone as directed above. Finally, dust with cocoa powder and chill in the fridge for roughly 6-8 hours.

Notes

  • Recipe update - the instructions in the recipe have been updated according to reader reviews (the egg yolks are whisked first and whites second) all other methods and ingredients remain the same.
  • Whisking the eggs - make sure you don't get any egg yolk in the egg whites before beating them. If you do they will collapse and won't become stiff peaks and glossy like you need them.
  • Liqueur - other than coffee liqueur you could use amaretto, dark rum, marsala, brandy, or Frangelico.
  • Savoiardi - it's really important to use Italian Savoiardi cookies, Pavensini are another good option or ladyfingers but make sure they are crisp in texture and not soft.
  • Topping - The cocoa powder will darken as it soaks into the mascarpone mixture in the fridge, you can add an extra sprinkling just before serving if you prefer.
  • Let it rest - Leave the Tiramisu in the fridge for at least 6 hours, overnight is even better. This gives the Savoiardi or ladyfingers a chance to soften and soak up the flavours and gives the whole dessert a chance to develop and become extra delicious.
  • Size of dish used - I used an 8x10 inch dish to make this Tiramisu you may need more or less ladyfingers according to your dish size.
  • Storage - will keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 187mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 92mg | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1075IU | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 1.5mg

Helpful Info for All Recipes

  • I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise
  • When I use canned or jarred tomatoes of any kind I always use Cirio or Mutti brands for the best results and flavour.
  • All vegetables are medium sized unless stated otherwise
  • All recipes are tested and developed using a fan (convection) oven
  • Find out more about how nutrition is calculated.
  • Check out our must have Italian Pantry Staples.
  • You can also find all our Essential Kitchen Tools for Italian Cooking.

Did you try this recipe?Mention @insidetherustickitchen or tag #insidetherustickitchen! We'd love you see what you're getting up to in the kitchen!

Tiramisu - Authentic Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional tiramisu made of? ›

Traditional tiramisu contains ladyfingers (savoiardi), egg yolks, sugar, coffee, mascarpone and cocoa powder. A common variant involves soaking the savoiardi in alcohol, such as Marsala wine, amaretto or a coffee-based liqueur.

What is the difference between Italian and American tiramisu? ›

Traditional Italian tiramisu does not contain cream–the mascarpone “cream” is composed of simply mascarpone, eggs and sugar. However, our selection of mostly Americanized recipe did include 5 recipes that used heavy cream (ranging from 2 tablespoons to 2 cups).

Does tiramisu traditionally contain alcohol? ›

Traditional tiramisu, an Italian dessert, typically contains alcohol in the form of a liqueur. The alcohol is used to enhance the flavor and is an integral part of the dessert's traditional recipe. The most commonly used liqueur in tiramisu is Marsala wine, which is a sweet fortified wine.

What is the difference between French and Italian tiramisu? ›

So what exactly is the difference between the Italian tiramisu and the French one? Not much really. The Italian version uses whipped cream as well as mascarpone and savoiardi (sponge lady finger biscuits) as opposed to speculoos. The latter is a special biscuit exclusively from France, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Is kahlua or rum better for tiramisu? ›

Alcohol: I prefer Kahlua, but use any of the following: Marsala wine, rum (dark is best!), brandy, or Amaretto. Make it Alcohol-Free: Omit the Kahlua entirely from the coffee mixture and replacing it with coffee in the mascarpone mixture.

What not to do when making tiramisu? ›

Roberto Lestani, who for the occasion revealed to us the 3 mistakes not to make to prepare a stunning tiramisu!
  1. 1: excessively whipping the mascarpone! ...
  2. 2: once together, don't immediately mix the yolks and sugar! ...
  3. 3: Neglect stratification!
Jun 16, 2020

What is Venetian tiramisu? ›

Created in the Veneto region of Italy in the 1960s, and meaning "pick me up" in Italian, this dessert combines three of Italy's best flavors - coffee, mascarpone, and cocoa powder - into one delicious indulgence.

Why does tiramisu have rum? ›

Traditional tiramisu, an Italian dessert, typically contains alcohol in the form of a liqueur. The alcohol is used to enhance the flavor and is an integral part of the dessert's traditional recipe. The most commonly used liqueur in tiramisu is Marsala wine, which is a sweet fortified wine.

Why is tiramisu so expensive? ›

Roberto Linguanotto, a Venetian pastry chef who is often credited with the invention of tiramisu back in the 1960s, says that his creation is expensive because of the espresso used in another essential component to the dessert: espresso-soaked ladyfingers (via The Straits Times).

What is the best liquor for tiramisu? ›

Then, transfer them to a mixer with a whisk attachment and whip until stiff peaks form. What is the best liquor for making tiramisu? Marsala is a sweet red wine traditionally used for tiramisu, and my favorite option.

What rum is best for tiramisu? ›

Dark rum is best, but you can use brandy or your favorite coffee liqueur. Egg whites or whipped cream? Most tiramisu recipes use whipped egg whites OR whipped cream in the mascarpone cream layers. Egg whites contribute a more airy texture, while whipped cream makes the filling a bit more rich.

Does Olive Garden tiramisu have alcohol? ›

Since it can be difficult to discern the alcohol in Olive Garden's tiramisu, you'd be forgiven for assuming that it doesn't contain any, but the truth is it actually does.

What is the English name for tiramisu? ›

What is Tiramisu? The literal meaning of Tiramisu in Italian is “pick me up” or “cheer me up”. As the name implies, this is an iconic Italian dessert that is served at the end of the meal that hopefully “cheers you up”.

What country invented tiramisu? ›

These historic memories tell us that the recipe and dessert were well known in Treviso as far back as 1800. As often happens in legends, there are various elements of truth: Tiramisù originates from Treviso, in Italy.

What is dolce tiramisu? ›

Description. A generous dusting of intense cocoa powder covers a delicious, coffee infused, sponge cake and lady fingers, filled with a light, velvety, mascarpone cream. An Italian classic. Ideal to stock in stored and delis.

What is the best liqueur for tiramisu? ›

Liqueur: To take your tiramisu up a notch, use a liqueur like almond-y Amaretto or hazelnut Frangelico to infuse a fourth flavor into your dessert and complement the coffee and chocolate. My personal favorite is Sambuca, an Italian anise-flavored liqueur.

What's the difference between tiramisu and tiramisu cake? ›

While traditional tiramisu relies on ladyfingers, tiramisu cake often uses layers of sponge cake soaked in espresso and sometimes a touch of liqueur. The quintessential mascarpone cream remains a constant, but the structure allows for creative variations.

Does all tiramisu have raw eggs? ›

Nowadays, using raw eggs in cooking is so much more acceptable because the quality of fresh produce is so much better - think mayonnaise (raw yolks), lemon meringue pie (raw egg whites under the browned top). However, the real traditional way to make Tiramisu (and this is an Italian Chef recipe) is to use raw eggs.

Is tiramisu made with brandy or rum? ›

Most of the traditional tiramisù recipes in Italy don't include any liquor (just coffee). If you really want to add some, you can try with something sweet like. Usually Amaretto liqueur or Marsala but pomace brandy like Grappa, dark rum, Madeira, port, Irish cream, brandy or even Malibu can be used.

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