Description
This Authentic Italian Tiramisu is a classic layered dessert that combines rich mascarpone cream with coffee-soaked ladyfinger cookies. It’s a no-bake treat featuring a creamy custard base made from egg yolks, sugar, milk, and mascarpone, infused with a hint of rum and vanilla, and finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfectly chilled, it offers a luscious blend of flavors and textures true to traditional Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Custard Base
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup white sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 pound mascarpone cheese
Cream Layer
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 2 (3 ounce) packages ladyfinger cookies
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prepare the custard base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until fully blended and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain to create a silky base.
- Cook custard: Gradually whisk in the milk. Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent curdling. Cook until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, then continue boiling for 1 minute to thicken. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Chill the custard: Cover the custard tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let it set and chill thoroughly.
- Whip cream: In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, giving the dessert its light and airy texture.
- Combine mascarpone and custard: Once the custard has cooled, gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare coffee mixture: In a shallow dish, mix the cooled brewed coffee with rum to create the soaking liquid for the ladyfingers.
- Soak ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee-rum mixture, ensuring they absorb flavor but do not become overly soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch serving dish.
- Add mascarpone layer: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers, creating the creamy layer.
- Repeat layers: Layer another set of dipped ladyfingers on top, then cover with the remaining mascarpone mixture, smoothing the surface.
- Chill the tiramisu: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.
- Dust with cocoa: Before serving, sprinkle the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve chilled, enjoying the classic flavors and creamy texture of this authentic Italian dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs since the recipe involves minimal cooking of the yolks.
- Do not soak ladyfingers too long to prevent a soggy base.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of brewed coffee.
- Refrigeration time can be extended overnight for enhanced flavor development.
- Substitute rum with coffee liqueur or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
