Authentic Italian Tiramisu Recipe – Safe Version

Tiramisu is not just a dessert, it’s a true delight that can create a special mood. This Italian dessert has all the best: a mix of textures and balanced flavors, the creaminess of mascarpone, the boldness of coffee, the richness of cocoa. But before diving into the authentic Italian tiramisu recipe, let me tell you why authentic Italian tiramisu is so unique.

The dessert’s name, “tiramisu,” means “pick me up” or “cheer me up” in Italian. And it’s no coincidence! The combination of coffee and delicate cream truly lifts the spirits – not only thanks to the caffeine, but also due to the special atmosphere this dessert creates.

The history of tiramisu is somewhat disputed, as often happens with popular dishes. However, most sources point to the Veneto region, where this delicate dessert likely emerged fairly recently, in the 1960s. According to one legend, tiramisu was first prepared at the “Le Beccherie” restaurant in the town of Treviso. The restaurant’s pastry chefs experimented with ingredients and created a simple yet rich dessert, combining coffee, mascarpone cheese, ladyfingers, and eggs. Later, this restaurant claimed tiramisu as its “invention,” and the dessert’s recipe started spreading throughout Italy and beyond.

Tiramisu emerged during a time when Italy was experiencing a coffee boom. Coffee had become accessible to everyone, and the popularity of espresso and other coffee drinks encouraged chefs to incorporate this ingredient into their recipes. This is why coffee became the “soul” of tiramisu, adding a special aroma and a touch of bitterness.

However, each ingredient in tiramisu has a unique role, and without it, the dessert wouldn’t be as tender, rich, and aromatic. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each component indispensable in this Italian masterpiece.

1. Mascarpone

This soft and creamy Italian cheese forms the base of tiramisu cream. Mascarpone has a delicate texture, almost like thick cream, yet it’s not overly rich, which gives the cream a balanced, light feel. It adds a hint of sweetness and a deep milky flavor to the dessert. Mascarpone is made from fresh cream, which is heated and mixed with citric acid to thicken. The result is a soft, slightly sweet cheese that literally melts in your mouth.

2. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks in tiramisu play an important role – they stabilize the cream, making it thicker and richer. For safety, the yolks can be pasteurized in a double boiler.

According to the classic recipe, whipped egg whites are also added to tiramisu, but I prefer the version with whipped cream. First, it enhances the creamy, slightly sweet flavor of mascarpone, and second, since the dessert isn’t thermally processed, I believe it’s important to consider the safety of both yourself and your loved ones. Alternatively, you can use pasteurized eggs.

3. Sugar

Sugar in tiramisu sweetens the cream, enhances the flavor of mascarpone, and softens the bitterness of the coffee. Important tip: the sugar should fully dissolve in the yolks while being heated in a double boiler.

4. Coffee

Coffee is the heart of tiramisu, lending it a special aroma and balancing the flavor. Typically, espresso is used, but through experimentation, I’ve found that good quality ground coffee brewed with hot water works just as well. I like a ratio of 2 tsp of ground coffee per 200 ml of boiling water. This way, the coffee flavor is present in the tiramisu but doesn’t overwhelm the creamy mascarpone and delicate ladyfingers. Of course, you can adjust this ratio to your taste.

5. Ladyfingers

This Italian sponge biscuit is known for its airy texture and ability to absorb moisture. Ladyfingers quickly soak up the coffee without getting soggy (if you follow the tips below), giving the dessert a light texture while maintaining structure. They’re made from eggs, sugar, and flour, and the surface is dusted with sugar, which caramelizes during baking to add a light sweet crust. If ladyfingers aren’t available, other sponge biscuits can be substituted, though the result will be slightly different.

To prevent ladyfingers from becoming mushy, follow these two rules when soaking them in coffee:

• The coffee should be cold before dipping the ladyfingers.
• Dip the biscuits into the coffee very quickly, about 1 second on each side.

6. Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder completes the tiramisu, adding a light chocolate bitterness and decorating the dessert’s surface. Try to find high-quality, rich dark cocoa powder; it will make your tiramisu look much more appetizing than with a lighter cocoa powder. The cocoa powder should be sprinkled on the tiramisu’s surface after it’s fully chilled.

Some recipes recommend adding alcohol to tiramisu, like rum. However, Italians insist that classic tiramisu doesn’t contain alcohol, as it was always meant to be a family dessert, including for children. Interestingly, this means they’re giving coffee to children from a young age!

Now for the recipe itself. Here’s how to make classic tiramisu at home – with simple ingredients and minimal effort.

By the way, I have a short video on my Instagram and Facebook of making tiramisu using this recipe, which will definitely be useful to you. Also, subscribe to my pages on social media so you don’t miss new recipes. Thank you!

Ingredients for the authentic Italian tiramisu recipe

• egg yolks
• sugar
• mascarpone cheese
• cold heavy cream (30-35% fat)
• freshly brewed strong coffee
• ladyfingers (sponge biscuits)
• cocoa powder for garnish

How to make Italian tiramisu

1. First, brew the coffee (2 tsp of ground coffee per 200 ml of boiling water). Pour it into a small bowl or soup plate.
2. Combine the yolks with sugar, and beat them with a whisk.
3. Place the bowl over a double boiler (fill a small saucepan with 2 cm of water, bring to a boil, lower the heat, and place the bowl with yolks and sugar on top, ensuring it doesn’t touch the boiling water). Whisk constantly until the mixture turns light and creamy, and the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove the bowl from the boiler and let the mixture cool slightly.
4. Separately, whip the cold cream to soft peaks using a mixer.
5. Add the mascarpone to the yolk mixture and beat together on low speed until smooth. Remember to scrape down the sides to ensure no lumps of mascarpone remain.
6. Add the whipped cream and gently fold it in with a silicone spatula to keep the cream light.
7. Quickly dip the ladyfingers in cold coffee for 1-2 second on each side and place them tightly at the bottom of the dish.
8. Spread half of the cream over the biscuits and smooth it out. Repeat with another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
9. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or even overnight – this allows the tiramisu to become more tender and aromatic.
10. Before serving, sift cocoa powder over the surface of the dessert, slice, and serve with freshly brewed coffee or tea.

Now you have a little piece of Italy at home. Just think of how many of these desserts have been made with love in Italian homes to bring joy to family and friends!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience or any creative twists you made in the comments below. Let me know if you have any questions. Your feedback helps me create even more delicious content. Enjoy your homemade treat and happy baking!