Description: Tiramisu, meaning “pick me up” or “lift me up” in Italian, is a beloved Italian dessert consisting of layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers (savoiardi) and a rich mascarpone cheese mixture, flavored with cocoa powder. The dessert is typically assembled in a dish and chilled before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. Tiramisu is known for its creamy texture, coffee flavor, and delicate balance of sweetness and richness.
History: The exact origins of Tiramisu are unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the Veneto region of Italy in the 1960s or 1970s. The dessert gained popularity in Italy during the 1980s and quickly became an iconic Italian dish known worldwide. While there are many variations of Tiramisu, the classic recipe remains a favorite among dessert lovers everywhere.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours to overnight
Serving Size: 8-10 servings
Ingredients:
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature
- 1/2 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 24 to 30 ladyfinger cookies
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
- Add the mascarpone cheese to the egg mixture and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Coffee Mixture:
- In a shallow dish, combine the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using).
- Dip each ladyfinger cookie into the coffee mixture for a few seconds, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy.
- Assemble the Tiramisu:
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfinger cookies in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Chill and Set:
- Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve:
- Before serving, sift the cocoa powder over the top of the tiramisu.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings.
- Slice and serve chilled.