Description
A traditional Italian-style no-bake tiramisu featuring ultra-creamy mascarpone filling and perfectly soaked ladyfingers. This recipe yields a restaurant-quality texture that is rich, indulgent, and easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450g) mascarpone cheese, cold
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 6 large egg yolks (pasteurized recommended)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (350ml) strong espresso, cooled completely
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional)
- 2–3 tablespoons liqueur (Marsala, rum, or Amaretto, optional)
- 1 package (approx. 24-30 pieces) Savoiardi ladyfingers
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- Brew strong espresso or coffee and stir in espresso powder and liqueur if using. Pour into a shallow dish and let cool completely to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar together vigorously with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until thick, pale yellow, and ribbon-like. (If pasteurizing, whisk over a double boiler until 160°F).
- In a separate bowl, beat the cold mascarpone cheese with vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth and lump-free.
- Gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the egg yolk mixture using a spatula, folding from the bottom up to maintain airiness.
- In a clean, chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks (about 2-3 minutes).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two additions until just combined and uniform.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee for 1-2 seconds per side. Do not over-soak.
- Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers.
- Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers and the rest of the cream mixture, smoothing the top.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight (12-24 hours).
- Just before serving, sift a generous layer of cocoa powder over the top. Slice with a sharp knife and serve cold.
Notes
Ensure the coffee is completely cool before dipping ladyfingers to prevent them from turning to mush. Use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for the best dusting. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the liqueur. The dessert improves in flavor after 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: tiramisu, italian dessert, no-bake dessert, mascarpone, coffee dessert, easy tiramisu, make-ahead dessert