Dolce Vita Food
    How to Make Authentic Italian Tiramisu (Without Dense Ladyfingers)
    Dolce Vita Desserts

    How to Make Authentic Italian Tiramisu (Without Dense Ladyfingers)

    Layers of espresso-soaked savoiardi, silky mascarpone cream, and a generous dusting of cocoa — the quintessential Italian dessert.

    Prep: 30m Cook: 0m 8 servings
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    Ingredients

    Servings: 8
    • 6 egg yolks
    • 150g caster sugar
    • 500g mascarpone cheese
    • 300ml heavy cream
    • 300ml strong espresso, cooled
    • 3 tbsp Marsala wine or dark rum
    • 300g savoiardi (ladyfinger biscuits)
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
    • Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

    Instructions

    1. 1

      Whisk egg yolks and sugar together until thick, pale, and ribbon-like — about 5 minutes with an electric mixer.

    2. 2

      Add the mascarpone and fold gently until completely smooth. Avoid overmixing.

    3. 3

      In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold it into the mascarpone mixture in two additions.

    4. 4

      Combine the cooled espresso with the Marsala wine in a shallow dish.

    5. 5

      Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture — no more than 2 seconds per side. Arrange in a single layer in a 9x13 dish.

    6. 6

      Spread half the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.

    7. 7

      Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.

    8. 8

      Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

    9. 9

      Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings.

    💡 Pro Tips

    • The key to perfect tiramisu is speed when dipping the ladyfingers — too long and they'll become mushy.
    • Overnight rest is essential; the flavors meld and the texture becomes cloud-like.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is tiramisu safe for children?

    This recipe contains raw eggs and alcohol. For a kid-friendly version, use pasteurized eggs and replace the Marsala with extra espresso or vanilla extract.

    Nutrition (per serving)

    380

    Calories

    24g

    Fat

    32g

    Carbs

    8g

    Protein

    1g

    Fiber

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