When rich coffee flavor, homemade mascarpone cream, and rum combine, an absolute dream layered dessert is born. Filled with so many flavors, tiramisu still somehow tastes light, with soaked ladyfingers that practically melt in your mouth upon the first bite. The best part of this decadent treat? Make this no-bake dessert the day before and let the flavors mix and meld together for a flavor-packed dessert guaranteed to make nonna proud.
The best, most-decadent tiramisu highlights quality ingredients, so you want to make sure you’re prioritizing good, strong coffee and quality ladyfingers. Keep reading on for all of our tips on how to make this classic Italian dessert the best it can be:
What is tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a rich, coffee-flavored dessert with layers of coffee and rum-soaked ladyfingers and homemade mascarpone cream, with a dusting of cocoa powder on top. A classic Italian treat, this no-bake dessert is best served with a steaming cup on the side for double the coffee flavor.
The coffee:
Because coffee is the central flavor here, it’s important to prioritize using a quality, strong-brewed blend. Strong coffee = a richer, more flavorful dessert. Visit your local coffee shop for recommendations, or check out our list of the top coffee beans you can buy.
What kind of alcohol is used in tiramisu?
Traditionally, tiramisu calls for marsala wine as it’s boozy component, but we use dark rum in this recipe (like many tiramisu recipes). Not a rum fan? Brandy is another popular choice. If you’re looking to leave out the alcohol, you can—just make sure your coffee is extra strong to not miss out on any flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! Tiramisu is an ideal dessert to make ahead, because the flavors will continue to meld together the longer it sits. Simply prepare your tiramisu, wrap it and store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Can I freeze tiramisu?
Of course—finish your tiramisu without the cocoa powder topping, then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in the freezer, where it will stay for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight before dusting with cocoa powder before serving.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
When rich coffee flavor, homemade mascarpone cream, and rum combine, an absolute dream layered dessert is born. Filled with so many flavors, tiramisu still somehow tastes light, with soaked ladyfingers that practically melt in your mouth upon the first bite. The best part of this decadent treat? Make this no-bake dessert the day before and let the flavors mix and meld together for a flavor-packed dessert guaranteed to make nonna proud.
The best, most-decadent tiramisu highlights quality ingredients, so you want to make sure you’re prioritizing good, strong coffee and quality ladyfingers. Keep reading on for all of our tips on how to make this classic Italian dessert the best it can be:
What is tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a rich, coffee-flavored dessert with layers of coffee and rum-soaked ladyfingers and homemade mascarpone cream, with a dusting of cocoa powder on top. A classic Italian treat, this no-bake dessert is best served with a steaming cup on the side for double the coffee flavor.
The coffee:
Because coffee is the central flavor here, it’s important to prioritize using a quality, strong-brewed blend. Strong coffee = a richer, more flavorful dessert. Visit your local coffee shop for recommendations, or check out our list of the top coffee beans you can buy.
What kind of alcohol is used in tiramisu?
Traditionally, tiramisu calls for marsala wine as it’s boozy component, but we use dark rum in this recipe (like many tiramisu recipes). Not a rum fan? Brandy is another popular choice. If you’re looking to leave out the alcohol, you can—just make sure your coffee is extra strong to not miss out on any flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! Tiramisu is an ideal dessert to make ahead, because the flavors will continue to meld together the longer it sits. Simply prepare your tiramisu, wrap it and store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
Can I freeze tiramisu?
Of course—finish your tiramisu without the cocoa powder topping, then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in the freezer, where it will stay for up to 3 months. Once you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight before dusting with cocoa powder before serving.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
- Yields:
-
10 – 12
serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 10 mins
- Total Time:
- 4 hrs 30 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 557
Directions
-
- Step 1
Place a medium saucepan filled halfway with water over medium heat and bring to a simmer. In a large heatproof bowl, whisk egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar and set over simmering pot. Cook, whisking frequently, until doubled in volume and velvety smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in mascarpone until smooth.
- Step 2In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer (or the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), beat cream, vanilla, salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar on medium speed until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture just until combined.
- Step 3In a large glass measuring cup or other tall glass, stir coffee and rum. One at a time, dip ladyfingers into coffee mixture.
- Step 4In a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, arrange 20 dipped ladyfingers in an even row. Pour about half of custard over ladyfingers; smooth top. Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and custard. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
- Step 5Dust top of tiramisu with cocoa powder.
- Step 1
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM
