Once upon a time in a quaint little café in Rome, I had my first encounter with the enchanting dessert known as Tiramisu. The moment I took a bite, I was transported to a world of rich espresso, velvety mascarpone, and delicate ladyfingers. The balance of flavors was so perfect that I knew I had to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen. After several attempts and a few culinary mishaps, I finally devised a recipe that captures the essence of that unforgettable dessert. Here’s how you can create your own Tiramisu and share a little piece of Italy at your table.
Ingredients
6 egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup milk
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
24 ladyfinger cookies
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Start by whisking the egg yolks and granulated sugar together in a heatproof bowl until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. Place this bowl over a pot of simmering water to create a double boiler. Stir continuously for about 8-10 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it simmers, then slowly pour it into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This will create a rich custard base. Allow it to cool completely.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled custard mixture, followed by the mascarpone cheese, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
Next, combine the brewed espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Layer half of the soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a serving dish, then spread half of the mascarpone mixture over them, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the mascarpone, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula for a beautiful finish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
When ready to serve, dust the top of the tiramisu with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired. Cut into squares and watch as your guests’ faces light up with delight at the first bite of this heavenly dessert.
Enjoy this classic Tiramisu, and may it bring a taste of Italy to your home, just as it did for me in that charming café.