Authentic Tiramisu

4.7
(64)

On my first trip to Italy to meet my husband's family back in 1995, I didn't speak a word of Italian. But I did learn how to make great dolci (desserts) from his sister, Maria. This was her tiramisu recipe, and now they ask me to make it whenever we go back!

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Prep Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Servings:
12
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 3 large eggs, separated, divided

  • ½ cup white sugar

  • 2 tablespoons brandy

  • 2 cups brewed espresso, cooled, divided

  • 2 (8 ounce) packages mascarpone cheese

  • 1 pinch white sugar

  • 30 ladyfingers (such as Savoiardi®)

  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

  1. Beat together egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, brandy, and 1 tablespoon espresso in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese; beat until well blended, 3 to 5 minutes.

  2. Beat egg whites and a pinch of sugar in a separate, clean bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into mascarpone mixture; set aside.

  3. Pour remaining espresso into a shallow dish. Dip 1 side of each ladyfinger into espresso and arrange on a serving platter in 2 horizontal rows of 6 and 2 1/2 ladyfingers in opposite directions on both ends to form a rectangular shape.

  4. Spread 1/2 of the mascarpone mixture onto ladyfingers and dust with 1/2 of the cocoa powder. Top with remaining ladyfingers dipped in espresso, mascarpone mixture, and cocoa powder.

  5. Refrigerate tiramisu until ladyfingers have softened, 2 to 3 hours.

    Authentic tiramisu by Renee Paj square of dessert on white plate

Tips

Strong brewed coffee can be used in place of espresso.

Editor's Note:

This recipe contains raw egg. We recommend that pregnant women, young children, older adults, and the immunocompromised do not consume raw egg. Learn more about egg safety from our article, How to Make Your Eggs Safe.

190 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

324 Calories
22g Fat
26g Carbs
8g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 324
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 155mg 52%
Sodium 84mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 8g 15%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 76mg 6%
Iron 2mg 8%
Potassium 115mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.