Ready in: 4 hours (plus chilling time) · Serves: 8 · Technique: No-Bake · Storage: 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
This Easy Tiramisu recipe features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, perfect for holiday gatherings!
As the holiday season approaches, I can't help but reminisce about the cozy gatherings I've shared with loved ones in New York City. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through my kitchen while preparing this luxurious Easy Tiramisu fills my heart with warmth and anticipation. It's this classic Italian dessert that brings together the comfort of tradition and the joy of indulgent treats during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Decadent layers of coffee, cream, and chocolate create an indulgent treat that's perfect for any celebration.
- Quick to prepare, making it a fantastic last-minute dessert option for your holiday gatherings.
- Effortlessly impressive, the beautiful presentation is sure to wow your guests.
- With a make-ahead option, you can lessen your workload on the day of your event.
- This recipe offers room for customization, allowing you to play with flavors to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Gather these essential ingredients to create the perfect Easy Tiramisu:
For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa)
For the Mascarpone Mixture:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 24 ladyfingers (Italian savoiardi)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Easy Tiramisu (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a luscious Easy Tiramisu that will have everyone craving more.
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled strong brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur, stirring gently to blend. I love to use a rich roast from a local café-it elevates the dish beautifully.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. This should take only a few minutes; listen for the pleasant whir of the beaters.
Step 3: Incorporate Mascarpone
In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. You'll know you've reached the right consistency when the mixture falls off the spatula in ribbons.
Step 4: Fold in Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. The goal here is to keep the mixture airy and light, so be careful not to overmix-it should look luscious and fluffy.
Step 5: Dip Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger one at a time into the coffee mixture, ensuring they absorb some liquid but don't become overly soggy. I like to give each finger a 1-2 second bath-just enough to soak in the flavor and maintain structure.
Step 6: Layer the Tiramisu
In an 8x8-inch dish (or a similarly sized serving bowl), arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom. Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Step 7: Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This helps the flavors meld and the layers set beautifully-there's something about the chill that enhances the creaminess.
Step 8: Serve
Just before serving, dust the top liberally with unsweetened cocoa powder and, if desired, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for an extra touch of elegance. The sight of that velvety topping is sure to impress your guests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-soaking the Ladyfingers: When dipping, a quick dip is sufficient; otherwise, they can become mushy and lose their structure.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Neglecting to refrigerate can result in a runny dessert, so patience is key for the layers to meld.
- Using Cold Mascarpone: Always let your mascarpone come to room temperature before mixing; this prevents lumps and helps achieve a smooth texture.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a more intense coffee flavor, consider increasing the amount of coffee liqueur in the mixture.
- Experiment with different flavored liqueurs for a unique twist-try amaretto or even a splash of hazelnut liqueur for added depth.
- For an adult-only version, add a sprinkle of espresso powder on top just before serving for a sophisticated touch!
Variations
- Use flavored mascarpone, such as lemon or orange, for a citrus twist.
- Substitute some of the ladyfingers with chocolate or almond cookies.
- Add a layer of fresh berries for a fruity twist.
How to Serve
- Dust the top liberally with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve with a side of whipped cream for added richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: The tiramisu can be assembled a day in advance for optimal flavor.
- Storage: Keep tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Tiramisu is served cold and does not require reheating.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as it may alter the texture of the mascarpone and ladyfingers.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While perfecting this tiramisu, I discovered the beauty of balance-each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that heavenly texture. The key takeaway for me was the importance of chilling: allowing the dessert to rest unlocks an extraordinary depth of flavor that's truly irresistible.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 8 · Serving Size: 1 piece
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 5g protein · 40g carbs · 20g fat
Recipe by:
Easy Tiramisu Recipe for Holiday Gatherings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled strong brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur, stirring gently to blend.
- In a mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form.
- In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger one at a time into the coffee mixture.
- In an 8x8-inch dish, arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom. Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Just before serving, dust the top liberally with unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for garnish.
Notes
FAQs
- Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?
Yes, you can use instant coffee dissolved in hot water, but brewed coffee adds a richer flavor. - How long should I let the tiramisu chill?
It's best to chill the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, but overnight is recommended for optimal flavor and texture. - Can I make tiramisu in advance?
Absolutely! Tiramisu can be made a day or two in advance, making it a great option for parties and gatherings. - What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
You can substitute mascarpone with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. - Can I freeze tiramisu?
It's not recommended to freeze tiramisu, as the texture can change once thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh and chilled.
