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Classic No-Bake Tiramisu Recipe: The Best Italian Dessert

Close-up of a layered slice of tiramisu recipe, showing coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder topping.

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You can make this creamy, rich Tiramisu Recipe at home! This easy, no-bake coffee dessert uses simple ingredients like mascarpone and ladyfingers for an authentic Italian treat perfect for any dinner party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups strong brewed espresso, cooled
  • 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy cream, cold
  • 1 package (7 ounces) ladyfingers (savoiardi)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the espresso mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the cooled espresso and coffee liqueur, if using. Set aside.
  2. Make the mascarpone cream base: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (creating a double boiler), whisk the egg yolks and sugar constantly until the mixture is pale yellow and thick, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let the water touch the bottom of the bowl. Remove from heat and continue whisking until cooled slightly.
  3. Beat the mascarpone: Gently whisk the softened mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract into the egg mixture until just combined and smooth. Do not overmix.
  4. Whip the cream: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  5. Fold together: Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain, creating a light and creamy mascarpone filling.
  6. Assemble the dessert: Quickly dip each ladyfinger, one at a time, into the espresso mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Layer the cream: Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
  8. Repeat layers: Create a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream.
  9. Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend and the dessert to set. This is key for the best tiramisu recipe results.
  10. Serve: Before serving this elegant party dessert, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. Slice and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a no raw egg tiramisu variation, you can substitute the egg yolks with 1 cup of heavy cream whipped with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, mixed into the mascarpone.
  • Make sure your espresso is fully cooled before dipping the ladyfingers; hot liquid will cause them to disintegrate quickly.
  • This make ahead dessert tastes even better the next day, so plan to prepare it in advance for your gathering.
  • If you enjoy this recipe, follow Sophia Collins on Pinterest for more culinary inspiration.

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