Tiramisu | Easy No-Bake Recipe

The Italian delicacy known as tiramisu consists of ladyfingers topped with mascarpone cream and coffee.

Tirami sù means “pick me up” (metaphorically, “make me happy”) in Italian and alludes to the energizing effects of sugar, alcohol, and coffee. No wonder it is known as one of Italy’s most romantic desserts.

Interestingly, the first Tiramisu recipe was published in the 1981 spring edition of Vin Veneto magazine, without alcohol in the ingredients. The recipe was featured in an article on coffee-based desserts by Giuseppe Maffioli. Giuseppe belonged to the Italian Academy of Cuisine and was a well-known food critic.

Since then, Marsala wine has become a popular add-on ingredient. Marsala is a strong dessert wine with a high alcohol content of around 15-20% ABV, in comparison to the average wine that hovers at around 12% ABV. It is best served in smaller portions.

6 Servings

30 Minutes

Italian Cuisine

Ingredients

500ml strong espresso coffee, cooled
50ml Marsala wine
2 eggs, separated
50g caster sugar
225g mascarpone cheese
225ml double cream
16 large Savoiardi (sponge finger
biscuits)
2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder

How to make Tiramisu

Combine the coffee and Marsala in a bowl and set aside.
Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer for 3 minutes or until thick and pale.
Add the mascarpone and mix. Transfer to a large bowl.
Whisk the cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form, then fold into the mascarpone mixture.
Whisk the egg whites in a small clean dry bowl until soft peaks form.
Fold quickly and lightly into the cream mixture.
Dip half of the biscuits into the coffee mixture, drain off any excess and arrange them in a large glass serving dish.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the biscuits.
Dip the remaining biscuits into the remaining coffee mixture and repeat layering.
Smooth the surface, and dust liberally with the cocoa powder.
Chill in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tiramisu is a “semifreddo”, meaning it is a dessert that is served cold but not frozen.

Tried and Trusted Travel Essentials!

Suggested read: Sweet stuff

Where to eat delicious tiramisu outside Italy

Where have you had the best tiramisu?

Balatonfüred is a spa town in Hungary’s Veszprém county on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. We dined at Il Lago Ristorante, with a beautiful view of Lake Balaton. And it’s here that I had a delish tiramisu that I will remember for a long-long time!

Tell us where YOU had your best ever tiramisu!