The Best Homemade Tiramisu Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Making this homemade tiramisu is a breeze, and you’ll fall in love with its creamy, coffee-infused layers. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a little indulgence. It’s no-bake**, so you won’t need to fuss with the oven. The flavors are rich but balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of coffee kick. Plus, it’s customizable**, so you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Recipe

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert known for its rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone filling. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion and surprisingly easy to make at home. Below is a traditional recipe to create this indulgent dessert.

Ingredients:

• 6 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
• 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
• 1 package ladyfingers (about 24 pieces)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
• Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. Add mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth and well combined.
2. In a shallow dish, mix cooled coffee and coffee liqueur (if using).
3. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, verifying they are moist but not soggy.
4. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish or similar serving dish.
5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
6. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
8. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle with chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes:

• For a non-alcoholic version, omit the coffee liqueur and use plain coffee.
• Make certain the mascarpone is at room temperature for easier mixing.

Equipment:

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Shallow dish
• 9×9-inch baking or serving dish

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

Chilling time: 4 hours to overnight

Cuisine: Italian

Serving: Serves 8-10

Nutrition

Tiramisu is a delicious dessert, but it is also rich in calories and fat. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my tiramisu with a rich espresso or cappuccino to complement its creamy, coffee-infused layers. For dessert combinations, a light fruit salad or dark chocolate truffles add a nice contrast to its sweetness. The flavors just seem to balance perfectly, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Coffee Pairings

Nothing beats the rich, creamy layers of tiramisu like a perfectly paired cup of coffee. I love serving it with a strong espresso—its bold flavor cuts through the sweetness, balancing each bite. If you prefer something smoother, a latte works just as well, adding a creamy touch that complements the mascarpone. For a cold option, iced coffee with a hint of vanilla brings a revitalizing contrast. My go-to is a simple Americano; its clean finish lets the tiramisu shine. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s freshly brewed—there’s nothing worse than stale coffee ruining this heavenly dessert.

Dessert Combinations

When serving tiramisu, it’s fun to mix and match desserts that complement its creamy, coffee-rich flavor. Try pairing it with light, fruity options like fresh berries or a citrusy sorbet to balance the richness. A scoop of vanilla gelato adds a cool contrast, while biscotti or almond cookies provide a satisfying crunch. If you’re feeling indulgent, dark chocolate truffles enhance the cocoa notes in the tiramisu. For a playful twist, serve mini cannoli or panna cotta alongside it. Each combination brings out different layers of flavor, making your dessert spread feel special without overpowering the star of the show.