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Classic tiramisu recipe with creamy mascarpone layers and coffee-soaked ladyfingers

Classic Tiramisu Recipe

A classic Italian tiramisu with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, a light mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder — made without any baking.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 9
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g mascarpone cheese
  • 4 large eggs separated
  • 100 g sugar
  • 355 ml strong coffee or espresso cooled
  • 27 ladyfingers
  • 15 g unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
  • 30 ml Marsala wine or coffee liqueur optional

Method
 

  1. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until light and slightly thick.
  2. Mix in the mascarpone cheese until just smooth; do not overmix.
  3. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
  4. Gently fold the egg whites into the mascarpone mixture.
  5. Pour the cooled coffee into a shallow dish (add liqueur here if using).
  6. Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the coffee, about 1 second per side.
  7. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in an 8-inch square dish.
  8. Spread half the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
  9. Add a second layer of soaked ladyfingers, then top with the remaining cream.
  10. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  11. Cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or overnight.
  12. Dust with cocoa powder just before serving.

Notes

For food safety, use fresh, pasteurized eggs since this recipe contains raw egg yolks and whites. Coffee liqueur is optional. Best made a few hours or a day ahead so it has time to chill and set.