Italian

Homemade Tiramisu

Light, creamy, and worth every step. Whipped mascarpone folded with cloud-like egg whites, layered over espresso-dipped ladyfingers and dusted with cocoa powder. Make it the night before and let it work its magic.

Prep:30 min
0
Total:30 min
Serves:6-8
Difficulty:medium
Homemade Tiramisu

Ingredients

  • 5 eggs, yolks and whites separated
  • 3 tbsp sugar (for yolks) + 3 tbsp sugar (for whites)
  • 1 tbsp vanilla
  • 16 oz mascarpone
  • ~20 ladyfingers
  • 1.5 cups strongly brewed espresso
  • ½ tbsp vanilla
  • Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

  1. 1

    Separate your eggs, setting the whites aside.

  2. 2

    Over a saucepan in a rolling boil, whisk your egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla together until pale and thick.

  3. 3

    Allow to come to room temp then fold in your mascarpone until completely smooth — no lumps.

  4. 4

    Whip your egg whites with 3 tablespoons of sugar to stiff peaks and gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture. This is what gives your tiramisu that cloud-like, creamy texture.

  5. 5

    Mix your espresso and ½ tbsp vanilla together and let it cool.

  6. 6

    Dip each ladyfinger quickly — don't soak, just a quick dip — and layer them into your dish.

  7. 7

    Spread your mascarpone cream over the top, repeat the layers, then cover and refrigerate overnight.

  8. 8

    Dust generously with cocoa powder right before serving.

Tips

The key is a quick dip for the ladyfingers — too long and they'll fall apart. Refrigerating overnight lets everything set and the flavors meld together beautifully. Use strongly brewed espresso for the best flavor.