This classic and authentic tiramisu is comprised of ladyfingers dipped in espresso and Kahlua that are then layered with a mascarpone custard lightened up with fluffy whipped cream.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Keyword tiramisu
Prep Time 25 minutesminutes
Chill Time 6 hourshours
Total Time 6 hourshours25 minutesminutes
Servings 9to 12
Calories 692kcal
Ingredients
1cupboiling water
6tablespoonsinstant espresso powder
½cupplus 2 tablespoons Kahlua liqueur
3eggs
½cupgranulated sugardivided
4cupswhipping cream
8ouncesmascarpone cheeseat room temperature
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1 7-ouncepackage Savoiardi cookies(ladyfingers)
Cocoa powder
Instructions
Bring 1 cup water to a boil and pour into a shallow bowl. Mix in the espresso powder and ½ cup of the Kahlua liqueur. Set aside to cool.
Separate the egg yolks from the whites (save the whites for another use) and add the yolks to a small, heat proof bowl that fits snugly over another saucespan filled with about 2 inches of water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer and top with the bowl of egg yolks. Add ¼ cup sugar to the egg yolks and use a hand mixer to beat the eggs on medium speed over the simmering water for 4-5 minutes or until the mixtures is thick and creamy and light yellow in color. Remove the bowl from the heat and set aside to cool.
In another large bowl, add the whipping cream, the remaining ¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons Kahlua and the vanilla and beat until stiff peaks form.
Transfer the cooled egg yolk mixture to a large bowl and add the mascarpone to the egg yolk mixture and blend until smooth. Gently fold the whipping cream into the egg yolk mixture with a large spatula, taking care not to deflate the cream. If you prefer more of a custard topping, set the mixture aside. If you want an extra fluffy cream, beat the mixture in the mixer for about 30 seconds to 1 minute and then set aside.
Working with 2-3 ladyfingers at a time, toss the ladyfingers in the espresso mixture and arrange half of the ladyfingers in a single layer in the bottom of a 9 X 9 square pan or serving dish. Spread half of the whipped cream mixture over the ladyfingers. Soak the remaining ladyfingers 2-3 at a time to create another layer and top with the remaining whip cream mixture and spread evenly over the top.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours up to 48 hours. Run a knife along the inside of the pan and cut into squares. Dust the servings with cocoa powder and serve.