Easy Tiramisu Classic Dessert (Print Version)

Creamy mascarpone and coffee-layered classic dessert with no baking required, perfect for effortless indulgence.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 8 oz mascarpone cheese
02 - 1 cup heavy cream, cold
03 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar

→ Eggs

04 - 2 large egg yolks, room temperature

→ Liquids

05 - 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
06 - 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlúa or Marsala)

→ Cookies

07 - about 24 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)

→ Topping

08 - Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
09 - Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Whisk egg yolks with powdered sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler) for 2–3 minutes until thick and pale. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
02 - In a separate bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
03 - Gently fold mascarpone into the cooled egg mixture until smooth. Then fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.
04 - In a shallow dish, mix cooled coffee with coffee liqueur.
05 - Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for 1–2 seconds per side, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy. Arrange half of the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer in an 8-inch square dish.
06 - Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
07 - Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, then top with the remaining mascarpone mixture.
08 - Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
09 - Before serving, dust generously with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No oven required, so you can make it even in sweltering summer heat
  • The chilled time means you can assemble it hours ahead and impress guests effortlessly
02 -
  • Overdipped ladyfingers cannot be saved—timing really is everything here
  • The chilling period is nonnegotiable for flavors to meld and texture to set
03 -
  • Use pasteurized eggs if serving anyone with immune concerns
  • The ladyfingers should feel firm but yielding, not rock hard or mushy when pressed