Updated July 18, 2024 by Elisa Branda
How is tiramisu made? If you are also asking yourself this question then you have arrived at the taste place as in this article we will discover the original recipe together with many other curiosities.
How Tiramisu is made: Discover the Authentic Recipe and the Secrets of the Italian Dessert Par Excellence
Tiramisu is more than just a dessert; it is an icon of Italian cuisine. Adored by adults and children alike, this dessert has an interesting history and a preparation which, although simple, requires attention to detail. In this detailed guide, you will discover how to make the perfect tiramisu.
How to make Original Tiramisu
Basic Ingredients
- Savoiardi biscuits
- Espresso
- Mascarpone
- Eggs
- sugar
- Cocoa powder
But let's know these fundamental ingredients better in detail.
Savoiardi biscuits
The ladyfingers are the basis on which to build your tiramisu. They are light biscuits that absorb coffee well without becoming too soft. You can buy them at the supermarket or make them at home if you prefer a more artisanal version.
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Caffè Espresso
Espresso coffee is the soul of tiramisu. Its intensity contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the mascarpone cream. You can use coffee from the moka or an espresso made with the machine. The important thing is that it is strong and well made.
Mascarpone
This cream cheese is the key ingredient for the tiramisu cream. It is important that it is of excellent quality and at room temperature when you use it, to avoid lumps.
Eggs
Eggs are essential for the cream. You will need both egg yolks and egg whites, so be sure to separate them carefully.
sugar
The sugar serves to sweeten the cream and give that hint of sweetness that balances the bitterness of the coffee.
Cocoa Powder
The cocoa powder is used for the final decoration of the tiramisu and adds an additional layer of flavor.
Necessary tools
- Baking dish
- Electric whisk
- Spoon
- Cups and bowls
Baking dish
Choose a baking dish of the right size based on the quantity of tiramisu you intend to prepare. The rectangular shape is the most traditional.
Electric whisk
An electric whisk will help you whip the egg whites and egg yolks more efficiently, resulting in a smooth, fluffy cream.
Spoon
You will need a spoon to mix the cream and distribute it over the ladyfingers.
Cups and Bowls
You will need several cups and bowls to separate the ingredients and to mix the cream.
Coffee preparation
Preparing coffee is a fundamental step. The coffee must be strong and well made to balance the sweetness of the cream. If you use the moka, make sure the coffee is well compressed in the filter to obtain an intense aroma. Once ready, let it cool before using it.
Separation of Eggs
To separate the yolks from the whites, gently crack the egg on a flat surface and slide the yolk from one half of the shell to the other, allowing the white to fall into a bowl below. Be careful not to break the yolk, otherwise you will have to start again with another egg.
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Whip the egg yolks with the sugar
Whipping the egg yolks with the sugar is a step that must be carried out with care. Using an electric whisk, whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until light and frothy. This operation can take several minutes, so it is important to be patient. The result will be a sweet and airy cream that will form the base for the mascarpone.
Addition of Mascarpone
Once you have the egg yolk and sugar cream, it's time to add the mascarpone. The cheese should be at room temperature to facilitate its incorporation into the cream. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix the mascarpone with the cream until you obtain a smooth, even consistency.
Whip the egg whites
Whipping the egg whites is the secret to obtaining a light and airy tiramisu. In a clean, dry bowl, use an electric whisk to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial: poorly whipped egg whites could ruin the consistency of your tiramisu.
Tiramisu assembly
Assembling the tiramisu is the most fun and rewarding part of the process. Start by placing a layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of your baking dish. Wet the biscuits with coffee, taking care not to soak them too much. Spread a generous layer of mascarpone cream on top, leveling with a spatula. Repeat the operation for a second layer and complete by dusting with bitter cocoa powder.
The Rest Phase
This is an often underestimated but fundamental step. The tiramisu needs a few hours in the refrigerator to set. During this time, the flavors blend and the texture becomes firmer, making the dessert even more delicious. Make sure you have a tiramisu bowl or similar container handy.
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How to Serve Tiramisu
When it's time to serve, use a server to cut and serve the tiramisu into individual portions. You can further decorate with a sprinkling of cocoa or coffee beans for an aesthetic touch.
Tiramisu Without Eggs
Ingredients: What to Use Instead of Eggs
To replace eggs, there are several ingredients you can use:
- Egg-free custard
- Vegetable cream or whipping cream
- Mascarpone
- Savoiardi biscuits
- Espresso
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Preparation of the Egg-Free Cream
The cream for eggless tiramisu can be made using vegetable cream or whipping cream, together with mascarpone. This mixture will result in a light but at the same time full-bodied cream.
Coffee: Key Element
Coffee is an essential element in any version of tiramisu. Make it strong and, if you prefer, add a touch of liqueur such as Marsala or rum for a richer flavor.
The Savoyards: The Base of Tiramisu
Even without eggs, ladyfingers remain the ideal base for our tiramisu. Dip the biscuits in the coffee, but be careful not to leave them too long to avoid them falling apart.
Assembly and Presentation
Proceed with the composition of the tiramisu by making layers of cream and ladyfingers, finishing with a layer of cream. For the finish, a generous sprinkling of bitter cocoa powder is a must.
Rest Time and Consistency
As with all variations of tiramisu, this eggless version also benefits from a little time in the fridge. Let it rest for at least 3-4 hours to get the best possible consistency.
Variations of Tiramisu
Limoncello tiramisu
A fresh and summer variant. Limoncello tiramisu, a dessert that combines the creaminess of traditional tiramisu with the freshness and aroma of limoncello, the famous lemon liqueur from the Amalfi Coast
Necessary ingredients
Before you start, here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
- Mascarpone
- Fresh eggs
- sugar
- Savoiardi biscuits
- Limoncello
- Untreated lemons
- Milk
- Whipped cream (optional)
Prepare the Limoncello Cream
The first step in making our limoncello tiramisu is preparing the cream. Similar to the classic tiramisu cream, here too we will use mascarpone, egg yolks and sugar. The difference is the addition of limoncello and grated lemon zest, which will give a fresh and distinctive taste to our dessert.
Butter the Ladyfingers
For this version of tiramisu, instead of coffee we will use a mixture of milk and limoncello to soak the ladyfingers. Mix the milk and limoncello in a bowl and pass the ladyfingers quickly on both sides.
Dessert assembly
As for the classic tiramisu, also for the limoncello one we must compose several layers of biscuits and cream. Place the buttered ladyfingers in a pan, add a layer of limoncello cream and repeat until the ingredients are used up. For a touch of elegance, you can add a sprinkling of grated lemon zest between each layer.
Rest Time and Finishes
Limoncello tiramisu also requires a rest period in the refrigerator, at least 3-4 hours, to allow the flavors to blend perfectly. Before serving, you can decorate it with a sprinkling of icing sugar or a few slices of lemon.
Tiramisu with Berries
A colorful and fruity alternative.
The Essential Ingredients
Here's what you need for this delicious variant:
- Mascarpone
- Eggs
- sugar
- Savoiardi biscuits
- Mixture of fresh or frozen berries
- Lemon juice
- Gelatin or pectin (optional)
The Preparation of the Cream
The base of the berry tiramisu is a cream made with mascarpone, eggs and sugar, similar to that of the classic tiramisu. Adding lemon juice will help balance the acidity of the berries.
Wild Berry Coulis
To bring the distinctive flavor of berry tiramisu to life, prepare a coulis using a mixture of fresh or frozen berries. You can thicken the coulis with a little gelatin or pectin if you want a smoother texture.
Prepare the ladyfingers
Instead of soaking the ladyfingers in coffee, for this version we will dip them in the berry coulis. Make sure not to over-wet the cookies to prevent them from becoming too moist.
Assembly and Decoration
As with any self-respecting tiramisu, this version with berries also involves the composition of alternating layers of cream and ladyfingers. For an artistic touch, you can add whole berries between layers and as a final decoration.
Rest time
To allow the various elements to harmonize as best as possible, it is advisable to let the tiramisu rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving it.
Vegan Tiramisu
How to prepare a tiramisu without animal products.
Substitute Ingredients: How to Choose Them
The biggest challenge in preparing vegan tiramisu is finding alternative ingredients that live up to the traditional ones. Here are some options:
- Cashew cream or tofu instead of mascarpone
- Vegetable milk
- Coconut sugar or agave syrup
- Vegan ladyfingers
Preparation of the Vegan Cream
Instead of the classic egg and mascarpone cream, we will use a cashew or tofu-based cream, mixed with vegetable milk and natural sweetener. The consistency will be incredibly similar to the original one!
Coffee: Heart of Tiramisu
Even in a vegan version, coffee remains a key element. Prepare a strong coffee to soak the ladyfingers and give your tiramisu that intense and distinctive taste.
Assembly and Structuring
The structure of vegan tiramisu does not differ much from the traditional one. You will need to make alternating layers of cream and soaked ladyfingers, finishing with a generous sprinkling of cocoa powder.
Finishing and Decoration
To give a touch of elegance, you can decorate the surface with seasonal fruits or a pinch of cinnamon, depending on your tastes.
Rest time
A good tiramisu, even if vegan, needs the right resting time in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend. We recommend leaving it at least 3-4 hours before serving it.
For beginners
If you want a nice portion of tiramisu but are just starting out, you could also try one of these kits containing everything you need to make the dessert!
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- Preparation for Tiramisu cream
FAQ “How to make teramisu”
Mascarpone is the traditional cheese used in tiramisu and helps give the dessert its creaminess and unique flavour. Replacing the mascarpone could significantly alter the final result.
If you prefer to avoid caffeine, you can replace the espresso with barley or decaf. Some people also use black tea or chai, but these change the flavor of the tiramisu.
Yes, tiramisu is a dessert that keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of days, and in some cases, the flavor improves with time.
It is not advisable to freeze tiramisu as the texture of the cream may change once defrosted. However, if you have no other choice, make sure to wrap it well in cling film and consume it within a month.
Ladyfingers are the traditional biscuit used in tiramisu. However, some use sponge cake or biscuits as an alternative. Each substitution will change the texture and flavor of your tiramisu.
In addition to cocoa powder, you can use coffee beans, chocolate chips, or even berries for a colorful and flavorful variation.
Conclusion
Tiramisu is a dessert that requires passion, attention to detail and a little patience. Now that you know all the secrets of how to make tiramisu, you are ready to amaze your friends and family with this masterpiece of Italian cuisine. Don't forget that success lies in practice, so don't hesitate to experiment with variations and customizations.
Final Notes and Acknowledgments
Thank you for reading this detailed article on how to make tiramisu. I really hope that it has been useful to you and that you are now ready to try your hand at creating this masterpiece of Italian cuisine. Good luck and bon appetit! Let me know the outcome of your recipe in the comments!
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