Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe with Lady Fingers
Tiramisu is Italy’s most famous no-bake dessert: layers of coffee-soaked lady fingers and silky mascarpone cream, finished with cocoa. It takes about 30 minutes to assemble and tastes even better the next day. Here is our classic version.
Ingredients (serves 8)
- 1 package Néssi Lady Fingers (14.1 oz / 400 g)
- 1 1/2 cups strong espresso or brewed coffee, cooled
- 4 large pasteurized eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz (450 g) mascarpone, at room temperature
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or marsala
Instructions
- Make the cream: beat the egg yolks with the sugar until pale and thick. Add the mascarpone and whisk until smooth.
- Whip the whites: in a clean bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks, then gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture.
- Dip the lady fingers: pour the coffee (and liqueur, if using) into a shallow dish. Dip each lady finger for 1 to 2 seconds per side. Do not soak them, or they will fall apart.
- Layer: arrange a layer of dipped lady fingers in a 9x13-inch dish, cover with half of the cream, then repeat.
- Chill: cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.
- Serve: dust generously with cocoa just before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Tiramisu
- Use crisp, dry lady fingers: they absorb coffee quickly without turning soggy.
- Let the coffee cool completely so the cream does not melt.
- For an egg-free version, replace the eggs with 1 cup of whipped heavy cream folded into the mascarpone and sugar.
- Food safety: use pasteurized eggs, since the eggs in this recipe are not cooked.
Variations
- Pistachio tiramisu: fold 3 tablespoons of Néssi Pistachio Spread into the cream.
- Chocolate hazelnut tiramisu: add a thin layer of Italian chocolate hazelnut spread between the layers.
- Strawberry tiramisu: replace the coffee with strawberry juice and add fresh berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tiramisu keep?
Covered in the refrigerator, tiramisu keeps for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze tiramisu?
Yes. Freeze it for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What are lady fingers called in Italian?
They are called savoiardi. They are light, dry sponge biscuits, perfect for tiramisu and trifles. Find more Italian treats in our Italian cookies collection.