Where did the story of French croissants begin, and what’s the difference between a croissant au beurre and a croissant ordinaire? Discover how this pastry became a breakfast icon worldwide – from Parisian bakeries to Japanese convenience stores – and learn how to bake croissants at home, step by step.
What is tiramisu?
For many dessert lovers, tiramisu is the ultimate Italian treat. And why wouldn’t it be? After all, what could be better than a combination of light, velvety mascarpone cream layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers? Tiramisu is the perfect dessert for both coffee enthusiasts and those with a sweet tooth—the best of both worlds!
And to top it all off, it's finished with a generous dusting of cocoa powder—practically inviting you to dig in with a spoon!
A simple yet indulgent dessert
One of the best things about tiramisu is how surprisingly quick and easy it is to make. The key is to let it rest in the fridge overnight so the flavors can meld beautifully.
The classic tiramisu recipe includes a splash of Marsala wine, though many prefer variations with Amaretto liqueur, which pairs exceptionally well with coffee. If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can simply use a chocolate syrup or omit it entirely, sticking to just coffee for a more traditional approach.
Tasting is the best part—so feel free to experiment!
Serving tiramisu – jars, glasses, or a baking dish?
Tiramisu can be made in a large dish or served in individual glasses. But for convenience, I recommend using small jars—they make portioning easier, allow for easy storage, and are perfect for on-the-go treats.
Plus, if you're serving guests, mini tiramisu jars add an elegant touch to any dessert table!
Tips for making perfect tiramisu
- Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers! Dip them in espresso for just a second—any longer, and they’ll become soggy and fall apart under the weight of the mascarpone cream.
- Adjust the size if needed. If your ladyfingers don’t fit your dish or jar, break them into smaller pieces to create even layers.
What’s the best coffee for tiramisu?
First and foremost: brew the strongest espresso possible. The coffee is the backbone of this dessert, giving it depth and character. Choose high-quality, freshly ground beans for the best flavor.
The ideal coffee for tiramisu should have notes of dark chocolate, cocoa, and nuts.
For soaking the ladyfingers, the best choice is espresso from an espresso machine, but if that’s not an option, a strong brew from a Moka pot will also work well. Both methods ensure a rich, concentrated coffee flavor.
Classic tiramisu recipe
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 500 g mascarpone cheese
- 80 g powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 180 ml espresso
- 40 ml chocolate syrup
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 250 g Savoiardi (ladyfingers)
How to make tiramisu – step by step
- Brew the espresso and mix it with chocolate syrup (or an alternative like Amaretto or Marsala). Let it cool.
- Prepare the eggs – Wash and briefly scald them in hot water. Separate the yolks from the whites.
- Make the mascarpone cream:
- Beat the egg yolks with powdered sugar until pale and creamy.
- Gradually add mascarpone, mixing until the texture is smooth and velvety.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula, keeping the texture light and airy.
- Dip the ladyfingers briefly in the cooled espresso mixture, ensuring they are coated but not soggy.
- Assemble the tiramisu:
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in your dish or jars.
- Spread a layer of mascarpone cream on top.
- Dust lightly with cocoa powder.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with mascarpone on top.
- Chill overnight – If using jars, seal them with lids and refrigerate. If using a dish, cover with plastic wrap before placing in the fridge.
- Before serving, dust with a fresh layer of cocoa powder.
Enjoy with your favorite coffee!
Author: Paulina Reczkowska
