In recent years I’ve seen tiramisu recipes adding whipped cream, lemon or even cream cheese. In my opinion those additions only take away from the flavor. I believe the best tasting tiramisu should be simple and traditional made with quality ingredients. This recipe has been in my husband’s family for over 20 years and we’ve never changed a thing, that’s how good it is! I don’t make this too often, as it is not the healthiest dessert out there but I decided to make a smaller personal size using only eight ounces of mascarpone cheese.
For those of you who don’t know, I’ve started contributing to gojee.com. Gojee.com is a fantastic, curated recipe website with beautiful food photography. Check it out some time, it’s really cool! Last week, I went to a potluck to meet fellow gojee bloggers. This tiramisu was my entry for the potluck.
Recipe below…
Whisk egg yolks, sugar and brandy together until creamy.
Carefully fold egg mixture in with mascarpone cheese.
Egg mixture and mascarpone should have a softer consistency of mayonnaise.
Dip ladyfingers into brandy and espresso mixture, then arrange in a single layer on serving platter.
Top ladyfingers with about a third of the mascarpone cream mixture.
Add second layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of mascarpone cream.
Pour the rest of the mascarpone cream on top of ladyfingers and rest in fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
Right before serving, sprinkle with cocoa and (optional) chocolate shavings.
Dig in....delizioso!
Classic Tiramisu Recipe
8 ounces Italian mascarpone cheese
8-10 ladyfingers (Italian savoiardi cookies)
2 small egg yolks (or 1 extra large)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 double shot or 2 ounces espresso or extra strong coffee, cooled
1 1/2 tablespoons brandy or dark rum
1-2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar and half of the brandy. Whip fast to thicken. Then, spoon by spoon fold in mascarpone. Mixture should be a little softer than the consistency of mayonnaise. If mixture isn’t thick enough and comes out runny, use a hand blender with whipping blades to thicken.
On a small plate, mix espresso plus the rest of brandy. Quickly dip each side of the ladyfingers (do not completely soak), then add a layer to the bottom of your serving dish. Top with about 1/3 of mascarpone mixture, then repeat and top with the rest of the mixture.
Cover and rest in fridge for 4 hours or overnight. Sprinkle cocoa and chocolate shavings on top before serving.
A note on plating/serving: I made this dish on a small plate because my cream mixture always comes out pretty thick so it will stand on its own. Obviously feel free to use a traditional square pan to prepare your tiramisu in.
Total Time: 20-30 minutes (plus 4 hours or overnight in refrigerator)
Yield: 4 servings
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42 Responses to “Classic Tiramisu – The Only Tiramisu Recipe You’ll Ever Need”
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Wishful Chef is about cooking simple and healthy dishes. A fusion of different cuisines, my recipes are inspired by family, travels & cooking idols. Thanks for visiting!
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Yes, some things are just better left alone! This looks amazing.
Thanks, Anna. I totally agree! Especially with Tiramisu…
Amazing recipe! I’m bookmarking it for future references.
Thanks!
Awesome! Thanks so much Ben
Ohhhh I am drooling! I want a slice of this right away
It looks so creamy and decadent 
Thanks Tes, it sure is! I have to admit, my husband and I had this for breakfast and lunch over the weekend…but no regrets there
Greetings from Trinidad and Tobago. I came across your site through Gojee.com and I am happily fascinated! I’ve been searching for a tiramisu recipe for years and yours is the first I’ve ever come across that looks easy to make and deliciously packed with the flavours I’m seeking. Thanks so much for sharing it and I look forward to even more from you. Take care. :^)
Thank you so much for the nice comment Halcian!
I’d have to agree on the recipe, I appreciate how simple and straightforward it is. Most recipes add too many ingredients in my opinion.
Will be checking out your blog too. Greetings from NYC
I was looking for the simplest and tastiest tiramisu,; I think I’ve found it. Everyone who tried it said it was really good. Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, happy to share! This tiramisu is so delicious and very simple, which is why I love it. I could eat it everyday! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Jaméis
Hi there,
I just happened to stumble across your blog while looking for a tiramisu recipe and I must say, I’m glad I did! I’ve made a tiramisu myself though slightly different from yours. Docheck it out and let me know your thoughts! Glad to be a follower. Your blog looks great! Keep up the good work!
Hi Neetu – Great, I’ll check out your recipe. Thanks for the kind words and stopping by the blog!
This recipe rocks! I currently live near Italy and i get there every second week, this one is far too close to best ones there.
Thanks so much and greetings from Cannes
Wow, thank you so much! I absolutely love this recipe too. We’ve had Italian tiramisu many times and this is the best one (and I’m not just saying that!). Thanks for stopping by and greetings from NYC
I love your recipes and the beautifully done photos. You have one of the best recipe collection I have ever seen online. Thank you for sharing your Tiramisu recipe. I made one and it was just perfect!
Thank you so much Celine, I really appreciate your nice comment
So happy you liked the Tiramisu recipe, it’s one of my all time favorite dessert recipes.
This is such a simple recipe, must try it soon.
Thanks
How much brandy or did I miss it?
It’s specified in the recipe. About 1.5 tablespoons.
Thanks for stopping by Lynn.
Thank you so much for this recipe and your blog. I love it!!!
I am a sucker for Tiramisu and this looks delicious but I can’t eat raw eggs/yolk. Is there something I can substitute?
Hi Katie – Thanks! Hmm, try substituting heavy cream for the egg yolk. Let me know how it turns out
Hello there,
Was looking for a super original tiramisu recipe (no strange ingredients added eg. Nuts & lemons?!?!) & came across your recipe. Made it for the first time for Christmas dinner – it was amazing! Everyone absolutely loved it
Thanks so much for sharing & yes, stick to the simple things in life pays off
Merry Christmas & happy holidays!
Hello Huey – Thanks so much for your nice comment! I’m so happy everyone loved the tiramisu. I agree, especially with this recipe, that simple is better
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you too!
I looked at other recipes and they all including additional ingredients such as vanilla essence , heavy cream and 1 included boiling the marscopne mixture Yours looked the simplest. I did use coffee liquer instead of coffee . My dinner guests all thought it was delicious . I will keep the recipe and use it again THANK YOU
I’m so happy you and your guests enjoyed it, Gillian! Interesting, I never heard of boiling the mixture. Wonder how that turns out? I believe the best tiramisu is the simplest which is why I love this recipe!
I’m in love with tiramisu too! I tried the recipe from allrecipes.com twice and all got really disappointed!
I just tried your recipe and it looks really promising. And so easy too! I even licked the bowl clean. The cake is in my fridge right now and I can’t wait to eat it!
I’m totally with you, it’s one of my favorite desserts. It’s so hard to find good recipes for tiramisu or even at restaurants! My recipe here has been a family favorite for years and years so I don’t think you’ll be disappointed
I love that the recipe is easy but I never knew the raw egg yolks would be safe.
Hi Valerie – Raw egg yolks are a staple in many European dishes, but I would obviously make sure to use the best quality of fresh eggs available to you. The chance of getting sick from raw eggs is actually not very high, but as with any raw or under cooked food, you have to be careful of where it comes from and know that there is a slightly higher risk of getting a food-borne illness.
I tried making Tiramisu for my family a while back using a different recipe I found which turned out runny and awful. I then came across your recipe and made it for my inlaws and it came out great. I was very proud. Now I’ve made it again for Easter Sunday and its turned out fantastic again.Thanks for sharing your recipe.
That’s wonderful, Alan! I’m so happy you enjoyed this Tiramisu recipe and made it again for Easter. Thank you for your comment
This is a grade recipe. Unlike most of the tiramisu recipes, this one doesn’t call for heavy cream. I’ve just made it and doubled the volume. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe!!
Thank you, Yun!!
This was my first time making this dessert and it turned out delicious! I loved how easy it was to make! I did use Frangelico(hazelnut liqueur) instead since that’s what I had here. Thank you so much for posting your recipe!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the tiramisu, Krystal! Thanks so much for commenting and hope to see you again soon
Fantastic! Yet another Italian recipe that I’ve discovered does not require cream along with carbonara. In fact it tastes better without. Glad I found this. I made it last night in cocktail glasses and instead of brandy used frangelico. I like the fact you can easily adjust elements without ruining it. And now I’ve found a great cream replacement.
Thank you so much for your nice comment, Rich! I’m glad you found this recipe too, it’s a family favorite
I love that you made this tiramisu in cocktail glasses for individual portions, great idea!
I followed your recipe!
Thank you so much! 
Hmm.. wonderful why is my cream so thin even after blending it with a blender.. >< Still, it taste really good!
Hi Sarah – I’m so happy you enjoyed the tiramisu! Try using a whisk or hand blender with whipping blades next time. The cream mixture needs some air whipped in and it’s not enough when you use a blender, making the cream runny.