Last Updated on February 15, 2022
The one and only Italian tiramisu recipe is shared across many continents today with the hope of keeping this Italian dessert alive. And sure enough, it has succeeded!
For Italians, it is not just any dessert. It is tiramisu! Tiramisu literally means “pick me up” in Italian which was what the flavor did to people when they first got introduced to it in Italy in the 1970s.
The traditional Tiramisu has a layer of strong coffee-soaked savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers), a layer of mascarpone cheese, eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder on top.
These ingredients are mixed thoroughly before it is poured over the ladyfinger biscuits that have been soaked in strong Italian espresso coffee. The important thing to note about this Italian dessert is that it should not be baked after the layering process or it will lose its moisture and thus change its texture.
A slice of this yummy snack is heavenly especially when coupled with a cup of Italian coffee.
The Original Italian Tiramisu Recipe
The first Italian tiramisu was made in 1972 in the town of Treviso. The Italian dessert was made by the Italian restaurant owner, Roberto Linguanotto and it was served at his modern Italian restaurant, “Le Beccherie.”
He named it after a traditional Italian opera cake and it became quite popular and people traveled far and wide to experience the unique flavor of this Italian treat.
The 1990s saw tiramisu being exported to many parts of the world. Today, you can find true Italian tiramisu recipes in most Italian restaurants around the world including North America where it is one of their most popular desserts especially when paired with espresso coffee.
If you are looking for an Italian treat that will pleasantly surprise your palate then it would be just right to include an Italian tiramisu recipe.
Traditional Italian tiramisu recipe will always remain Italian and it can never be duplicated anywhere else. This is one of the reasons it has stayed true to its roots and has continued to keep it an Italian dessert across the world today.
The original Italian tiramisu recipe contains the following ingredients: espresso coffee, savoiardi biscuits, Italian mascarpone cheese, egg yolk, sugar, and cocoa powder.
What Is Traditional Italian Tiramisu Made Of?
Ingredients
- Mascarpone cheese 500 grams
- espresso coffee 2 cups
- Savoiardi biscuits 24 ladyfingers
- sugar 3/4 cup
- Egg yolks 8
- Cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
Preparation
Step 1
Take a container that can accommodate at least 20 centimeters in height and the diameter should be at least 10 centimeters. It is important to use a high-walled container to prevent spillage while preparing tiramisu.
Step 2
Arrange your 24 ladyfingers on the bottom of your prepared container. You may decide to cut them if they are too long for your liking but make sure you cut them in one direction only (lengthwise).
Step 3
Mix the espresso coffee and sugar together in a bowl until it becomes thick. Add it to your tiramisu container with ladyfinger biscuits so it can seep further into the Italian dessert before you add the next layer.
Step 4
Mix the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, cocoa powder, and salt using an electric mixer until it is smooth enough to spread over your tiramisu base without any lumps of cheese.
Step 5
It would be easier if you use a spatula or spoon to gently spread this creamy mixture over your mascarpone cheese that is already resting on top of your chocolate base but make sure not to mix them together.
Step 6
Add the savoiardi biscuits and it would be easier if you place it in a circular fashion so it can form a “wall” around your container to prevent it from seeping out while adding the next layer of Italian tiramisu ingredients.
Step 7
This step is optional but it helps if you sprinkle some cocoa powder over your Italian dessert before serving it to guests or family members as this will then give them the option of either eating their portion with it or without it, depending on their preferences.
Step 8
Once done, cover your tiramisu and let it rest for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) in your refrigerator especially if you live in tropical areas where the temperature may not be conducive for it to set properly.
Step 9
When it has completely set, it is ready to be served and it can still be enjoyed even when it is chilled because the flavors of your Italian dessert will have seeped in overnight.
This traditional Italian tiramisu recipe makes it an ideal dessert that you will most definitely enjoy, so go ahead and prepare it today!
Final Thoughts On Italian Tiramisu
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert that comprises ladyfingers, Italian mascarpone cheese, eggs yolk and espresso coffee. It became famous in the 1990s when it was exported to many parts of the world today.
The Italian tiramisu recipe remains true to its traditional version as it has not been altered with different variations being introduced by restaurants all over the world especially in North America where it continues to be a popular choice on their menu since it complements well with coffee.
Today, you can find true Italian tiramisu recipe in most Italian restaurants around the world including North America where it is one of their most popular desserts especially when paired with an espresso coffee
Or you can take up the challenge and make yours at home! The recipe is quite straightforward.
Read more about All You Need To Know About Tiramisu Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tiramisu contain cream?
The Italian tiramisu does not contain cream because it is a traditional Italian dessert. It has only 3 ingredients, which are mascarpone cheese, egg yolk and espresso coffee. These are the three most important ingredients in this dessert.
Where is tiramisu originally from?
It originated in Italy and was named after a popular Venetian dessert called "Tiramisu". Italians call this Italian treat "Merenda" or a snack in English that can be eaten any time of the day.
Lately, tiramisu has been one of the best desserts eaten after dinner by many people as it leaves a calming effect in your mouth.
Why is Italian tiramisu important?
Italian tiramisu recipe makes it an ideal Italian dessert to enjoy especially when you want to have something simple yet flavorful at the same time. Making your own traditional Italian tiramisu surely help you achieve this goal. In addition, it will help preserve the good culture of the Italians and make them proud.
What do Italians call tiramisu?
Tiramisu is an Italian dessert with coffee-soaked ladyfingers on top of it. It also has Italian mascarpone cheese, eggs and cocoa powder which are its main ingredients.
It makes it an ideal Italian dessert to eat especially when it is chilled which most people love doing during hot summer days. Italian tiramisu recipe can be made in many different ways but it still tastes awesome.
Where the 3 most important ingredients are only taking part in this Italian treat which makes it awesome to taste at any time of the day whether you want to have it after dinner or as a snack that you enjoy with your afternoon tea break for instance.
To make it, it is advisable to use Italian mascarpone cheese and it would be easier if you use a spatula or spoon to gently spread this creamy mixture over your mascarpone cheese that is already resting on top of your chocolate base but make sure not to mix them together.
The Mighty Italian Tiramisu
Ingredients
- 500 g mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups espresso coffee
- 24 Savoiardi biscuits or ladyfingers
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 8 egg yolks
- Cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Take a container that can accommodate at least 20 centimeters in height and the diameter should be at least 10 centimeters. It is important to use a high-walled container to prevent spillage while preparing tiramisu.
- Arrange your 24 ladyfingers on the bottom of your prepared container. You may decide to cut them if they are too long for your liking but make sure you cut them in one direction only (lengthwise).
- Mix the espresso coffee and sugar together in a bowl until it becomes thick. Add it to your tiramisu container with ladyfinger biscuits so it can seep further into the Italian dessert before you add the next layer.
- Mix the mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, cocoa powder, and salt using an electric mixer until it is smooth enough to spread over your tiramisu base without any lumps of cheese.
- It would be easier if you use a spatula or spoon to gently spread this creamy mixture over your mascarpone cheese that is already resting on top of your chocolate base but make sure not to mix them together.
- Add the savoiardi biscuits and it would be easier if you place it in a circular fashion so it can form a "wall" around your container to prevent it from seeping out while adding the next layer of Italian tiramisu ingredients.
- This step is optional but it helps if you sprinkle some cocoa powder over your Italian dessert before serving it to guests or family members as this will then give them the option of either eating their portion with it or without it, depending on their preferences.
- Once done, cover your tiramisu and let it rest for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) in your refrigerator especially if you live in tropical areas where the temperature may not be conducive for it to set properly.
- When it has completely set, it is ready to be served and it can still be enjoyed even when it is chilled because the flavors of your Italian dessert will have seeped in overnight.