The Perfect Tiramisu Recipe: Dreamy Italian Dessert Magic

Creamy, indulgent tiramisu dances between layers of rich mascarpone and delicate coffee-soaked ladyfingers.

Soft clouds of sweet cheese melt with each elegant spoonful.

Italian dessert masters crafted this heavenly treat generations ago in veneto.

Delicate espresso notes weave through silky textures, creating a symphony of flavor.

Cocoa powder dusts the top like a gentle whisper of decadence.

Simple ingredients come together in magical harmony, promising pure bliss.

You’ll want to savor every luxurious bite of this classic dessert.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Tiramisu

• Boost Espresso Flavor: Pair with a freshly brewed, strong Italian espresso that complements the dessert's rich coffee undertones.
• Enhance Sweet Balance: Select a Vin Santo or Marsala wine to match the tiramisu's sweet and creamy profile, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Wine Alternative Delight: Try a chilled amaretto liqueur as a side drink, which echoes the dessert's almond and coffee notes while adding a smooth, sophisticated touch.
• Chocolate Lover's Combo: Serve alongside dark chocolate shavings or a small piece of high-quality dark chocolate to intensify the cocoa and coffee flavors.

How To Keep Delia Smith Tiramisu Fresh

• Store tiramisu in an airtight container, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture.
• Cut into single servings before storing to make reheating or serving easier. Wrap each portion separately for convenient grab-and-go access.
• Always serve tiramisu cold directly from the refrigerator, as it's a dessert best enjoyed chilled and doesn't require reheating.

Delia Smith Tiramisu Common Questions

• Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Yes, you can substitute espresso with strong brewed coffee, but the flavor will be slightly less intense.

• Is it safe to eat raw eggs in tiramisu?

Traditional recipes use raw eggs, but you can use pasteurized eggs or skip them for a safer version.

• How do I know if my ladyfingers are the right type?

Look for crisp, dry ladyfingers (savoiardi) that can absorb liquid without falling apart. Italian or bakery-made ones work best.

• Can I make tiramisu without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply replace the liqueur with more coffee or use coffee syrup for added flavor without alcohol.

Why Delia Smith Tiramisu Is So Special

• Craft Elegant Dessert: Master an impressive Italian classic that looks professionally made with minimal culinary skills required.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Layer delightful ingredients without complicated cooking techniques, creating a sophisticated treat in just a few simple steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Guaranteed to wow guests at dinner parties, potlucks, or family gatherings with its rich, creamy texture and bold coffee flavor.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this dessert in advance, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while saving precious time before entertaining or special occasions.

What You Need For Delia Smith Tiramisu

• Heavy Cream: A rich, thick cream that provides a light and airy texture to the tiramisu.
• Mascarpone Cheese: A smooth, creamy Italian cheese that creates a luxurious base for the dessert.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the flavors of the tiramisu.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and comforting notes.

• Espresso, Coffee Liqueur: Create a deep, robust flavor that soaks into the ladyfingers and adds complexity to the dessert.

• Ladyfingers, Cocoa Powder: Ladyfingers provide a light, spongy base that absorbs the coffee mixture, while cocoa powder adds a rich, slightly bitter finish to the top of the dessert.

How To Make Delia Smith Tiramisu At Home

Step 1: Whip Cream to Perfection

Create a cloud-like heavy cream by using an electric mixer. Whip the cream until it forms stiff, sturdy peaks that hold their shape when the beater is lifted. The cream should look glossy and stand up straight without falling over.

Step 2: Blend Mascarpone Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese with sugar and vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients until they become completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps visible. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to achieve a silky consistency.

Step 3: Fold Whipped Cream

Gently incorporate the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula and fold carefully, maintaining the airiness of the whipped cream. Blend until the mixture is uniform but still light and fluffy.

Step 4: Prepare Coffee Dipping Liquid

Create a shallow dish with a mixture of espresso and coffee liqueur. This will be used to quickly soak the ladyfingers, adding depth of flavor to the dessert.

Step 5: Layer Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are not overly saturated. Arrange the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer across the bottom of your serving dish.

Step 6: Spread First Cream Layer

Evenly distribute half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers. Use a spatula to create a smooth, consistent surface.

Step 7: Create Second Ladyfinger Layer

Repeat the dipping process with another set of ladyfingers. Carefully place these on top of the first cream layer, creating a second complete layer.

Step 8: Add Final Cream Topping

Spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the second layer of ladyfingers. Ensure the top is smooth and completely covered.

Step 9: Dust with Cocoa

Generously sprinkle cocoa powder over the entire surface of the tiramisu, creating an elegant and traditional finish.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly, creating the perfect texture and taste.

Smart Tips For Delia Smith Tiramisu

• Prevent Soggy Ladyfingers: Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the espresso mixture to avoid oversaturation, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing a mushy dessert.
• Chill for Best Flavor: Allow the tiramisu to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring mascarpone and eggs to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more uniform cream without lumps.
• Choose Quality Espresso: Opt for freshly brewed, strong espresso for an authentic and intense coffee flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Dust with Care: Sprinkle cocoa powder just before serving to maintain its delicate texture and prevent it from becoming wet or clumpy.

Fun Twists On Delia Smith Tiramisu

• Vegan Tiramisu: Replace mascarpone with cashew cream, use dairy-free whipped coconut cream, and swap ladyfingers for gluten-free sponge cake.
• Low-Sugar Tiramisu: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use decaf espresso, and add almond extract for depth.
• Chocolate Lover's Tiramisu: Mix melted dark chocolate into mascarpone cream, use chocolate ladyfingers, and sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
• Fruit-Infused Tiramisu: Layer with fresh raspberries or strawberries between mascarpone layers, use fruit-flavored liqueur, and garnish with berry compote.

Tiramisu Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 34 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Italian culinary magic comes alive in this Tiramisu, blending rich mascarpone, delicate coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and smooth cocoa layers. Coffee and cream dance together, creating a heavenly dessert that whisks you straight to the charming cafes of Italy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 package Savoiardi ladyfingers
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups cold espresso

Coffee and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

Cream Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• Cocoa powder for dusting

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Instructions

1. Whip cream to a luxurious, voluminous texture with firm, defined peaks using an electric mixer.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, blend mascarpone cheese with granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, using gentle folding motions to maintain the airy texture.
4. Prepare a shallow dish with freshly brewed espresso and liqueur, creating a rich, aromatic coffee bath.
5. Swiftly dunk each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring a quick, even coating without oversaturating.
6. Arrange the coffee-soaked ladyfingers in a single, precise layer across the bottom of the serving dish.
7. Generously spread half of the creamy mascarpone mixture evenly over the first ladyfinger layer.
8. Create a second layer by repeating the ladyfinger dipping and placement process.
9. Cover the second ladyfinger layer with the remaining mascarpone cream, smoothing the surface for a professional finish.
10. Liberally dust the entire dessert with unsweetened cocoa powder, creating an elegant chocolate veil.
11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
12. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving to slightly soften and enhance flavor profiles.

Notes

• Softly dip ladyfingers into espresso to prevent soggy texture, ensuring quick, light contact with liquid.
• Bring mascarpone and eggs to room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more integrated cream.
• Use freshly brewed espresso for richer, more authentic flavor compared to instant coffee alternatives.
• Opt for high-quality cocoa powder when dusting for enhanced aromatic finish and professional presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 354
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg