You are about to discover How to make the perfect Italian tiramisù! Few things epitomise the essence of Italian desserts quite like the world-renowned tiramisu. This scrumptious and classic sweet is believed to have come from the north of Italy in Treviso – a beautiful place known for impeccable chocolate and dairy products. As characteristic as this dessert is to the Italian cuisine, it is relatively new to the kitchens and tables of this glorious country- around the 1970’s, 1980’s it had it’s grand opening and has been a main attraction every since.
So, what’s the secret to this staple? What are the true Italian ingredients as opposed to the copycats you can find elsewhere? Here how to make the perfect Italian tiramisù.
I’ve done the legwork (or should I say mouthwork) to find the best recipe out there- consulting with Italian nonni (grandparents), cuisine-minded individuals here in Rome, and of course sampling many, many recipes, and I believe the below is a prize-winner. So my hungry friends, read on to find some fun facts about this lip-smacking dessert, the recipe, and quick and easy steps to make it yourself.
Tiramisu Fun Facts:
It is made with chocolate, coffee, ladyfingers, marsala, and mascarpone. Need I say more?
Tiramisu translates to “pick me up.” Now, it could be a mental pick me up with the caffeinated ingredients, or a physical meaning when you faint because it is just so darn good. I leave it as open to interpretation.
It needs minimum 8 hours to chill so plan accordingly- but only 30 minutes to make. Hallelujah!
We need to use Italian espresso made in a Moka pot for the best taste. You can brew regular coffee at double strength, just please oh please do not use instant espresso.
This classic recipe uses raw eggs. I am an American so I know the shocked and horrified feelings that go into eating raw eggs for fear of salmonella. There are of course varied recipes that avoid this, but I wanted to make the most authentic version. Of course, consume raw eggs at your own risk and comfort level.
Bring on the booze. Tiramisu contains alcohol- most traditionally marsala (and not rum like American restaurants will have you believe). Of course, you can opt out of this and it will still taste incredible.
It will change the life of your taste buds. Let the adventure begin!
Ingredients:
6 egg yolks, at room temperature
4 egg whites
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups (16-ounces) mascarpone
36-48 Savoiardi ladyfingers
1 1/2 cups Italian coffee made in Moka pot, cooled
2 tablespoons Marsala
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 ounces dark or semi-sweet chocolate, shaved
Directions:
1. Brew coffee and allow time to cool
2. In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks and ¼ cup sugar till mixture turns pale, doubles in volume, ribbons remain for a few seconds when whisk is lifted from the bowl. *** Important note: using a hand or electric whisk over a fork is very important, as well as not beating the mixture to rough. You don’t want to make scrambled egg tiramisu, folks.
3. Whisk in mascarpone a bit at a time
4. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and remaining ¼ cup of sugar. Beat till stiff, glossy peaks form. If you use a fork and have been working on your arm muscles this will take about 6 minutes.
5. Fold, not blend, egg whites into mascarpone mixture.
6. Add 2 tablespoons Marsala into chilled coffee. ***To make it easier when you dip the ladyfingers, pour the coffee and marsala into a small rectangular pan or container.
7. Dip the ladyfingers quickly into the coffee blend and place in the pan. The size of the pan will not make or break or dessert, but make sure it is deep enough for 4 total layers. ***Important note: do not soak the ladyfingers. They will turn soggy and collapse.
8. Spread a layer of the mascarpone mixture to cover the ladyfingers.
9. Top with another layer of dipped ladyfingers. Repeat till the pan is full and refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving.
10. Sprinkle cocoa powder and chocolate shavings immediately before serving.
I hope you have as much fun making this traditional Italian dessert as I did, and don’t be afraid to give yourself an extra large piece- you’ve earned it! Stay tuned for more secrets and recipes to help your kitchen reach that unforgettable, mouthwatering taste you experienced on your Italian holiday. But if you’re in Rome and want to enjoy the best places where eating tiramisù here a list of the Three of the best Tiramisù in Rome
Mangiate Amici!
