Traditional Tiramisù Recipe

There have been many variations in the long and storied history of tiramisù. But as always, we are giving you the authentic recipe made in homes across Italy (with ingredients you can find in your area).

What is Tiramisù? A Short (but Sweet) History

This creamy, dreamy dessert has captured the hearts & stomachs of Italians for nearly 40 years. But what is tiramisù? And how can you recreate it?

Typically, the ingredients for a traditional tiramisù recipe are mascarpone, eggs, sugar, Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers), coffee, and cocoa powder.

We know it may be hard to find some of the ingredients, and not everyone eats raw eggs, so we'll be providing alternatives. Forget about your diet for this one, you can make lower-fat versions, but honestly, the calorie content in the mascarpone cheese is what gives that lovely creamy taste and so using a lower-fat substitute will not achieve the same pick-me-up. 

Learning to cook like a local on a Pasta & Tiramisù Cooking Class

Tasting a traditional tiramisù recipe on aPasta & Tiramisù Cooking Class

Traditional Tiramisù Recipe

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Resting Time: 2-3 hours in the fridge (though the longer, the better)
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 300g Savoiardi biscuits/ladyfingers (you can also use a firm sponge cake)
• 500g mascarpone cheese 
• 4 medium eggs 
• 100g sugar
• 300g coffee (espresso)
• unsweetened cocoa powder

Method

You will need a large baking pan/pie dish around 30 x 19 cm and an electric whisk or hand whisk. 

1. Brew the Coffee. Start by making a strong espresso—this is the heart of the dessert, so make it as intense as possible. Add a little sugar, then set it aside to cool completely.
2. Separate the Eggs. Carefully separate the egg yolks from the whites, ensuring no trace of yolk gets into the whites—otherwise, they won’t whip up properly.
3. Whip the Egg Whites. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. The mixture should be firm enough that if you turn the bowl upside down, it doesn’t move. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Yolks & Mascarpone Cream. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar for about 3–5 minutes, until the mixture turns pale, fluffy, and smooth. Once ready, add the mascarpone cheese and whisk until fully combined and uniform in color.
5. Fold in the Egg Whites. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, using slow, upward motions. Be careful not to stir too vigorously—this step is crucial for keeping the mixture light and airy. Continue folding until the cream is smooth and fluffy.
6. Soak the Ladyfingers. Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the cooled coffee, ensuring they absorb the liquid without becoming soggy. A light soak is enough—over-soaking will make the tiramisù watery.
7. Assemble the Tiramisù. Spread a thin layer of mascarpone cream at the bottom of your serving dish. Arrange a layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers on top. Cover with another layer of mascarpone cream, smoothing it out evenly. Repeat the layers like a double-layered lasagna, finishing with a final spread of mascarpone cream.
8. Finish & Chill. Dust the top generously with cocoa powder, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours (for best results, overnight). This resting time allows the flavours to meld beautifully, much like a trifle.

Buon appetito! 😩🤌🍰

Tiramisu FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about making traditional tiramisu.

Can you make tiramisu without eggs?

Yes! Instead of eggs, use 200 ml of double cream with 2 tbsp of sugar. Whip the cream until stiff and add to the mascarpone a little at a time. 

What can I use instead of Mascarpone cheese?

If you can't find Mascarpone cheese, don't worry. You can use cream cheese, fresh ricotta cheese, or heavy cream like double cream with 2 tbs of sugar.

How do you pronounce tiramisu?

Pronounce all four consonants phonetically: tee·ra·mee·soo. The emphasis goes on the final u (hence the accent in the Italian spelling: tiramisù). If you can, extravagantly roll your R to sound extra Italian 🤌

What alcohol is in tiramisu?

Italians traditionally make tiramisu with Marsala wine, but you can use any dessert wine or sherry. There are two ways to add the liqueur. Either pour it directly into the coffee or whip it into the mascarpone cheese cream. We have always preferred the boozy version and assumed that was why it's called a pick me up!

Learn to Make Homemade Pasta & Tiramisù in Rome!

Do you want to master the art of making authentic Italian food? Check out our Rome Cooking Classes!

Our most family-friendly is the Pasta & Tiramisù Cooking Class. Your expert chef will welcome you to our centrally situated air-conditioned school and guide you through crafting sweet creamy tiramisù and fresh fettuccine pasta from scratch. At the end of the class, enjoy a meal of your homemade pasta and tiramisù, the former perfectly paired with either cacio e pepe or carbonara sauce.

If you'd like to make your culinary experience in Rome even more personalized, check out our Private Pasta & Tiramisù Cooking Class! Spaces in our cooking school are limited, so book your cooking class today to avoid disappointment.

Bestseller

Bestseller

Pasta & Tiramisù Cooking Class

5(1852)

14 Guests Max

3.5 hrs

Flexible Travel

from69 €

Sustainable Tour

Sustainable Tour

Private Pasta & Tiramisù Cooking Class

5(849)

0 Guests Max

3.5 hrs

Flexible Travel

from500 €