Best Classic Tiramisu

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A timeless dessert with perfectly balanced espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa—truly the best. This Italian-inspired recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, layers ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Serves 12 Italian cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until pale and thick (about 3 minutes). Gradually fold in 8 oz mascarpone until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Whip 1/2 cup heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold into mascarpone mixture until no streaks remain.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup espresso into a shallow dish and add 1 tbsp dark rum. Dip each ladyfinger quickly (1-2 seconds) in espresso mixture, then arrange a single layer in a 9x13-inch dish.
  4. Step 4: Spread half the mascarpone mixture evenly over ladyfingers, then layer another 12 dipped ladyfingers on top.
  5. Step 5: Cover with remaining mascarpone mixture, smooth the top, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Just before serving, dust generously with 2 tbsp cocoa powder.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Classic Tiramisu take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Best Classic Tiramisu?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Classic Tiramisu?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Classic Tiramisu for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Classic Tiramisu?

Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes