Italian Tiramisu
A classic Italian dessert layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, egg yolks 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 280 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 pieces ladyfingers
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 4 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup espresso
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat egg yolks with granulated sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Fold in mascarpone cheese until smooth. Gently stir in espresso to moisten the mixture.
- Step 3: Arrange ladyfingers in a single layer in a 9-inch dish. Pour half the cream mixture over the ladyfingers, pressing down slightly.
- Step 4: Spread the remaining cream mixture over the top. Dust with cocoa powder and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Tiramisu take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (30 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 Italian 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 Italian 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 Italian Tiramisu for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Italian 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
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.