Easiest Homemade Tiramisu

Easiest Homemade Tiramisu is a simple, elegant dessert made with clouds of mascarpone and espresso-dipped ladyfingers.

Looking for a fancy fuss-free dessert to serve? This Easiest Homemade Tiramisu is the one to make. It’s beautiful and impressive and the flavor is spot on to any restaurant Tiramisu I have tried. I love to keep things a little elevated around here and I find creating restaurant-quality desserts like this Easiest Homemade Tiramisu is an incredible way to do so. The name alone fancies up the evening and the best part is, creating it is nothing more than a few simple steps that anyone can do. Who knew?

I certainly didn’t. This dessert for years was an intimidating one to try and like many things, once you see just how uncomplicated it is, you will wonder why you waited so long. I love to serve this one for special occasions as the elegance of it is hard to beat. But the real beauty of making a homemade Tiramisu is that it is a pretty simple dessert to make and one that is best when made well ahead of time.

With Easter right around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to share it with you.

If you are looking for a main dish to serve alongside this Easiest Homemade Tiramisu, this delicious Classic Carbonara makes for a simple creamy classic pasta dish. Or if pasta is not what you are looking for, this Skillet Steak and Mushrooms is a great one to throw together for a steakhouse experience at home.

Easiest Homemade Tiramisu Is…

• Impressive and elegant
• Simple to make
• Delicious and a real crowd pleasing dessert
• Better when made well in advance. Allowing it to sit for a minimum of 4 hours or even overnight allows the flavors to develop
• Perfect for holidays or special occasions

Make It With Me

Ingredients

Espresso: Tiramisu is classically made with espresso but you can use a very rich dark roasted coffee for similar effects. I like to use my Moka Pot for this. Be sure to allow the espresso to cool completely before using it.

Ladyfingers: Ladyfingers are traditionally used to make tiramisu. You can make homemade ladyfingers if you like or store-bought works just fine too. I like Savoiardi.

Alcohol: You can make tiramisu with or without alcohol. This is traditionally done using dark rum, brandy, or marsala wine. We will not be using any for this Easiest Homemade Tiramisu recipe. However, this recipe does call for Kahlua which helps enhance the flavor of the espresso.

Mascarpone: Mascarpone is also another traditional ingredient and technically speaking, if you didn’t use it, it wouldn’t be truly considered tiramisu. However, in a pinch, you can use room-temperature cream cheese.

Cream: We will be using heavy whipping cream to create a fluffy texture.

Sugar: Granulated, white sugar works best.

Vanilla Extract: I like to use pure vanilla extract or homemade vanilla. But you can also use imitation.

Cocoa Powder: Used for dusting the top.

Tools

8×8 Baking Dish

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer

Fine Mesh Strainer

Directions

1. In a mixer bowl add the heavy whipping cream and beat on medium. Slowly add the vanilla and sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Add the room-temperature mascarpone cheese and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl mix the cold espresso with the coffee liqueur. Dip the ladyfingers quickly on both sides then lay them across the bottom of the awaiting baking dish. Do not soak the ladyfingers, you want them wet but not soaked.
3. Top the ladyfingers with half of the mascarpone mixture and smooth it out so that it is evenly layered. Add another layer of quickly dipped lady fingers to the top. Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture across the top.
4. Dust with cocoa powder. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

Assembly Notes

• Do not soak the ladyfingers, be sure to quickly dip them on both sides.
• Use a fine mesh strainer to dust the cocoa powder on.
• Use an 8×8 baking dish or something of a similar size.
• Tiramisu is good for up to 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Tiramisu is best when made ahead to allow the flavors to develop. Allow a minimum of 4 hours to set in the fridge before serving.

To Serve

• Serving a great dessert seems simple enough. However, if you would like to keep the theme of elegance when serving this upscale dessert consider serving it alongside the following:
• Freshly brewed espresso with cups and saucers set out. Small creamers and sugar jars for guests to enjoy.
• Keep in line with the restaurants and serve a great dessert wine. Tiramisu stands up well with bold wines like Merlot or my personal favorite, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon but if you prefer a more fruity wine try a Riesling or Gewurztraminer. On the sweeter side, Moscato or Late Harvest Zinfandel are great choices as well.

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8×8 Baking Dish

Moka Pot

My Favorite Stand Mixer

Ladyfingers

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If you try this recipe and love it, I would appreciate you coming back to give it 5 stars! Or tag me on Instagram @rox_aquaintlife!

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