Easy Tiramisu recipe: a taste of Italy in every bite

Tiramisu is perhaps the most famous of all the Italian recipes. It’s unclear exactly when the dessert was invented. However, it appears to be in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Naturally, there are conflicting stories about its origins.

Whichever story you believe, it’s interesting to note that, in 2017, Tiramisu was included in the list of traditional Friulian and Giulian agrifood products. In addition, it earned a protected status certificate in 2013, preventing people from using other ingredients, such as strawberries, and calling it Tiramisu.

Regardless of how, or when, it was invented, this dessert is delicious. The good news is you don’t need to go to Italy to enjoy it. We’re here to show you the ultimate easy Italian Tiramisu recipe. You can make it and enjoy it with an authentic Italian coffee.

If it helps, the word Tiramisu comes from the Italian ‘tirami su’: it literally means ‘pick me up’. That’s a great way to describe this dessert.

Should tiramisu be made the day before?

Tiramisu is made with ladyfingers, known as ‘savoiardi’. These are dipped in coffee, layered with a mixture of eggs, sugar and mascarpone, and most recipes add a flavor of cocoa.

It’s possible to make this traditional Italian recipe the same day that you intend to eat it. However, if you want to enjoy this traditional Italian Tiramisu recipe at its best, make it the day before. Why? Making Tiramisu the day before allows the flavors to blend properly and will ensure the dessert has set correctly.

You can store our authentic tiramisu recipe from Italy for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. It will soften slightly but will still taste fantastic. You can even freeze it for 2-3 months if you can wait that long to enjoy it.

Easy Italian Tiramisu Recipe

The key to getting an authentic Italian taste is to use authentic ingredients, such as these Savoiardi for dipping.

You’ll need:

• Savoiardi – 1 pack
• Mascarpone – 1 medium-sized pot (100g)
• Coffee – an espresso will do
• Heavy whipped cream – 1 medium-sized pot (100g)
• Sugar - 70g
• Cocoa powder – several tablespoons
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
  
  

Start by beating the whipping cream with the sugar and the vanilla extract. You can do this by hand or with an electric whisk. Beat until the mixture has soft peaks. If you prefer, you can use 3 egg whites. This is perhaps a more authentic option but many people are concerned about eating raw egg whites. Add your mascarpone cheese and make sure they are thoroughly mixed.

Pour your espresso into a separate bowl and dip the savoiardi into the espresso. They don’t need to be soaked. Put the savoiardi at the bottom of your dish: one approximately 20 cm x 20 cm will do. Pour approximately half your mascarpone mixture over the savoiardi then add a second layer of savoiardi. Add another layer of mascarpone and sprinkle cocoa powder across the top.

You’ll need to refrigerate this easy Italian Tiramisu recipe for 3-4 hours before serving. Although, it’s best to leave it for 24 hours.

Despite what you may think, Tiramisu isn’t traditionally made with alcohol. However, you can add coffee liqueur, marsala, or even brandy, depending on which taste you prefer. A particular favorite of ours is amaretto!