Easy Tiramisu

This Easy Tiramisu Recipe is a classic Italian dessert I learned in Italy. Made with lady fingers, mascarpone and fresh cream, it is made in 15 minutes and ready to eat in 2-3 hours. So good!

In my house there is nothing that goes faster than a Tiramisu. The first time I tried this dessert was when my sister-in-law made it, she always made it as a Layer Cake, also very delicious but this is so much easier and every bit as good.

Recipe Ingredients

• Lady fingers – also known as savoiardi
• Coffee – strong coffee or even decafinated coffee
• Egg – the egg can be left out if desired
• Sugar – granulated sugar
• Mascarpone cheese- room temperature
• Cream – whole, whipping or heavy cream, at least 30% fat
• Cocoa – unsweetened dutch processed used for dusting the tiramisu before serving

For room temperature remove from the fridge 45-60 minutes before using.

Why use whole cream?

Whole/heavy/whipping cream should have at least 30% fat. Don’t use anything less or it won’t thicken properly and won’t taste the same. 

This Easy Tiramisu takes no time at all to put together and even less time to eat. Living in Italy, I can’t tell you how many times and how many ways I have eaten Tiramisu. From the classic Lady Fingers to an Italian sponge cake as a gelato, in a restaurant, at friends or family gatherings.

How to make Tiramisu

In a large bowl with a hand mixer or using the whisk attachment on a stand mixer beat together the sugar and the egg (if using) until frothy, then add the mascarpone and cream, beat until thickened.

In the baking dish place a coffee dipped ladyfinger on the bottom, top with 1/3 of the mascarpone mixture and continue for another two layers, finish with the remaining mascarpone mixture.

Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or even better overnight. Just before serving sprinkle with unsweetened cocoa powder. 

Where did it originate?

The origins of Tiramisu are actually unknown as pretty well every region in Italy claims it as their invention! In fact a small dispute started between Tuscany, Piedmont, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto.

There are many stories that started on how this dessert came about, but the official version places the origin of tiramisu in the seventeenth century in Siena. Some pastry chefs, decided to prepare a dessert to celebrate the arrival of the Grand Duke of Tuscany Cosimo de Medici.

They wanted it to reflect his personality. It had to be stunning and very tasty, but they wanted simple ingredients. But most importantly it had to be rich and decadent. And that is how Tiramisu came about. And rightly named Pick me Up.

Why use an egg?

This is the Italian recipe that I have eaten and eat in Italy. Using a pasteurized egg in this recipe is safe, if you still do not wish to use an egg, then you can just leave it out, I would advise using powdered sugar instead of granulated sure though.

What if I don’t like Cocoa?

If you don’t like cocoa you can always sprinkle the top with chocolate chips or even grated chocolate. Or just leave it plain.

Can I add alcohol to the dessert?

Yes you can add a little, I would suggest a tablespoon or two, such as marsala wine, brandy, dark rum or even a coffee liqueur or even a teaspoon of vanilla if you prefer will work. I would suggest adding it with the mascarpone.

How to store it?

The Italian dessert should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container or well covered with plastic wrap, it will keep for 2-3 days in the fridge. If you prefer you can freeze it in a freezer safe container, it will keep for up to two weeks in the freezer. Let it thaw overnight in fridge before serving.

So if you are looking for a delicious No-Bake dessert, then why not give this Easy Tiramisu Recipe a try and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

More Tiramisu Recipes

• Strawberry Tiramisu
• No Bake Tiramisu Cheesecake
• Easy Tiramisu Recipe for Kids
• Easter Egg Tiramisu

Updated from November 23, 2014.

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