Some recipes get passed down because they’ve been perfected long before they ever reach your kitchen, and this tiramisu is one of them. My Aunt Meg shared this recipe with me years ago, and after making it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and holidays, I can confidently say it doesn’t need a single change. The layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and rich cocoa powder come together to create a dessert that is both elegant and comforting. It’s one of those recipes that feels special enough for a celebration but simple enough to make whenever you’re craving a little taste of Italy. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones you leave exactly as they were given to you, and this is definitely one of them.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• LADY FINGERS (Biscotti Savoiardi): The foundation of tiramisu. Their light, airy texture absorbs the coffee mixture beautifully without becoming mushy.
• STRONG BREWED ESPRESSO: Gives tiramisu its signature flavor.
• MARSALA WINE: Adds warmth and depth of flavor. This is traditional in many tiramisu recipes and complements the coffee beautifully.
• MASCARPONE CHEESE: Rich, creamy, and slightly sweet. Be sure it’s softened slightly for the smoothest filling.
• HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM: Whipped to soft peaks and folded into the mascarpone mixture for a light, luxurious texture.
• EGG YOLKS: The yolks add richness and help create the silky custard-like filling.
• GRANULATED SUGAR: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture and balances the bitterness of the coffee and cocoa.
• UNSWEETENED COCOA POWDER: The finishing touch that gives tiramisu its classic look and bittersweet chocolate flavor.

Pro Tip: For the best flavor, make your tiramisu a day ahead. An overnight rest in the refrigerator allows the ladyfingers to soften and gives all of the flavors time to meld together into that classic creamy, coffee-kissed dessert we all love.

Jump to printable recipe for precise measurements

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Brew strong espresso and pour over lady fingers that have been laid in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Combine Mascarpone cheese and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer and cream together until smooth.

Step 3: Add the eggs yolks one at a time until smooth and combined.

Sept 4: Add the marsala wine to the mixture and mix until well blended.

Step 5: In a separate bowl whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream until well blended, careful not to over mix.

Step 7: Layer the lady fingers in the bottom of a casserole dish, and top with a layer of the cream. Repeat again so you have two layers total. Cover well, and chill in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 8: Before serving, dust the top of your Tiramisu with unsweetened cocoa powder.