Desserts

My Family’s Favorite Tiramisu Recipe – A Sweet and Creamy Classic

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Tiramisu has always held a special place in my heart—and my kitchen. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a little hug in every bite. Layers of soft, coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone make it absolutely irresistible. But what I love most is how much my family adores it.

My husband’s family can’t get enough of this recipe, and even our kids dive right in every time I make it. In fact, my husband’s sister loved it so much she asked me for the recipe! I thought, why not share it here so more families can enjoy it as much as we do?

And don’t worry—this version is completely kid-friendly since I left out the traditional splash of liquor. I wanted something everyone at the table could enjoy, from the little ones to the grown-ups.

Let’s make some tiramisu magic together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required – Perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Family-friendly – No alcohol means it’s safe for kids, too!

Rich and creamy – Layers of flavor that feel light but indulgent.

Crowd-pleasing – A dessert that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need

Creamy Filling:

16 ounces mascarpone cheese – Silky smooth and rich.

6 egg yolks – Adds structure and creaminess.

2/3 cup granulated sugar – Just enough sweetness.

2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold) – For that light, airy texture.

2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A touch of warmth.

Coffee-Soaked Layers:

1 ½ to 2 cups coffee (room temperature) – I use a strong brew, but even decaf works if you prefer.

2 packs of ladyfingers – The perfect sponge for soaking up all that coffee goodness.

Finishing Touch:

Unsweetened cocoa powder – A dusting of cocoa is the finishing touch that makes it elegant.

How to Make It

Step 1: Brew and Cool the Coffee

Start by brewing 1 ½ to 2 cups of strong coffee (or espresso). Let it cool completely—hot coffee can make the ladyfingers too soggy.

Note: I skipped adding rum or liqueur in this recipe because it’s a dessert my kids love, and I wanted it to be something the whole family could enjoy.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

  1. Whisk the egg yolks and sugar:

In a heatproof bowl, whisk the yolks and sugar until they’re light and creamy.

Place the bowl over simmering water and keep whisking for about 5 minutes until the sugar melts and the mixture thickens slightly. Then, let it cool.

  1. Add the mascarpone:

Fold the mascarpone cheese into the egg mixture until it’s silky smooth.

  1. Whip the cream:

Beat the heavy cream and vanilla in a separate bowl until soft peaks form.

  1. Combine everything:

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Be careful not to deflate it—you want it to stay light and fluffy!

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

  1. Dip the ladyfingers:

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee. Don’t let them soak too long—they’ll soften more as they sit.

  1. Build the base:

Lay the soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish.

  1. Add the cream layer:

Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Smooth it out gently.

  1. Repeat:

Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top it off with the rest of the mascarpone mixture.

Step 4: Chill and Let It Set

Cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours—but overnight is even better! This gives all the flavors time to blend beautifully.

Step 5: Dust and Serve

Right before serving, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust the top with a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder. Slice it up, serve, and get ready for lots of “mmm” moments!

Tips for Perfect Tiramisu

  1. Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers. Just a quick dip does the trick.
  2. Use high-quality mascarpone. It’s the key to getting that luxurious texture.
  3. Chill overnight for best results. Trust me—the wait is worth it!
  4. Make it your own. While this version is alcohol-free, you can always add a splash of coffee liqueur or rum if you’re serving it just for adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make tiramisu ahead of time?
    Absolutely! It actually tastes better after chilling for 12-24 hours, so it’s great for making the night before.
  2. How long does it last?
    Store it in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
  3. Can I freeze it?
    Yes, you can freeze tiramisu for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
My Family’s Favorite Tiramisu Recipe – A Sweet and Creamy Classic
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My Family’s Favorite Tiramisu Recipe – A Sweet and Creamy Classic

Recipe by Tin-tin
Servings

12

servings
Calories

400

kcal

A rich and silky-smooth cream made with mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, and a hint of vanilla—perfect for layering in desserts or serving as a dip.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces mascarpone cheese

  • 6 egg yolks

  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 1 ½ to 2 cups coffee (room temperature)

  • 2 packs of ladyfingers

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

  • Brew and cool the coffee: Prepare 1 ½ to 2 cups of strong coffee or espresso, and let it cool completely.
  • Whisk egg yolks and sugar: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Place over simmering water and whisk for 5 minutes until thickened, then cool.
  • Add mascarpone: Fold the mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg mixture until smooth.
  • Whip the cream: Beat heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the mascarpone mixture.
  • Dip ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee to avoid oversaturation.
  • Build the base: Lay soaked ladyfingers in a 9×13-inch dish as the first layer.
  • Add cream: Spread half the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
  • Repeat layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone mixture.
  • Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Dust and serve: Dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers. Just a quick dip does the trick.
  • Use high-quality mascarpone. It’s the key to getting that luxurious texture.
  • Chill overnight for best results. Trust me—the wait is worth it!
  • Make it your own. While this version is alcohol-free, you can always add a splash of coffee liqueur or rum if you’re serving it just for adults.

Final Thoughts

Tiramisu has quickly become a family tradition in our home. My husband’s family can’t stop talking about it, and our kids always ask for seconds. The best part? My husband’s sister loved it so much that she asked for the recipe—and I couldn’t have been happier to share it with her!

Now I’m sharing it with you, too, because desserts this good are meant to be enjoyed with the people you love.

So go ahead, whip up this creamy, dreamy tiramisu, and watch it disappear in minutes. And don’t forget to save yourself a piece before it’s all gone!

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