Tiramisu is the kind of dessert that instantly transports you to an Italian café, sipping on a rich espresso while indulging in layers of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked biscuits, and just the right touch of cocoa. This classic Italian treat, meaning “pick me up” in Italian, is beloved for its rich flavors and light yet indulgent texture.

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Gordon Ramsay’s take on tiramisu stays true to its traditional roots while ensuring a perfectly balanced dessert that is both elegant and easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, this homemade tiramisu is bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make – Despite its luxurious taste, tiramisu requires no baking and minimal effort.
Perfectly balanced flavors – The combination of rich mascarpone, delicate coffee-soaked biscuits, and cocoa creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
Great for entertaining – You can prepare it in advance, making it an ideal dessert for dinner parties or special gatherings.
A timeless classic – Tiramisu has been a favorite for generations, and this recipe keeps that traditional charm alive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cream Layer:

4 egg yolks
½ cup granulated sugar
8 ounces mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy cream

For the Coffee-Soaked Layers:

1 ½ cups brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
24 ladyfinger biscuits

For Topping:

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

How to Make Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

Start by whisking the egg yolks and sugar together in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. This gentle heat helps dissolve the sugar and slightly thickens the mixture, creating a smooth and creamy base. Whisk continuously for about 5 minutes until the mixture turns pale and silky.

Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then, fold in the mascarpone cheese, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate the airy texture. This creamy mixture is what gives tiramisu its signature light yet indulgent taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soaking Mixture

Brew a strong cup of espresso or coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. This adds just a touch of sweetness and depth to the coffee, which will soak into the ladyfingers.

Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu

Take each ladyfinger and dip it quickly into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are moistened but not overly soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish.

Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a perfectly textured dessert.

Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and add some dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

Helpful Tips

Use high-quality espresso – Since coffee is a key flavor, using strong, high-quality espresso will enhance the overall taste.
Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers – A quick dip in the coffee mixture is all they need; too much soaking will make them too soft.
Chill overnight – While 4 hours is the minimum, letting tiramisu rest overnight allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to set beautifully.
Use a sharp knife for clean slices – If serving tiramisu in squares, wipe the knife between cuts to keep the layers neat.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

If you prefer a slightly sweeter tiramisu, you can adjust the sugar in the mascarpone mixture.
For an extra coffee kick, brush a little extra espresso on top of the ladyfingers before adding the mascarpone layer.
This recipe can also be made in individual glasses for a fun, single-serve presentation.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 85mg
Sugar: 18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make tiramisu without raw eggs?

Yes! If you prefer to avoid raw eggs, you can skip them and simply whip the mascarpone and heavy cream together with a bit of sugar. While it won’t have the exact same richness, it will still be delicious.

How long does tiramisu last in the fridge?

Tiramisu can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.

Can I freeze tiramisu?

Yes! Tiramisu freezes well for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

Absolutely! While espresso gives the best flavor, strong brewed coffee works well too. Just make sure it’s cooled before dipping the ladyfingers.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Related Recipes

If you love this tiramisu, here are a few other classic desserts you might enjoy:

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s tiramisu is a foolproof way to impress your guests with a classic Italian dessert. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with deep coffee flavors, all while being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe ensures a perfect tiramisu every time.