Description
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.
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.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.