Ingredients
Method
- Separate the egg whites and yolks carefully. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with coconut sugar and vanilla extract until light and creamy.
- Add the mascarpone to the yolks mixture and gently combine until smooth.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the mascarpone cream for a light texture.
- In a shallow dish, dip the ladyfinger cookies quickly into the cooled coffee. Do not soak excess to avoid soggy cookies.
- Layer half the coffee-soaked ladyfingers in a serving dish. Spread half the mascarpone cream mixture over the cookies.
- Repeat with a second layer of ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Dust generously with unsweetened cocoa powder before serving. Enjoy your light and creamy tiramisu!
Notes
Tiramisu stands out as one of the most beloved desserts for good reason: it's creamy, subtly sweet, and perfectly balanced by coffee and cocoa notes. Its versatility makes it great for festive gatherings or everyday indulgence – it adapts beautifully to different tastes and dietary needs.
Practical Tips for the Best Tiramisu
- Freshly brewed, strong coffee: For a bold flavor, use espresso or very strong coffee. Let it cool completely before dipping the ladyfingers to ensure they don't fall apart.
- Quick dip is key: Gently submerge each ladyfinger for just 1-2 seconds. Prolonged dipping will make them overly soggy and ruin the dessert's layered texture.
- Lighter mascarpone: If you prefer an even lighter taste, blend in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or whipped cream with the mascarpone.
Preparation Techniques
- Perfect peaks: When beating egg whites, ensure the bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. This helps achieve stiff peaks, which will give your tiramisu its signature airy texture.
- Gentle folding: Use a spatula to gently incorporate the egg whites into the mascarpone mix—overmixing can deflate the cream and affect volume.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Alcoholic touch: Add a splash of Marsala wine, amaretto, or rum to your coffee for a traditional adult twist.
- No-egg version: Prefer eggless? Swap in more mascarpone and gently folded whipped cream for a quick, easy alternative.
- Finishing flourish: Sift extra cocoa powder or decorate with dark chocolate shavings before serving for an elegant finish.
- Pairing suggestions: Enjoy tiramisu with a cup of strong coffee or a light shot of espresso. It also pairs well with fresh berries or a glass of dessert wine to complement the flavors.