Okay, so tiramisu is like our all-time favorite Italian dessert. It’s creamy, it’s coffee-flavored, and it’s dreamy. We could eat this every single day.

Here’s what makes tiramisu so special. Those soft ladyfinger cookies soaked in coffee are amazing. And the mascarpone cream? Um, it’s heavenly.

We first tried tiramisu at an Italian restaurant. It was love at first bite, seriously. We knew we had to learn how to make it at home.

Picture this: layers of coffee-soaked cookies and fluffy cream. Each spoonful melts in your mouth. The cocoa powder on top makes it perfect, you know?

This dessert feels really fancy and elegant. But guess what? It’s actually pretty easy to make. No baking required at all.

So yeah, we’re sharing our supreme tiramisu recipe with you. It’s authentic and super delicious, really. You’re gonna make the best tiramisu ever.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Luxurious Layers: Each bite is a delicate balance of smooth mascarpone cream, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Simple Yet Elegant: This dessert is easy to prepare and requires no baking, making it the perfect showstopper for any dinner party or special occasion.
Versatile: Whether you serve it chilled or slightly softened, it’s just as delicious.
Coffee Lovers Dream: If you’re a fan of espresso, this Tiramisu Supreme is packed with bold flavors that will satisfy any coffee craving.
Great for Special Occasions: It’s an ideal dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to impress your guests.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, here’s a list of tools you’ll need to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Medium saucepan: For preparing the custard base.
Whisk: Essential for blending the ingredients and preventing lumps.
Medium bowls: For mixing mascarpone and custard.
Electric mixer: For whipping the cream and blending the mascarpone.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you have the right quantities.
7×11 inch dish: The perfect size for layering the Tiramisu.
Sifter for cocoa powder: To get that even, beautiful dusting on top.
Grater for chocolate: Adds a rich finish with shaved bittersweet chocolate.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this decadent dessert:

For the Custard

6 large egg yolks: Rich and creamy, these create the luscious base for the mascarpone mixture.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the bitterness of the espresso.
2/3 cup milk: Adds the necessary creaminess to the custard.
1 1/4 cups heavy cream: Provides richness and a velvety texture to the mascarpone mixture.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the custard base.

For the Mascarpone Layer

8 ounces mascarpone cheese: The heart of Tiramisu, providing that signature creamy, cheesy richness.
1 cup strong brewed espresso (cooled): This is the liquid that will soak the ladyfingers and give the dessert its signature coffee flavor.
1 tablespoon rum or coffee liqueur (optional): Adds depth of flavor and a little kick to the Tiramisu. (If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, feel free to skip this.)

For the Assembly

24 to 30 ladyfingers: These are the base of the dessert and will soak up all that delicious espresso.
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: For dusting on top and providing a slightly bitter contrast to the rich custard.
1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, shaved: For the finishing touch, creating a visually stunning and delicious garnish.

Variations for Tiramisu Supreme

While the classic Tiramisu is beloved in its original form, there are a few variations you can try to customize this recipe to your liking:

Add a Layer of Chocolate: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers for a rich, chocolatey twist.
Use Flavored Liqueurs: Instead of rum or coffee liqueur, try using amaretto, Kahlúa, or Baileys for a unique flavor profile.
Layer with Fruit: Add a layer of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a fruity burst that complements the coffee and mascarpone.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the ladyfingers with gluten-free alternatives to cater to those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan Tiramisu: Swap the egg yolks with a plant-based custard (coconut milk and cornstarch work well) and use vegan mascarpone cheese to create a dairy-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Custard Base

Start by making the custard base that will form the foundation of the Tiramisu Supreme.

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 6 large egg yolks and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and pale yellow.
Heat the milk and heavy cream: In the same saucepan, combine 2/3 cup milk and 1 1/4 cups heavy cream. Heat this over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Stir occasionally to avoid scalding.
Temper the egg mixture: Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg and sugar mixture in a slow stream while whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Continue to whisk until fully incorporated.
Cook the custard: Return the mixture to the stove and cook over low to medium heat, stirring constantly. The custard is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Make sure it doesn’t boil.

Once thickened, remove the custard from the heat and set it aside to cool.

2. Mix the Mascarpone Cream

While your custard is cooling, whip the mascarpone mixture for the creamy layer.

Beat the mascarpone: In a medium bowl, whisk 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
Combine with the cooled custard: Once the custard has cooled to room temperature, gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture. Use a spatula to combine the two until smooth and creamy.
Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Fold in the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone-custard mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream; you want to maintain a light and airy texture.

3. Assemble the Tiramisu

Now comes the fun part—assembling the Tiramisu Supreme!

Prepare the espresso mixture: Brew 1 cup of strong espresso and allow it to cool. If you’re using alcohol, stir 1 tablespoon of rum or coffee liqueur into the espresso.
Soak the ladyfingers: Dip each ladyfinger one at a time into the espresso mixture. Be quick, as ladyfingers tend to soak up liquid fast. You want them to be moist but not soggy.
Layer the Tiramisu: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a 7×11-inch dish. Then, spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top of the ladyfingers. Smooth it out with a spatula.
Repeat the layers: Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers on top of the mascarpone layer, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth it out again for an even layer.
Chill the Tiramisu: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to firm up.

4. Decorate the Tiramisu

Right before serving, it’s time to give the Tiramisu Supreme that beautiful finishing touch.

Dust with cocoa powder: Using a sifter, lightly dust 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top of the Tiramisu. This adds a slight bitterness that complements the creamy sweetness.
Shave chocolate: Use a grater to shave 1 ounce of bittersweet chocolate over the top. This adds a rich, slightly bitter flavor that enhances the coffee notes in the dessert.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Tiramisu Supreme

Tiramisu Supreme is a perfect end to a meal. Here are a few ways to serve it:

On its own: The traditional way, served in slices with a cup of coffee or dessert wine.
With fruit: Add a few fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit syrup for a burst of color and flavor.
With a drizzle of caramel sauce: A sweet addition that balances the coffee and cocoa.

Storing Tiramisu Supreme

Refrigerator: Tiramisu will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any other odors in the fridge.
Freezing: Although traditionally not frozen, you can freeze Tiramisu Supreme for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Nutrition with Table Format

Serving Size	Calories	Fat	Carbohydrates	Protein	Sugar
1 slice (1/12 of the recipe)	350	24g	30g	5g	18g

Conclusion

This Tiramisu Supreme recipe is everything you could want in a dessert: indulgent, flavorful, and easy to make! With layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, velvety mascarpone custard, and a finishing dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate, this dessert is sure to wow your guests. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, Tiramisu Supreme will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!