Tiramisu
Coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with mascarpone cream.
Tiramisu is a classic protein-forward Italian recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 6 and comes together in roughly 30 minutes from prep to plate. It sits in the comfortable middle ground: nothing intimidating, but it rewards a little patience during the roughly 30 minutes of active cooking. The method is straightforward, with each step doing one clear job so the finished dish tastes balanced rather than busy.
The headline ingredients here are ladyfingers, mascarpone and egg yolk. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them.
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57
kcal
3g
Protein
6g
Carbs
2g
Fat
Ingredients
- ladyfingers24
- mascarpone500 g
- egg yolk4
- sugar0.5 cup
- espresso1.5 cups
- cocoa powder2 tbsp
Method
- 1Step 1 ~8 min
Whisk yolks and sugar over a double boiler until pale and thick.
- 2Step 2 ~8 min
Fold in mascarpone until smooth.
- 3Step 3 ~8 min
Dip ladyfingers in espresso; layer with cream in a dish.
- 4Step 4 ~8 min
Chill 4 hours; dust with cocoa before serving.
Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 30 minutes.
Pro tips & common mistakes
- Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat โ that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long does Tiramisu take to cook?
- From prep to plate, Tiramisu takes about 30 minutes and yields 6 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
- Is Tiramisu vegetarian?
- No โ this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (ladyfingers, mascarpone, egg yolk). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
- What are the key ingredients in Tiramisu?
- The headline ingredients are ladyfingers, mascarpone, egg yolk. The rest of the list is supporting cast โ spices, aromatics and pantry staples โ that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
- Can I scale this recipe up or down?
- Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 3 servings or double for 12. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area โ if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
- How should I store the leftovers?
- Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently โ low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
- Can I freeze Tiramisu?
- Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
- What should I serve with Tiramisu?
- Tiramisu pairs naturally with classic italian sides โ a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
- What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
- Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.