Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers (sponge fingers) and a rich mascarpone cheese mixture. It is typically dusted with cocoa powder on top and has a creamy and coffee-flavored profile. Here's a traditional recipe for making Tiramisu:

Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups solid prepared espresso or coffee, cooled
  2. 24-28 ladyfingers (sponge fingers)
  3. 4 large eggs, separated
  4. 1 cup granulated sugar
  5. 16 oz mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
  6. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  7. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  8. A pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Brew strong coffee or espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 3/4 cup of sugar until thick and pale in color.
  3. Add the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract to the egg yolk mixture and whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
  5. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar to the egg whites and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
  7. Dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee or espresso for a few seconds, allowing them to absorb some of the liquid but not becoming too soggy.
  8. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish or a serving dish.
  9. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  10. Dust a slight layer of cocoa powder over the mascarpone combination.
  11. Repeat the process with another layer of soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and cocoa powder.
  12. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.
  13. Before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with a generous layer of cocoa powder.
  14. Cut into slices and serve chilled.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert that is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a rich and creamy coffee-flavored treat!