Tirami Su

Prep: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Italian

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that layers coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a rich and creamy mascarpone mixture. The key flavors are the deep notes of espresso, the sweetness of sugar, and a hint of Marsala wine, making it a perfect treat for coffee lovers and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 lb. sugar
  • 5 egg whites
  • 2 Tbsp. Marsala
  • 1 pkg. ladyfingers
  • 1/2 c. Espresso or regular coffee, sweetened
  • chocolate powder

Instructions

  1. Beat egg whites until fluffy.
  2. Blend in sugar and salt.
  3. Place Mascarpone in a bowl; stir until smooth.
  4. Blend Mascarpone into the egg mixture. Add Marsala; beat until fluffy.
  5. Place enough ladyfingers to cover the bottom of the dish.
  6. Brush ladyfingers with sweetened Espresso (do not soak cookies).
  7. Place half of the cheese mixture over the ladyfingers.
  8. Dust with chocolate powder.
  9. Repeat the process, placing another layer of ladyfingers on top of the first layer.
  10. Brush the second layer of ladyfingers with Espresso.
  11. Put in the remaining cheese mixture and dust with chocolate powder.
  12. Chill before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a coffee liqueur instead of Marsala. Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beating. If you can't find ladyfingers, you can substitute with sponge cake cut into strips. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of some of the mascarpone.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tiramisu chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of chocolate powder or cocoa. It pairs beautifully with a rich espresso or a sweet dessert wine. For a complete Italian meal, consider serving it after dishes like Spinach Fettucine or Reva'S Manicotti for a delightful culinary experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If you want to serve it later, simply dust with additional chocolate powder just before serving to refresh its appearance.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tirami Su contains roughly 99 calories, with 8g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.

99 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.7g 15% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 17g 6% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 353.3mg 15% DV
Potassium 262.2mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 8.3mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 20.9mg 23% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 22.2mg 2% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mascarpone?

While mascarpone is traditional for tiramisu, you can substitute it with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream for a similar texture. However, it may alter the flavor slightly, so ensure to adjust sweetness to your preference.

How long should I chill the tiramisu before serving?

It's best to chill tiramisu for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dessert to set properly, ensuring a perfect slice when served.

Is tiramisu suitable for kids?

Since tiramisu contains coffee and alcohol (Marsala), it may not be suitable for young children. You can create a kid-friendly version by replacing coffee with chocolate milk or a sweetened milk alternative, omitting the alcohol completely.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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