Classic Tiramisu Recipe: 7 Simple Steps to the Creamiest Italian Dessert Ever

Whip up this classic tiramisu recipe — a creamy, coffee-soaked Italian dessert made with mascarpone, espresso, and ladyfingers. Easy, authentic, and irresistibly delicious!

There’s something magical about a dessert that needs no oven, no fancy tools — just a whisk, some espresso, and a little love. That’s the charm of tiramisu, Italy’s most famous “pick-me-up” dessert. This classic tiramisu recipe is creamy, coffee-kissed, and effortlessly elegant, with layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and smooth mascarpone cream that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner, a special celebration, or simply craving something indulgent, this no-bake dessert delivers pure comfort in every bite — no pastry school required.

The Dessert That Feels Like a Hug

There are desserts you eat — and then there’s tiramisu, the one you experience.
Creamy, coffee-soaked, and impossibly light, this classic tiramisu recipe is proof that Italian desserts are pure magic.

Whether you’re making it for a dinner party, your next date night, or just because you deserve something fancy, tiramisu is the ultimate no-bake showstopper. And the best part? You don’t have to be a pastry chef to pull it off.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make classic tiramisu from scratch, share a few tricks to get that perfect creamy texture, and even answer the most common tiramisu questions people ask online.

What Is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu literally means “pick me up” in Italian — and one bite will tell you exactly why. This iconic Italian dessert has a way of lifting your mood with its perfect balance of bold coffee flavor, delicate sweetness, and irresistibly creamy texture.

At its heart, tiramisu is a layered dessert that combines just a handful of simple ingredients:

• Espresso-soaked ladyfingers (savoiardi) that form the soft, spongy base
• Luscious mascarpone cream, light yet decadent, made with eggs, sugar, and whipped cream
• A generous dusting of cocoa powder, adding that touch of bittersweet contrast

The result is a dessert that’s creamy, airy, and perfectly bittersweet — every spoonful melting into a cloud of coffee and cream.

What makes tiramisu so special is how something so luxurious can be so effortless. There’s no baking, no complicated techniques, and no stress — just simple layering and chilling. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, giving you that restaurant-quality texture and taste right from your own kitchen.

This classic tiramisu recipe skips unnecessary shortcuts and focuses on the authentic Italian method, using fresh espresso and smooth mascarpone to capture that true café-style flavor. If you prefer, you can add a splash of Marsala or coffee liqueur for extra depth, but it’s just as heavenly without it — making it a perfect treat for everyone at the table. pure, traditional flavour.

Why You’ll Love This Classic Tiramisu Recipe

✔️ No oven, no problem – This is the ultimate lazy-day dessert. Just dip, layer, chill… and look like you spent hours in the kitchen.

✔️ A true Italian romance – Every bite tastes like a little vacation in Rome. Creamy mascarpone, bold espresso, and cocoa? Bellissimo.

✔️ Tastes even better tomorrow – Yep, this dessert ages like fine wine. The flavors get deeper and dreamier overnight.

✔️ Light, creamy perfection – Rich enough to impress, but airy enough that you’ll 100% go back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect tiramisu:

For the coffee mixture:

• 1 ½ cups strong brewed espresso, cooled
• 2 tbsp sugar
• (Optional) 2 tbsp coffee liqueur or Marsala wine

A Quick Espresso Brewing Guide

Don’t have an espresso machine? No worries! You can still make a strong, flavourful brew using a Moka pot, French press, or even instant espresso powder. The goal is to get that deep, rich coffee flavour that gives tiramisu its signature kick. If you’re new to espresso-making, check out this helpful guide from BBC Espresso Guide A good espresso base makes all the difference in this classic tiramisu recipe!

For the mascarpone cream:

• 4 egg yolks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, chilled
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For assembly:

• 2 packs ladyfingers (savoiardi)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Step-by-Step: Classic Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1: Brew the Coffee

Make a strong espresso (instant espresso works too) and let it cool. Stir in sugar and, if you like, a splash of Marsala or coffee liquour for that subtle grown-up kick.

Step 2: Whisk the Yolks & Sugar

In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler style) and whisk for 5–6 minutes until thick and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Add Mascarpone

Once the yolk mixture is cool, gently fold in mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix — just combine until no lumps remain.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold it into the mascarpone mixture. This is your dreamy tiramisu cream!

Step 5: Dip the Ladyfingers

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso — just a second on each side. You want them moist, not soggy.

Step 6: Layer It Up

In a rectangular dish (about 9×13”), arrange one layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the top. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish with the remaining cream.

Step 7: Dust & Chill

Generously dust with cocoa powder using a fine sieve. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).

Pro Tips for the Best Tiramisu Ever

🌿 Use real espresso – If you want that deep, bold coffee flavor that makes tiramisu unforgettable, skip the instant coffee. Freshly brewed espresso (or a strong Moka pot coffee) brings out those roasted, slightly bitter notes that balance the sweetness of the mascarpone cream. The richer your coffee, the more authentic your tiramisu will taste.

🧊 Chill overnight – Tiramisu is one of those desserts that gets better with time. An overnight chill allows the espresso to soak into the ladyfingers just enough, while the mascarpone cream firms up into that perfect, mousse-like texture. Trust me — the difference between a 2-hour and an overnight chill is pure dessert magic.

🥄 Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers – This might be the golden rule of tiramisu! Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture for just one quick second per side. Too long, and they’ll turn soggy and collapse when layered. You want them to hold their shape and absorb just enough coffee to stay moist and flavorful.

🍫 Use quality cocoa powder – Don’t underestimate that final dusting! A good, unsweetened cocoa powder (like Dutch-processed or high-quality dark cocoa) gives tiramisu its classic bittersweet edge and that gorgeous café-style finish. A light sieve sprinkle before serving adds not only flavor but a touch of Italian elegance.

💛 Serve it cold – Tiramisu tastes best when it’s chilled but not frozen. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving — this softens the cream slightly, enhancing that melt-in-your-mouth feel.

🥶 Make ahead for stress-free entertaining – Because tiramisu holds up beautifully in the fridge, it’s a host’s best friend. Make it the day before your dinner party, and you’ll have a perfectly set, picture-worthy dessert ready to go.

Variations to Try

• Alcohol-free classic tiramisu recipe: Skip the Marsala — the espresso alone is amazing.
• Berry classic tiramisu recipe: Add sliced strawberries between layers for a fruity twist.
• Chocolate classic tiramisu recipe: Mix melted dark chocolate into the mascarpone cream.
• Matcha classic tiramisu recipe: Replace cocoa powder with matcha for a vibrant green dessert.

Storing & Serving Tips

• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge).
• Serving: Dust with extra cocoa or shaved chocolate before serving.

Serve it cold, with espresso or dessert wine — and prepare for applause.

Tiramisu Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 25g

(These values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)

Common Questions About Tiramisu

1. Can I make tiramisu without raw eggs?

Yes! In this classic tiramisu recipe, the yolks are gently cooked over a double boiler, so there are no raw eggs.

2. Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

You can, but the flavor and texture won’t be the same. Mascarpone gives tiramisu its signature creamy richness.

3. How long does tiramisu need to chill?

At least 6 hours, but overnight is best for a perfect, sliceable texture.

4. Is tiramisu supposed to be alcoholic?

Traditionally, yes — a splash of Marsala or rum is used. But it’s just as delicious alcohol-free!

5. Why is my tiramisu watery?

Over-soaked ladyfingers or under-whipped cream are the usual culprits. Dip quickly and chill thoroughly.

A Little History: The Sweet Story Behind Tiramisu

Tiramisu was born in Italy’s Veneto region in the 1960s — and while there’s debate over who exactly invented it, one thing’s certain: it became an instant icon.

The dessert was designed as a “pick-me-up” for its caffeine and sugar combo — perfect for tired souls and romantic hearts alike. Today, it’s a global favorite that combines Italian elegance with everyday comfort.

Why This Recipe Works

This classic tiramisu recipe is:

• Made with authentic ingredients
• Easy to follow with simple steps
• Alcohol optional (family-friendly)
• Make-ahead and beginner-friendly

If you love coffee desserts, this one’s a must-try — creamy, comforting, and guaranteed to impress.

Final Thoughts: One Bite, and You’ll Understand the Hype

There’s a reason this classic tiramisu recipe is one of my most-loved desserts — it’s luxurious, light, and deeply comforting.

So grab your whisk, brew that espresso, and give this classic tiramisu recipe a try. Trust me — once you taste it, there’s no going back to store-bought versions.

If you make it, share your results in the comments (or tag me on Instagram with #ClassicTiramisuMagic). Because every great dessert deserves to be shown off!

If you loved our classic tiramisu recipe, make sure you check out our 5-Star Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.