Classic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee, Mascarpone, and Irish Cream Recipe

If you have ever longed for a dessert that feels like a dreamy Italian getaway in every bite, this Classic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee, Mascarpone, and Irish Cream Recipe is the answer. It perfectly balances the rich creaminess of mascarpone, the bold punch of coffee, and the subtle warmth of Irish cream, layered with delicate ladyfingers and dusted with cocoa. This is not just any tiramisu — it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that come together to create a truly unforgettable dessert experience that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s amazing about this tiramisu is how a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients work together to create such a masterpiece. Each plays a vital part: from the vibrancy of freshly brewed coffee to the silky lusciousness of mascarpone and the boozy hint of Irish cream, these ingredients bring classic flavors and elegant textures to your dessert plate.

• 2 cups water: To brew your instant coffee perfectly and soak the ladyfingers just right.
• 2 tbsp instant coffee: Delivers that rich, robust coffee flavor essential for tiramisu’s signature taste.
• 2 tbsp Irish cream: Adds a smooth, aromatic warmth, enhancing the creamy filling beautifully (optional but highly recommended).
• 6 egg yolks: The backbone of the creamy custard, giving tiramisu its rich texture and golden hue.
• 1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens the custard just perfectly, balancing the bitterness of the coffee.
• 12 oz mascarpone cheese: The star of the show, lending a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel and tangy creaminess.
• 1 1/2 cups whipped cream: Lightens the custard for an airy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• 1 14-oz package Italian ladyfingers: Porous cookies that soak up coffee like a dream without becoming soggy.
• Powdered cocoa for decoration: Adds the perfect chocolatey bitterness dusted atop the final masterpiece.

How to Make Classic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee, Mascarpone, and Irish Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture

Begin by combining 2 cups of hot water with 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, stirring until completely dissolved. Set this aromatic coffee aside to cool slightly; this will be the magical soak for your ladyfingers, infusing every bite with bold flavor.

Step 2: Create the Custard Base

Using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk together 6 egg yolks and 1 1/2 cups of sugar vigorously with an electric mixer for about 10 minutes. This slow cooking tempers the eggs, transforming them into a smooth, pale custard that forms the foundation of your mascarpone cream.

Step 3: Fold in Mascarpone and Irish Cream

Remove the bowl from heat and, spoon by spoon, beat in 12 ounces of mascarpone cheese until silky and fully combined. At this stage, gently mix in 2 tablespoons of Irish cream for a subtle yet delightful adult twist — it’s optional but definitely elevates the flavor complexity. Let the mix cool to room temperature before moving on.

Step 4: Whip the Cream and Combine

In a separate bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream until you can hold stiff peaks. Then, carefully fold half of the whipped cream into your cooled mascarpone custard, followed by the remaining half. This folding keeps the mixture light and airy, giving the tiramisu its signature creamy texture.

Step 5: Assemble the First Layer

Dip each ladyfinger briefly into the coffee mixture; make sure not to soak them too long or they might become soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers across the bottom of a 9 x 12 inch rectangular dish, breaking some if necessary to fit snugly. Then spread half of your mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers, smoothing the surface gently with an offset spatula.

Step 6: Build the Second Layer and Finish Assembly

Repeat by dipping the remaining ladyfingers in coffee and layering them atop the mascarpone cream. Spread about one-third of the remaining mascarpone cream over this second layer – it doesn’t need to cover completely because you’ll be piping the rest on top for a beautiful finish.

Step 7: Pipe, Dust, and Chill

Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with the leftover mascarpone cream and pipe dollops evenly over the tiramisu. Dust half of your cocoa powder over the surface and cover it gently with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the tiramisu for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Step 8: Serve with a Final Touch

Just before serving, dust the tiramisu with the remaining cocoa powder for an irresistibly elegant look and a hint of fresh chocolate bitterness. Grab a spoon and get ready for that first blissful, creamy bite!

How to Serve Classic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee, Mascarpone, and Irish Cream Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate, a few fresh coffee beans, or even a light dusting of cinnamon can complement the cocoa powder beautifully. Fresh mint leaves also add a bright pop of color and a refreshing aroma, rounding out the indulgent experience with elegance.

Side Dishes

This tiramisu stands tall on its own but pairs wonderfully with a small glass of dessert wine like Vin Santo or a simple espresso. For a balance of textures, serve alongside fresh seasonal berries or a crisp biscotti to offer contrast and extra crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to personalize your presentation, try making individual tiramisu cups layered in clear glasses to show off the stunning strata. Or use elegant dessert plates and pipe the mascarpone cream in artistic swirls on the side. For festive occasions, consider topping with edible gold flakes or a dusting of instant espresso powder instead of cocoa for a bold flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 to 3 days to preserve the delicate texture and vibrant flavor before the ladyfingers start to become overly saturated.

Freezing

Though tiramisu tastes freshest when refrigerated, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Wrap it extremely well in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, but note the texture might slightly soften and become less fluffy.

Reheating

Tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. The charm of this Classic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee, Mascarpone, and Irish Cream Recipe lies in its cool, creamy layers that melt in your mouth — warming will alter that experience.

FAQs

Can I make tiramisu without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg yolks with a custard or pastry cream base using cornstarch and milk, or use whipped cream only for a lighter but less authentic version. However, the classic texture and richness come from the eggs.

Is Irish cream necessary in this recipe?

While the Irish cream adds a lovely warmth and complexity, it is optional. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit it or replace it with a coffee-flavored syrup or vanilla extract for subtle flavor.

What type of coffee should I use for soaking ladyfingers?

Instant coffee works wonderfully for ease and strong flavor, but you can use freshly brewed espresso or very strong drip coffee. Just ensure it’s cooled before dipping ladyfingers to avoid sogginess.

How long should tiramisu chill before serving?

Chilling the tiramisu for at least 4 hours is essential to let the flavors meld and the texture set properly. Overnight refrigeration yields the best results, making the cream smoother and the cake perfectly firm yet soft.

Can I prepare this tiramisu in advance for a party?

Absolutely! In fact, making the Classic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee, Mascarpone, and Irish Cream Recipe a day ahead is ideal. It gives the flavors time to develop and the texture to fully set, ensuring a crowd-pleasing, effortless dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee, Mascarpone, and Irish Cream Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a touch of Italy into your kitchen and impress friends and family with a luscious, elegant dessert. Once you try this creamy, coffee-kissed wonder, it might just become your go-to indulgence for special occasions or anytime you need a sweet escape. So grab your ingredients, dive into the steps, and get ready to enjoy a slice of authentic Italian joy.

Classic Italian Tiramisu with Coffee, Mascarpone, and Irish Cream Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 14 reviews

This classic Italian Tiramisu is a luscious no-bake dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream infused with Irish cream liqueur. Silky, creamy, and dusted with cocoa powder, it’s a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions and easy to prepare ahead of time.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour plus chilling time
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Coffee Mixture

• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp instant coffee
• 2 tbsp Irish cream (optional)

For the Mascarpone Cream

• 6 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 1/2 cup whipped cream

Other

• 1 14-oz package Italian ladyfingers
• Powdered cocoa for decoration

Instructions

1. Prepare Coffee Mixture: Combine 2 cups hot water with 2 tbsp instant coffee, stirring until dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly. Add 2 tbsp Irish cream liqueur to the coffee mixture if desired for extra flavor.
2. Prepare Egg and Sugar Mixture: Bring water to a boil in a double boiler or small saucepan and reduce heat to a simmer. In a heatproof glass bowl, whisk together 6 egg yolks and 1 1/2 cups sugar. Place the bowl over the simmering water, making sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water, and whip the mixture with an electric mixer continuously for 10 minutes until it thickens and is pale in color.
3. Incorporate Mascarpone: Remove the egg yolk and sugar mixture from heat. Gradually spoon in 12 oz mascarpone cheese, mixing gently until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. Whip Cream and Fold: In a separate bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups heavy cream until it holds stiff peaks. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cooled mascarpone mixture, followed by the remaining half, ensuring a light and airy cream.
5. Assemble First Layer: Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture (do not soak). Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers tightly in a 9 x 12-inch rectangular dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers using an offset spatula.
6. Assemble Second Layer: Dip the remaining ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and arrange them over the mascarpone cream layer. Cover with one-third of the remaining mascarpone cream, spreading gently but it does not need to cover entirely.
7. Pipe Mascarpone Cream and Cover: Transfer the remaining mascarpone cream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe dollops evenly over the tiramisu top. Dust generously with half of the powdered cocoa. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
8. Serve: Before serving, dust the tiramisu with the remaining cocoa powder for a beautiful finishing touch. Enjoy this classic creamy Italian dessert!

Notes

• For the best texture, avoid soaking the ladyfingers for too long to prevent sogginess.
• Irish cream liqueur is optional but adds a pleasant depth of flavor.
• Use a good quality mascarpone cheese for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Make sure the mascarpone mixture is cooled before folding in whipped cream to preserve its lightness.
• Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for optimal flavor and texture development.