Makinze is currently Food Editor for Delish, where she develops recipes, creates and hosts recipe videos and is our current baking queen.. Reigning from Oklahoma, she's also our go-to for all things regarding Midwestern cuisine. She's also our expert pie crimper.

When rich coffee flavor, homemade mascarpone cream and rum combine, an absolute dream layered dessert is born. Filled with rich flavors, tiramisu still somehow tastes light, with soaked ladyfingers that practically melt in your mouth upon the first bite. If you have a fancy dinner party coming up or are looking to switch it up from the classic birthday cake, you can't go wrong with this classic Italian dessert. Make this no-bake dessert the day before and let the flavors mix and meld together for a flavor-packed dessert guaranteed to make nonna proud.
What is tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a rich, coffee-flavored dessert with layers of coffee and rum-soaked ladyfingers and homemade mascarpone cream, with a dusting of cocoa powder on top. A classic Italian treat, this no-bake dessert is best served with a steaming cup on the side for double the coffee flavor.
What kind of alcohol is used in tiramisu?
Traditionally, tiramisu calls for marsala wine as it's boozy component, but we use dark rum in this recipe. Not a rum fan? Brandy is another popular choice. If you're looking to leave out the alcohol, you can—just make sure your coffee is extra strong to not miss out on any flavor.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! Tiramisu is an ideal dessert to make ahead, because the flavors will continue to meld together the longer it sits. Simply prepare your tiramisu, wrap it and store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Can I freeze tiramisu?
Of course—finish your tiramisu without the cocoa powder topping, then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in the freezer, where it will stay for up to three months. Once you're ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight before dusting with cocoa powder before serving.
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
- Yields:
- 10 - 12
- Prep Time:
- 10 mins
- Total Time:
- 4 hrs 30 mins
Ingredients
- 4
large egg yolks
- 1/2 c.
sugar, plus 2 tbsp.
- 16 oz.
mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 c.
heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp.
pure vanilla extract
Pinch kosher salt
- 2 1/2 c.
strongly brewed coffee
- 1 tbsp.
dark rum
- 40
lady fingers
Cocoa powder, for dusting
Directions
- Step 1Place a small saucepan filled halfway with water over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Place egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar in a heatproof bowl and set over the simmering pot. Whisk eggs and sugar, over heat, until doubled in volume and velvety smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- Step 2In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), add heavy cream, 2 tbsp. sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone custard just until combined. Set aside.
- Step 3In a measuring cup or other tall glass mix together coffee and rum. Dip lady fingers in coffee, one at a time.
- Step 4In a 9-x-13 baking dish line 20 dipped lady fingers in an even row. Pour about half of the custard over lady fingers and smooth. Repeat with remaining lady fingers and custard. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours and up to overnight.
- Step 5When ready to serve dust top of tiramisu with cocoa powder and serve.