Tiramisu, with its irresistible combination of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream and bitter cocoa, is undoubtedly the most famous and popular Italian dessert in the world. A spoon dessert that conquers palates of all ages and cultures, becoming a true symbol of culinary Made in Italy. But what is its history and, most importantly, what is the original recipe to prepare a perfect tiramisu?
The precise origins of tiramisu are still debated today, with several Italian regions claiming authorship. The most credited version places it in Veneto, in the 1960s, specifically in Treviso, at the restaurant “Le Beccherie.” It seems that the dessert originated as a variation of another dessert, “sbatudin,” a cream made of egg yolk beaten with sugar, traditionally eaten by peasant families.
Regardless of its precise origins, tiramisu quickly conquered Italy and then the world, becoming an icon of Italian pastry making. Its name, “tiramisu,” evokes its gluttonous and comforting nature, a true invitation to lift one’s spirits.
Here is the original recipe for tiramisu, to prepare a dessert that respects tradition and will win over all your guests:
Ingredients
– 500 g mascarpone cheese
– 300 g of ladyfingers
– 4 very fresh eggs
– 100 g granulated sugar
– Sweetened espresso coffee to taste
– Bitter cocoa powder to taste.
Preparation
1 – Separate the yolks from the egg whites. In a bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until light and fluffy.
2 – Add the mascarpone to the yolk and sugar mixture, stirring gently to mix the ingredients well.
3 – Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently incorporate them into the mascarpone cream, using movements from the bottom to the top so as not to disassemble the mixture.
4 – Prepare the espresso coffee, sweeten to taste and let it cool.
5 – Quickly soak the ladyfingers in the coffee, one at a time, and arrange them in an oven dish, creating a first layer.
6 – Top the layer of ladyfingers with half of the mascarpone cream.
7 – Create a second layer of ladyfingers soaked in coffee and top with the remaining cream.
8 – Dust the surface of the tiramisu with plenty of unsweetened cocoa powder.
9 – Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend.
Tips for a perfect tiramisu
– Use the freshest eggs to ensure food safety.
– Soak the ladyfingers quickly in coffee to prevent them from becoming too soggy and soft.
– Use good quality bitter cocoa for a more intense flavor.
– For a more mouth-watering variation, you can add dark chocolate chips between the layers.
Tiramisu is a versatile dessert loved all over the world, perfect for ending a meal on a high note or for a mouth-watering pampering at any time of day. With this original recipe, you can make a tiramisu that will make all your guests happy.
