Tiramisu, translated from Italian as “cheer me up” in Turkish, is a beloved dessert enjoyed by many. Although it’s commonly made with labneh cheese in our country, its authentic version features Mascarpone, a creamy Italian cheese that gives tiramisu its distinctive, soft texture that melts in your mouth without even needing to bite. Originating from Italy, just like its main ingredient, Mascarpone, tiramisu is a dessert that delights many. It’s an excellent choice for guests and a favorite among children who will frequently request it. Soaked in coffee and dusted with cocoa, it’s a passion for those who love chocolate and coffee alike.
After all these praises (since I, too, absolutely love eating it), let’s not prolong the introduction any further and dive into how to make tiramisu.
How to Make Tiramisu? We’re starting with a tiramisu recipe that serves approximately 7 people and can be prepared in 45 minutes, including 30 minutes of preparation (with 15 minutes of waiting) and 15 minutes of cooking time. Gather your ingredients.
Ingredients for Tiramisu Main Ingredient
- 1 sponge cake. You can buy the sponge cake from stores or make your own by following a recipe.
For the Tiramisu Cream
- 2.5 cups of milk (1 cup is approximately 200ml, so 2 and a half cups would be 500ml)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 3 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 1 large egg (or 2 small ones)
- 200 grams of labneh cheese (equivalent to 1 package, though using Mascarpone cheese is recommended if available)
For Soaking
- Half a cup of hot water
- Coffee (You can use 3-in-1 or Turkish coffee, whichever you prefer)
For the Topping
- Just cocoa powder
Steps to Make Tiramisu Don’t be intimidated by the 30-minute preparation time mentioned; it includes a 15-minute waiting period.
- In a saucepan over the stove, combine the following 4 ingredients and stir well until it comes to a boil:
- 2.5 cups of milk
- 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- Egg
- Once the mixture boils, turn off the heat and let it cool for 15 minutes.
- After cooling, add the cheese and mix with a mixer until smooth.
- Meanwhile, prepare your coffee for soaking and let it cool slightly. You don’t have to make Turkish coffee in the traditional way; just adding water to the coffee as if making a 3-in-1 coffee will suffice, since it’s only for flavor.
- Place the first layer of sponge cake on your serving dish or tray, and use half of the coffee to soak the sponge cake.
- Pour half of the cream over the soaked sponge cake and spread evenly.
- Place the second layer of sponge cake on top of the cream and soak it with the remaining coffee.
- Spread the remaining cream over the top layer of the sponge cake and smooth it out.
- Finally, dust the top with cocoa powder.
For the best results, let the tiramisu sit in the fridge for a bit. If you’re in a hurry and can’t wait to indulge, a minimum of one and a half hours in the refrigerator might suffice. However, letting it rest until the next day will enhance its texture and flavor.
A Few Notes on Tiramisu
- The key ingredient in your tiramisu is Mascarpone cheese. Using this cheese will give you the authentic taste of tiramisu.
- Before adding the cheese to the cream, ensure the mixture has cooled down after boiling for about 15 minutes.
- For that delightful aroma and taste, using good quality coffee is recommended. Do not substitute water for coffee; it won’t give you the genuine tiramisu experience.
- While sponge cake is traditional, you can also use ladyfingers for a different but equally delicious result. Give it a try at least once.
- If you’re watching your weight or have diabetes, please consume this dessert mindfully. Remember, your health should always be a priority.
I hope this guide helps you create wonderful tiramisus that you’ll enjoy while remembering us fondly. Bon appétit!
