The ULTIMATE Tiramisu Recipe

The ULTIMATE Tiramisu Recipe is a medium Italian recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by With Wendy and Shannon on YouTube.

Prep: 46 min | Cook: 7 min | Total: 1 hr 8 min

Cost: $33.18 total, $4.15 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cup Espresso (or strong dark coffee) (hot, freshly brewed)
  • 0.5 cup Marsala Wine (dry) (can substitute rum, coffee liqueur, or omit for kids)
  • 1.5 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (for coffee syrup)
  • 6 large Egg Yolks (room temperature, separated from whites)
  • 0.75 cup Granulated Sugar (for custard)
  • 2 cup Mascarpone Cheese (425 g, softened at room temperature)
  • 3 tablespoon Marsala Wine (adds flavor to mascarpone)
  • 1.75 cup Whipping Cream (425 ml, cold)
  • 2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (adds aroma)
  • 30 pieces Ladyfinger Cookies (Savoiardi) (store‑bought, enough for a 9×13 in tray)
  • 2 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for dusting before serving)

Instructions

  1. Make Coffee Syrup

    Combine the hot espresso, Marsala wine, and sugar in a bowl and whisk until the sugar fully dissolves. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Separate Egg Yolks

    Separate six egg yolks into a heat‑proof bowl, keeping the whites for another use. Add 3/4 cup sugar and whisk until blended.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cook Custard (Double Boiler)

    Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Stir constantly; the mixture will turn pale and thicken after about 5‑7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

  4. Cool Custard

    Remove the bowl from heat and let the custard cool to room temperature before mixing with cheese.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Blend Mascarpone with Marsala

    In a separate bowl, combine the softened mascarpone cheese with 3 Tbsp Marsala wine. Mix until smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Combine Custard and Mascarpone

    Gradually pour the cooled custard into the mascarpone mixture, folding gently until fully incorporated and silky.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Whip Cream

    In a clean bowl, pour the whipping cream and add vanilla extract. Whisk with the mixer on medium‑high speed until the cream reaches soft‑peak consistency, just shy of stiff peaks.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Fold Whipped Cream into Mascarpone Custard

    Add half of the whipped cream to the mascarpone custard and fold using the cut‑and‑fold method. Repeat with the remaining cream, folding gently to keep the mixture airy.

    Time: PT5M

  9. First Layer of Ladyfingers

    Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee syrup (about 1 second), shake off excess, and arrange a tight layer on the bottom of the 9×13 in glass tray.

    Time: PT5M

  10. First Cream Layer

    Spread half of the mascarpone‑cream mixture evenly over the first ladyfinger layer using an offset spatula.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Second Layer and Final Cream

    Repeat the dip‑and‑place process with the remaining ladyfingers, then spread the rest of the cream mixture on top, smoothing the surface.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Chill to Set

    Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4‑6 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.

    Time: PT0M

  13. Finish and Serve

    Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder. Cut with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains Alcohol

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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The ULTIMATE Tiramisu Recipe

Recipe by With Wendy and Shannon

A classic Italian tiramisu made with espresso‑Marsala syrup, silky mascarpone custard, and fluffy whipped cream layered between ladyfinger cookies. This no‑bake dessert sets in the fridge and is perfect for gatherings.

MediumItalianServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
46m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$33.18
Total cost
$4.15
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Making the coffee‑Marsala syrup
  • Cooking the custard over a double boiler without curdling
  • Whipping the cream to soft peaks
  • Folding the whipped cream into the custard without deflating
  • Quickly dipping ladyfingers to avoid sogginess

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot water and steam when using the double boiler
  • Raw egg yolks are used; consider pasteurized eggs if concerned about salmonella
  • Alcohol is present; keep away from children

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of classic tiramisu in Italian cuisine?

A

Tiramisu originated in the Veneto region of Italy in the 1960s and quickly became a beloved dessert, symbolizing indulgence with its layers of coffee‑soaked biscuits and creamy mascarpone. It reflects Italy’s love for coffee and mascarpone, and today it’s served in homes and restaurants worldwide as a celebratory sweet.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tiramisu in Italy?

A

While the classic version uses ladyfingers, espresso, and Marsala, some regions add a splash of Amaretto, use Savoiardi biscuits of different sizes, or incorporate cocoa powder versus chocolate shavings. In Sicily, a version called "Tiramisù alla Siciliana" may include ricotta instead of mascarpone.

cultural
Q

How is authentic tiramisu traditionally served in Italy?

A

Authentic tiramisu is served chilled in a shallow dish, dusted with unsweetened cocoa powder, and cut into square portions. It is often presented on a simple white plate with a garnish of chocolate curls or a sprig of mint for contrast.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is tiramisu traditionally enjoyed in Italian culture?

A

Tiramisu is popular at family gatherings, holidays like Christmas and Easter, and as a finale to celebratory meals. Its rich yet light texture makes it a favorite for dinner parties and special events.

cultural
Q

How does tiramisu fit into the broader Italian dessert tradition?

A

Tiramisu exemplifies Italy’s dessert philosophy of balancing flavors—bitter coffee, sweet sugar, and creamy cheese—while using simple, high‑quality ingredients. It sits alongside other layered desserts like zabaglione and panna cotta as a showcase of regional flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for tiramisu versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional tiramisu calls for ladyfinger (savoiardi) biscuits, mascarpone cheese, espresso, Marsala wine, egg yolks, sugar, and cocoa powder. Acceptable substitutes include using dark rum or coffee liqueur instead of Marsala, cream cheese mixed with heavy cream for mascarpone, and sponge cake strips for ladyfingers.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with tiramisu?

A

Tiramisu pairs beautifully with a light espresso, a glass of Vin Santo, or a sweet dessert wine. For a full Italian meal, serve it after dishes like risotto alla Milanese, osso buco, or a fresh Caprese salad to balance richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making tiramisu at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the custard, which causes curdling; soaking ladyfingers too long, leading to soggy layers; and over‑folding the whipped cream, which deflates the airy texture. Follow the quick dip technique and watch the custard’s pale, thickened stage closely.

technical
Q

Why does this tiramisu recipe use a double‑boiler for the custard instead of direct heat?

A

A double‑boiler provides gentle, indirect heat that cooks the egg‑sugar mixture evenly without scrambling the eggs, resulting in a smooth, velvety custard essential for the silky tiramisu texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel With Wendy and Shannon specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel With Wendy and Shannon specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that combine classic techniques with modern twists, focusing on desserts and comfort foods that impress without being overly complicated.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel With Wendy and Shannon's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

With Wendy and Shannon emphasizes step‑by‑step visual guidance, practical kitchen shortcuts, and clear explanations of why each technique matters, making traditional Italian desserts like tiramisu accessible to home cooks of all skill levels, unlike channels that assume advanced pastry knowledge.

channel

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