Traditional Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers

Traditional Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers is a intermediate Italian recipe that serves 12. 380 calories per serving.

Prep: 1 hr 45 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 3 hrs 5 min

Cost: $19.10 total, $1.59 per serving

Ingredients

  • 11 large Eggs (Divided (6 for ladyfingers, 5 for mascarpone cream), use the freshest possible)
  • 230 grams Granulated sugar (Divided (60g + 120g for ladyfingers, 50g + 25g for mascarpone cream))
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (For ladyfingers)
  • 170 grams Cake flour (For ladyfingers)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher salt (For ladyfingers)
  • as needed Powdered sugar (For dusting ladyfingers before baking)
  • 450 grams Mascarpone cheese (Room temperature)
  • 1 cup Heavy cream (For stabilizing mascarpone cream)
  • 1 cup Freshly brewed strong coffee (Cooled to room temperature; espresso preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Marsala wine (optional) (Optional, for coffee soak)
  • as needed Cocoa powder (For dusting top)

Instructions

  1. Separate Eggs for Ladyfingers

    Separate 6 eggs, placing yolks in one bowl and whites in another. Ensure no yolk contaminates the whites.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Whip Egg Yolks for Ladyfingers

    Beat 6 egg yolks with 60g sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract on high speed until pale and thick (ribbon stage, about 4-5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

  3. Clean Bowl and Whip Egg Whites

    Thoroughly clean the mixer bowl. Beat 6 egg whites until frothy (30 seconds), then gradually add 120g sugar while beating to stiff, glossy peaks (about 4 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

  4. Combine Yolks and Whites (Sacrifice Method)

    Fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture to lighten, then gently fold in the remaining whites until just streaky.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients

    Sift 170g cake flour and 0.5 tsp kosher salt over the egg mixture. Gently fold in until just combined, checking for hidden flour pockets.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Pipe or Spread Ladyfinger Batter

    Transfer batter to a piping bag with a wide round tip. Pipe into lines or spread evenly on a parchment-lined, greased half-sheet pan.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Dust and Bake Ladyfingers

    Dust piped batter with powdered sugar. Bake at 375°F (preferably convection) for 10-12 minutes until set, lightly browned, and edges pull away.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. Cool Ladyfingers

    Let ladyfingers cool completely on the pan before removing or cutting.

    Time: PT20M

  9. Prepare Eggs for Mascarpone Cream

    Separate 5 eggs. Place yolks and whites in separate bowls.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Whip Egg Whites for Cream

    Beat 5 egg whites with 25g sugar to stiff peaks (about 3 minutes).

    Time: PT3M

  11. Whip Egg Yolks for Cream

    Beat 5 egg yolks with 50g sugar until pale and thick (about 3 minutes).

    Time: PT3M

  12. Fold Yolks into Mascarpone

    Gently fold egg yolks into 450g room temperature mascarpone using the sacrifice method: add one-third first, then the rest, folding gently until just streaky.

    Time: PT3M

  13. Fold in Egg Whites

    Fold one-third of whipped egg whites into the mascarpone-yolk mixture, then gently fold in the rest until just combined.

    Time: PT3M

  14. Whip and Fold in Heavy Cream

    Whip 1 cup heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold into mascarpone mixture to stabilize and thicken.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Prepare Coffee Soak

    Brew 1 cup strong coffee and let cool to room temperature. Stir in 2 tbsp Marsala wine if using.

    Time: PT5M

  16. Assemble Tiramisu - First Layer

    Spread a thin layer of mascarpone cream in a 13x9 inch casserole. Place first layer of ladyfingers (trim to fit if needed). Brush generously with coffee soak until just saturated but not soggy.

    Time: PT7M

  17. Add Cream and Second Layer

    Spread a little less than half of the mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers. Add second layer of ladyfingers and repeat coffee soak.

    Time: PT7M

  18. Finish with Cream and Cocoa

    Spread or pipe remaining mascarpone cream on top. Dust generously with cocoa powder.

    Time: PT5M

  19. Chill Tiramisu

    Cover and refrigerate tiramisu for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to set.

    Time: PT4H

    Temperature: 4°C

  20. Final Cocoa Dusting and Serve

    Dust with more cocoa powder before serving. For clean slices, dip knife in hot water and wipe between cuts.

    Time: PT5M

  21. Cleanup

    Wash all bowls, mixer attachments, spatulas, pans, piping bag, sieve, and utensils used.

    Time: PT1H5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
380
Protein
7g
Carbohydrates
37g
Fat
22g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, low-calorie

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Traditional Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers

A classic Italian tiramisu made entirely from scratch, including homemade ladyfinger sponge, airy mascarpone cream, and a rich coffee soak. This recipe walks you through every step, from whipping eggs to careful assembly, ensuring a light, ethereal dessert with distinct layers and deep flavor.

IntermediateItalianServes 12

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

Source Video
6h 40m
Prep
12m
Cook
49m
Cleanup
7h 41m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.10
Total cost
$1.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Properly separate eggs with no yolk in whites.
  • Whip egg whites and yolks to correct stages (ribbon and stiff peaks).
  • Fold ingredients gently to avoid deflating batter and cream.
  • Do not overwork or re-pipe ladyfinger batter.
  • Bake ladyfingers until set but not dry.
  • Cool ladyfingers completely before assembly.
  • Soak ladyfingers with coffee just enough—not too much.
  • Chill tiramisu for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

Safety Warnings

  • This recipe uses raw eggs. Use only the freshest eggs from a trusted source, or use pasteurized eggs to reduce risk of foodborne illness.
  • If serving to pregnant people, young children, elderly, or immunocompromised, use pasteurized eggs.
  • Be cautious with hot sugar syrup and oven use.
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