Introduction: No Bake Tiramisu Recipe

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Tiramisu is the legendary mystical dessert that can turn a relatively normal person into a simpering love slave with just one bite.  Not for the faint of heart, this tiramisu recipe is just as epic as you could imagine, and requires no baking whatsoever.  Perfect for any time of year!  I entrust you with this recipe, knowing that you will use it wisely and carefully.  

When I worked in an Italian family restaurant in the North End of Boston, I remember the owner, Arturo, coming in to make his famous tiramisu for the week.  The first thing he did was soak the ladyfingers in espresso and amaretto and let them sit before going to work on the perfect custard.  He also knew that a real tiramisu needed at least 24 hours to come together, and was even better after a few days.  Any less time didn't allow the flavors to mingle enough to give the dessert the legendary taste and texture it's known for.

Before this, I was certain there was no way to recreate a proper Italian tiramisu at home, but after watching Arturo go to work, I realized it's not as mystical as it seems!  You too can have tiramisu without having to track down your nearest authentic Italian eatery.   Just be careful - I've already warned you of its effects.

Step 1: Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks (~96g)
  • 3/4 cup (150g) white sugar
  • 2/3 cup (160mL) milk
  • 1 1/4 cups (300mL) heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pound (950mL) mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup (240mL) strong brewed coffee, room temperature (traditionally this would be espresso, and if you have access to that - do it!)
  • 1/4 cup (60mL) amaretto, brandy, or rum (since that's what I already had)
  • 6 ounces (170g) of ladyfinger cookies (my package was for 7 ounces. more cookies for me!)
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

Step 2: Custard

In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until well blended.

Whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils.

Boil gently for 1 minute, stirring continuously.

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Press cling wrap onto surface of custard and chill for 1 hour.


Step 3: Cream

With an electric mixer and whisk attachment, beat cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form.  If you accidentally overbeat your cream, it's ok.  Add a little bit more liquid cream to the mixture and try again slowly.

Get custard out from refrigerator and whisk mascarpone into yolk mixture by hand until smooth.

Step 4: Ladyfingers

In a measuring cup, combine coffee and rum.

Spread ladyfingers in on a sheet or in a bowl and slowly pour coffee mixture over the cookies.

Step 5: Assemble

Arrange half of soaked ladyfingers in bottom of a 7x11 inch (2qt) dish (which I did not have on hand, so I used a slightly smaller one).

Spread half of mascarpone mixture over ladyfingers, then half of whipped cream over that.

Repeat layers and sprinkle with cocoa.

Cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours to let the flavors blend into that classic tiramisu taste you know and crave.  Trust me, if you eat it right away, you're going to be disappointed.  Give it time to make the magic happen. 

Enjoy responsibly!