Classic Boozy Tiramisu

The good news is that this timeless Tiramisu recipe is nut-free, and with some substitutions, it can easily be made gluten-free.

We can’t decide whether Tiramisu is a cake, trifle, or cheesecake. Either way, it’s definitely perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent treat; though naughty but nice, we often make it just for weekend fun just for ourselves.

This Italian Tiramisu is how it’s made in Italy and GOOD Italian restaurants using eggs and cream. Enjoying it is like taking a culinary journey to Italy, savoring the tradition and culture that inspire this delightful dessert.

One of the greatest rewards is tasting and savoring each spoonful. The spongy, chocolatey, boozy, and creamy layers offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

It combines the bold flavors of espresso, rum, and coffee liqueur with the beautiful creaminess of mascarpone. The end result is both sophisticated and comforting, striking the ideal balance of sweetness without overpowering it.

Whether you’re a seasoned tiramisu aficionado or new to this Italian favorite, this boozy version promises to deliver a memorable and luxurious dessert experience. Serve it chilled, garnished with a dusting of cocoa powder and dark chocolate shavings, and watch as it becomes the star of your dessert table.

What’s To Love?

💕 The layers of mascarpone cheese and whipped cream create a velvety, smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
💕 Tiramisu offers a harmonious blend of sweet, bitter, and boozy flavors. The coffee-soaked biscuits provide a robust, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet mascarpone cream, while liqueur and rum add depth and warmth.
💕 Tiramisu’s refined presentation, with its layers of cream and biscuits dusted with cocoa powder, makes it a visually appealing dessert perfect for formal occasions and special celebrations.
💕 Tiramisu is a no-bake dessert, making it an ideal choice for warm weather or when you want to avoid using the oven.
💕 Offers a deep, satisfying chocolate taste that chocolate lovers adore.

Have you already tried Tiramisu If so, let us know how it was…we can’t wait to hear all about it!

Safety Note: it’s recommended that young children, pregnant women, or people with fragile health issues avoid foods made with raw eggs and alcohol.

Tiramisu Origin

We all know Tiramisu is one of Italy’s most beloved desserts. Its rich history is as layered and intriguing as the dessert itself. Its origins are blended with tradition and modern invention, with several regions and stories vying for the title of its birthplace.

The most widely accepted origin story places tiramisu in the Veneto region, specifically in the city of Treviso. In the 1960s, the dessert was reportedly created at Le Beccherie, a restaurant in Treviso. The recipe was credited to chef Roberto Linguanotto and his apprentice, Francesca Valori, whose maiden name was, interestingly, Tiramisu.

The name “tiramisu” translates to “pick me up” or “cheer me up” in Italian, referring to the energizing effects of its ingredients: espresso coffee and a hint of alcohol.

Despite its seemingly ancient roots, tiramisu is a relatively recent addition to the dessert world. It gained widespread popularity in the 1980s and has become a staple in many restaurants and beyond.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

We feel every ingredient adds to the overall taste and texture; if you remove one, it’s like you’ve removed them all.

• Coffee — use freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee.
• Liqueur — use a coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa .
• Liquor — use a non-spiced Dark Rum.
• Cream Cheese — the best cream cheese for tiramisu is mascarpone.
• Cream — use heavy cream for whipping.
• Eggs — use large eggs and yolks only.
• Sugar — caster sugar is better than granulated because it disolves better.
• Vanilla Extract — use Nielsen Massey, which is made with real vanilla beans and alcohol. The vanilla is quite potent and adds a beautiful richness to desserts.
• Cookies — use gluten-free or regular Savoiardi Cookies.
• Cocoa Powder — use unsweetened to offset the desserts overall sweetness.
• Chocolate — use at least 70% dark chocolate, not overly sweet, to offset the dessert’s overall sweetness.

NOTE: To make a strong brew using an espresso machine, fill a double filter basket four times. If you use a machine such as a Nespresso, you will need 3-4 capsules. When using coffee granules, use 2-3 tablespoons. Don’t forget to taste it to ensure a strong coffee flavor.

For more detailed ingredients, see the recipe card.

Customizations

Here are some foodie alternatives should you want to make some changes:

• Liqueur and Liquor — you can experiment with your favorite, but keep to the flavors.
• Alcohol-Free — replace the coffee liqueur and rum with additional espresso or a mixture of espresso and vanilla extract or almond essence.
• Vanilla Extract — if you prefer a non-alcohol base, use vanilla flavoring.
• Cookies — use lady fingers or pavesini. Gluten-free ladyfingers are a great substitute.

Remember that substituting ingredients might differ in taste, texture, and overall result, particularly if you’re substituting many ingredients.

If you have made the Tiramisu with any customizations, we’d love to hear about it; please message us in the comments.

Instructions – Overview

Years ago, we used to think Tiramisu was difficult to make, that’s without knowing the how-to’s. It looks complex, right? Moving forward 40 years, it’s actually very easy to make, and believe it or not, even easier to eat. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started on your baking journey (more detailed instructions are in the recipe card):

▶︎ Creating a delicious boozy tiramisu involves layering espresso-soaked Savoiardi biscuits with a rich, creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, whipped cream, egg yolks, and sugar. Start by brewing strong espresso and mixing it with coffee liqueur and dark rum.

▶︎ For the cream, beat egg yolks with sugar until pale and creamy, then blend in mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract. Whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture.

▶︎ Quickly dip each biscuit in the espresso mixture and arrange them in a dish, then spread half of the mascarpone cream over the biscuit layer, add another layer of soaked biscuits, and top with the remaining cream.

▶︎ Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least four hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly. Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.

For more detailed instructions, notes, and ideas…see the recipe card.

Tools You’ll Need

Want to make the best tiramisu? Using the correct equipment for preparation is essential; we think they’re a big helping hand. We understand that you might already have some of these kitchen tools to make this recipe, or you might want to use other tools and may not require our recommendations. Here are some of our suggestions to get you started:

• Kenwood Kmix or hand mixer.
• 23cm Square Dish
• Mixing Bowl – if you’re using a hand mixer, you will need bowls to combine the ingredients.
• Grater – to grate the chocolate for the topping.
• Sieve – to the cocoa powder over the top.
• Silicone Spatula – for stirring and incorporating all the ingredients smoothly.
• Weighing Scales and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients accurately.

If you love those gadgets for this recipe, then you might love this Kmix for mixing, whisking, creaming, and beating. Sometimes, the Kmix is a better tool than a hand mixer; it’s good at lightening the load. It’s our go-to for many of our recipes, and we think it’s a great asset for all kitchens.

Check out our favorite kitchen equipment that we love to use with all our recipes.

Storing

See our FAQs for detailed instructions on storing, refrigeration, freezing, and defrosting and for answers to readers’ questions.

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant.

Pairing

Tiramisu is frequently eaten as a standalone dessert, but can easily be paired. Here are some suggestions and our favorite go-to’s what to eat with it:

▶︎ Espresso: A classic pairing, the concentrated flavor of a well-pulled espresso complements the coffee notes in the tiramisu.

▶︎ Cappuccino or Latte: The creamy milk in these coffee drinks mirrors the tiramisu’s texture, creating a harmonious pairing.

▶︎ Coffee Liqueur: A small glass of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa can intensify the coffee flavor in the tiramisu.

▶︎ Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries like raspberries or strawberries can cut through the richness of the tiramisu, adding a refreshing element.

▶︎ Don’t know what to have for dinner with it? A delicious curry such as Butter Chicken Curry (Murgh Makhani) or a light Smokey Chorizo Ratatouille would pair beautifully.

More Recipes

Here are some other creamy-rich recipes that we think you might also like:

⭐️ Quick Tip: Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. This will help you understand the ingredients, steps, and timing involved, and allow you to prepare any necessary equipment or ingredients beforehand. Voila…you’re all set to go!

⭐️ Please note that some of our posts may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, and any sales made through such links will reward us with a small commission at no extra cost to you. [Read More]

FAQ’s & Troubleshooting

By addressing these FAQs and troubleshooting tips, you can overcome common challenges and create a delicious batch of Tiramisu every time.

Your Questions Matter

Do you have a question? If so, let us know in the comments and we’ll reply within 24-48 hours and add your question to our FAQs if relevant. If you don’t already follow us, head over to our Twitter or Facebook to keep up to date with all our new recipes and articles.

For food safety top tips, check out USDA.gov.

Popular Recipes