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    Home » Best Tiramisu Recipe

    Best Tiramisu Recipe

    Published: Feb 6, 2021 · Modified: Mar 17, 2023 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This is the best authentic Tiramisu Recipe made completely from scratch. A creamy mascarpone filling sits between three layers of homemade lady fingers soaked in rum & coffee with a dusting of cocoa powder on top. The best tiramisu cake you’ll ever eat.

    front view of a piece of the Best Tiramisu Recipe on a plate

    Tiramisu is one of my husband's favorite desserts (right after these Homemade Eclairs), so early on in our marriage I set out to create the best Tiramisu recipe - and this is it. 

    This authentic Tiramisu Recipe made completely from scratch. A creamy mascarpone filling sits between three layers (because for Ritch, many layers is the key to making the best tiramisu) of homemade lady fingers soaked in rum & coffee with a dusting of cocoa powder on top. It is seriously the absolute best tiramisu cake ever.

    What makes this tiramisu recipe unique is that the lady finger layers are made as three large squares (or circles) to fit the baking pan - not individual lady fingers. This makes the process easier both during baking and assembling! 

    a piece of the Best Tiramisu on a plate with a bite taken out of it

    Tiramisu Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions

    I dialed this tiramisu recipe in to make it absolutely perfect - from the ingredients used down to the number of layers - it's the best tiramisu cake ever. We'll chat about the ingredients and possible substitutions (although I don't recommend many). 

    • Eggs. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results. 
    • Granulated sugar. Use white granulated sugar or organic cane sugar for both the lady fingers and filling. 
    • All-purpose flour. I don't recommend any flour substitutions. 
    • Vanilla extract. If desired you can omit the vanilla or replace it with rum, almond extract, etc. although I don't recommend it. 
    • Whole milk. Half and half can be used in place of whole milk. 
    • Mascarpone cheese. This is a key ingredient to authentic tiramisu - please do not make any substitutions. You need 16 oz in this recipe so be mindful of that, as it's often sold in 8 oz portions. 
    • Heavy whipping cream. No substitutes here either!
    • Coffee. Use a strong brewed coffee or espresso to make this tiramisu recipe. I like to use instant coffee to make it quick and easy. 
    • Rum.  Another key ingredient in an authentic tiramisu recipe. If desired you can just use coffee, but I don't recommend leaving out the rum. 

    Lady Fingers

    This tiramisu recipe calls for homemade lady fingers. They are softer and more delicate than store bought and way more delicious. You may substitute store-bought if you are short on time. 

    overhead photo of the ingredients in this Best Tiramisu Recipe

    How to Make Tiramisu

    Making the best tiramisu takes time but it's so worth it. I'll walk you through how to make tiramisu step-by-step, including how to make homemade lady fingers! And don't forget to watch the video! 

    Make the Lady Fingers

    The first step in making this authentic tiramisu recipe is to make the lady fingers - because they need to be baked and cooled. I created my own method so the tiramisu cake is easier to assemble - which includes baking the lady fingers to fit the pan you are using instead of in individual "finger" shapes.

    Begin by lining 3 baking sheets with parchment paper (for the 3 layers). Trace the bottom of an 8x8” or 9x9” square pan or 9” round cake pan on each piece of parchment paper (whichever pan you choose to use to make this tiramisu recipe). Then set them aside.

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Tiramisu

    Next, in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment (or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer), whip the egg yolks and ¼ cup of sugar with an electric mixer until thick and pale. Transfer mixture to a different bowl, scraping the bowl clean and rinse off the beater.

    In same bowl, whip the egg whites. Once the egg whites starts to thicken, add the remaining ½ cup sugar and continue beating. Once stiff peaks form, add the vanilla and beat to combine. Then, gently stir in egg yolk mixture on low speed until smooth. 

    two photos showing How to Make Tiramisu

    Next, add the flour and salt and gently stir or fold in with a spatula. The batter should be thick and pale yellow (see photo below). 

    two photos showing How to Make Tiramisu

    Bake the lady fingers 

    Pour about 1 cup of batter into the center of each square (or circle) traced on the parchment paper. Evenly spread it out to fit the square, leaving about ¼” border. The batter should be about ½” thick. Repeat with remaining two traced shapes. 

    Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the lady fingers are set and very lightly browned. Then, carefully transfer the parchment paper to a wire rack to cool. Once the lady fingers have cooled completely, carefully remove them from the parchment paper, set aside to use in this tiramisu recipe. 

    two photos showing how to make lady fingers for tiramisu

    Make the Tiramisu Filling

    In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, milk and sugar until combined. Then, cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture boils.

    Turn the heat to medium- low and boil for 1 minute, then remove the pan from heat and transfer the mixture to a container with lid – but don’t put the lid on yet. Leave the lid open and whisk the mixture every few minutes until it’s cooled slightly. Then put the lid on and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. 

    NOTE: this can be done before you bake the lady fingers, if desired, so it has time to cool. It can even be done the day before and chilled overnight. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Tiramisu

    In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment (or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer), Beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, transfer to a different bowl.

    photo showing how to make tiramisu filling

    In the same bowl used to beat whipping cream (but with the cream no longer in it), beat the mascarpone and vanilla with the paddle attachment until combined. Beat in the chilled custard until smooth. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Tiramisu

    Gently fold in the beaten whipping cream until combined. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Tiramisu

    Make the Soaking Liquid

    Brew coffee or espresso and let it cool, or use instant coffee or instant espresso and brew 1 ¾ cups. Whisk the rum into the coffee, then pour the mixture into a large dish or baking pan that will fit the layers. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Tiramisu

    Assembling the Tiramisu Cake

    To assemble, make sure you have all the equipment and components of the recipe set out and ready to go! Begin by quickly dipping one of the three lady finger layers into the soaking liquid for about 5-10 seconds. Do not drop it in and let it sit or it will soak up too much liquid and fall apart. Remember, homemade lady fingers are more delicate than store-bought. If using hard store-bought you will need to soak them longer. 

    Place it in the bottom of the baking dish you used to trace the shape, then spread ⅓ of the filling mixture evenly on top of the soaked lady finger.

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Tiramisu

    Repeat with the second and third lady finger layers and remaining custard. Alternating soaked lady finger, custard, soaked lady finger, custard. Then, sprinkle cocoa powder over the top custard layer until covered.

    Chill the Tiramisu

    Once assembled, chill the Italian tiramisu for at least 8 hours, or overnight. Chilling is critical for the flavors to blend together and the texture to be just right. 

    Serve

    After chilling and when you're ready to serve, cut the tiramisu cake into square portions and serve cold. 

    two overhead photos showing How to Make Tiramisu

    To store

    If you are lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. 

    How to freeze Tiramisu

    To freeze this tiramisu, follow these instructions: 

    1. Cut the tiramisu into individual, square pieces.
    2. Place the pieces of tiramisu in a baking dish or on a large baking sheet with space between them. 
    3. Place in the freezer until hardened (about 3 hours). 
    4. Wrap each piece individually in saran wrap and then put them in an airtight container. 
    5. Freeze for up to 2 months. 
    6. To thaw, transfer the tiramisu to the refrigerator until it is soft, then enjoy.
    up close photo of a piece of Best Tiramisu on a plate

    FAQs about Tiramisu

    How long do you soak ladyfingers for tiramisu?

    With these homemade lady fingers you need to soak them for a mere 1-3 seconds. Store-bought lady fingers are heartier and have a harder texture and need to be soaked for 5-10 seconds.

    What can I use instead of ladyfingers in tiramisu?

    You can use sliced pound cake, sponge cake or vanilla cake if you don't want to use lady fingers. But these homemade ladyfinger layers are so delicious I recommend not altering the recipe.

    Can tiramisu get you drunk?

    If you ate the entire pan, maybe. But one modest piece of this dessert will not make you drunk. We allow our kids to enjoy small portions and do not worry about it. But I am not a doctor and if you are concerned consult your health care provider before consuming or making this recipe.

    Can I freeze tiramisu?

    Yes, this recipe holds up very well to freezing. to freeze:
    Cut the tiramisu into individual, square pieces, then place the pieces of tiramisu in a baking dish or on a large baking sheet with space between them. 
    Place in the freezer until hardened (about 3 hours). 
    Wrap each piece individually in saran wrap and then put them in an airtight container. 
    Freeze for up to 2 months. 
    To thaw, transfer the tiramisu to the refrigerator until it is soft, then enjoy.

    front photo of a piece of tiramisu on a plate with a bite taken out of it

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Best Tiramisu Recipe

    Tiramisu Recipe

    Laura
    This authentic Tiramisu Recipe made completely from scratch. A creamy mascarpone filling sits between three layers of homemade lady fingers soaked in rum & coffee with a dusting of cocoa powder on top. It is seriously the absolute best tiramisu cake ever.
    5 from 18 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 1 hr
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Chilling 4 hrs
    Total Time 5 hrs 30 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 16 Servings
    Calories 399 kcal

    Equipment

    • KitchenAid Mixer
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula
    • glass batter bowl
    • baking sheet
    • Parchment Paper
    • 5 Quart Sauce Pan

    Ingredients
      

    Ladyfinger Layers

    • 6 eggs separated
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar divided
    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ¼ tsp fine sea salt
    • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

    Mascarpone Filling

    • 6 egg yolks
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup whole milk
    • 16 oz mascarpone cheese
    • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
    • ¼ cup powdered sugar
    • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract vanilla

    Soaking liquid

    • 1 ¾ cups coffee strong brewed, or espresso
    • ⅓ cup rum

    Topping:

    • 1 TBS unsweetened cocoa powder
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    Make the lady fingers:

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Trace the bottom of an 8x8” or 9x9” square pan or 9” round cake pan on each piece of parchment paper. Set aside.
    • In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment (or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer), whip egg yolks and ¼ cup of sugar with an electric mixer until thick and pale. Transfer mixture to a different bowl, scraping the bowl clean. Rinse off the beater.
    • In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment (or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer), whip egg whites. Once the mixture starts to thicken, add the remaining ½ cup sugar and continue beating. Once stiff peaks form add vanilla and beat to combine.
    • Gently stir in egg yolk mixture on low speed.
    • Add flour and salt and gently stir or fold in with a spatula. The batter should be thick and pale yellow.
    • Pour about 1 cup of batter into the center of each square traced on the parchment paper. Evenly spread it out to fit the square, leaving about ¼” border. The batter should be about ½” thick.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until set and very lightly browned. Carefully transfer parchment paper to a wire rack to cool.
    • Once cooled, carefully remove the lady finger squares from the parchment paper, set aside to use in the recipe.

    Make the soaking liquid:

    • Brew coffee. Let cool. (or use instant coffee or instant espresso and brew 1 ¾ cups).
    • Whisk the rum into the coffee, then pour the mixture into a large dish or baking pan that will fit the layers. Set aside.

    Make the filling:

    • In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, milk and sugar until combined.
    • Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture boils. Turn heat to medium- low and boil for 1 minute, remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a container with lid – but don’t put the lid on yet. Leave the lid open and whisk the mixture every few minutes until it’s cooled slightly. Then put the lid on and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. NOTE: this can be done before you bake the lady fingers, if desired, so it has time to cool. It can even be done the day before and chilled overnight. 
    • In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment (or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer), Beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, transfer to a different bowl.
    • In the same bowl used to beat whipping cream (but with the cream no longer in it), beat the chilled custard, mascarpone and vanilla with the paddle attachment until combined.
    • Gently fold in beaten whipping cream.
    • Add cooled custard mixture and beat until combined. Set aside.

    Putting it together:

    • Quickly dip one of the three lady finger layers into the soaking liquid for about 5-10 seconds. Do not drop it in and let it sit or it will soak up too much liquid and fall apart. Remember, homemade lady fingers are more delicate than store-bought. If using hard store-bought you will need to soak them longer.
    • Place it in the bottom of the baking dish you used to trace the shape.
    • Spread ⅓ of the filling mixture evenly on top of the layer.
    • Repeat with the second and third lady finger layers and remaining custard. Alternating soaked lady finger, custard, soaked lady finger, custard.
    • Sprinkle cocoa powder over the top custard layer.
    • Chill for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
    • Cut into square portions and serve.

    Video

    Notes

    Ingredients & Substituions 

    • Eggs. Use large eggs at room temperature for the best results. 
    • Granulated sugar. Use white granulated sugar or organic cane sugar for both the lady fingers and filling. 
    • All-purpose flour. I don't recommend any flour substitutions. 
    • Vanilla extract. If desired you can omit the vanilla or replace it with rum, almond extract, etc. although I don't recommend it. 
    • Whole milk. Half and half can be used in place of whole milk. 
    • Mascarpone cheese. This is a key ingredient to authentic tiramisu - please do not make any substitutions. You need 16 oz in this recipe so be mindful of that, as it's often sold in 8 oz portions. 
    • Heavy whipping cream. No substitutes here either!
    • Coffee. Use a strong brewed coffee or espresso to make this tiramisu recipe. I like to use instant coffee to make it quick and easy. 
    • Rum.  Another key ingredient in an authentic tiramisu recipe. If desired you can just use coffee, but I don't recommend leaving out the rum. 

    Lady Fingers

    This tiramisu recipe calls for homemade lady fingers. They are softer and more delicate than store bought and way more delicious. You may substitute store-bought if you are short on time. 

    To store

    If you are lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. 

    How to freeze Tiramisu

    To freeze this tiramisu, follow these instructions: 
    1. Cut the tiramisu into individual, square pieces.
    2. Place the pieces of tiramisu in a baking dish or on a large baking sheet with space between them. 
    3. Place in the freezer until hardened (about 3 hours). 
    4. Wrap each piece individually in saran wrap and then put them in an airtight container. 
    5. Freeze for up to 2 months. 
    6. To thaw, transfer the tiramisu to the refrigerator until it is soft, then enjoy.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1pieceCalories: 399kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 197mgSodium: 94mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 924IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    If you like this Tiramisu Recipe, try these:

    Here are some of our favorite special dessert recipes! 

    • Homemade eclairs are another special baking recipe, and my husband's all-time favorite dessert. 
    • The best chocolate cake - a must-make for any special occasion. 
    • Also try this banana cake and this pumpkin cake! Both topped with cream cheese frosting - yum!
    • The best chocolate chip cookies ever! Also try these chocolate chip cookie bars, this skillet cookie, chocolate chip cookie cake and edible cookie dough! 
    • I often make this flourless chocolate cake for special celebrations. 

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

    « Homemade Acai Bowl Recipe
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sherrie Sanet

      March 16, 2023 at 6:07 pm

      Hello, I am a little confused. In one place it says to use granulated sugar for both and another to use powdered sugar for the mascarpone. Could you please clarify this? Thanks very much.

      Reply
      • Laura

        March 17, 2023 at 7:22 am

        There is both granulated and powdered sugar in the filling.

        Reply
    2. Kalie

      February 28, 2023 at 8:39 pm

      I was wondering what type of rum you recommend?

      Reply
    3. Kristi

      February 10, 2023 at 12:55 am

      Just a heads up, your recipe card is missing the instruction of when and how you add the mascarpone cheese into the custard. I had Printed the recipe to make it and couldn’t figure it out. I had To come back here to figure out when and how. Might want to fix that for future users. Just made it, I’m excited to try it, looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Laura

        February 10, 2023 at 7:16 am

        Hey Kristi, that "mascarpone" is listed in step 4 under the filling instructions! Please come back and let me know how you like it!

        Reply
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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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