Tiramisu, an Italian dessert classic, combines layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers with creamy mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa. Its name translates to “pick me up,” referring to the espresso’s energizing qualities and the dessert’s indulgent nature. Whether for a large gathering or special event, this Tiramisu recipe is designed to serve a crowd, ensuring everyone gets a generous helping of this velvety treat.
Origin and Cultural Significance:
Tiramisu originated in the Veneto region of Italy in the 1960s, though it has quickly spread around the world. The dessert is now a beloved staple of Italian cuisine and is served on various occasions, from casual dinners to grand celebrations. The simplicity of its ingredients—coffee, mascarpone, and ladyfingers—belies its luxurious flavor and texture. For Italians, tiramisu is a comforting and nostalgic dessert, often associated with family gatherings and holidays.
INGREDIENTS QUANTITY (Serves 20):
Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): 60-70 pieces
Mascarpone cheese: 1 kg (about 4 ½ cups)
Egg yolks: 10 large
Granulated sugar: 1 ½ cups (300g)
Heavy cream: 2 cups (480ml), cold
Espresso: 3 cups (720ml), cooled
Marsala wine: ½ cup (120ml) (optional but traditional)
Unsweetened cocoa powder: for dusting
Dark chocolate shavings: for garnish (optional)
Optional Additions:
Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (for flavor in the mascarpone cream)
Kahlúa or rum: ¼ cup (60ml) (to add a boozy kick)
Grated orange zest: to add a citrus twist
Whipped egg whites: for a lighter, fluffier cream
Tips for Success:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality mascarpone and espresso. Freshly brewed coffee and top-notch cheese elevate the flavor.
Cool the Coffee: Let the espresso cool completely before dipping the ladyfingers, so they don’t become soggy.
Chill Time: Tiramisu benefits from at least 6-8 hours of refrigeration to allow the flavors to meld together. Overnight chilling is even better.
Do Not Over-Soak: Dip the ladyfingers briefly in the espresso. Over-soaking will lead to a mushy texture.
Fold Cream Gently: When incorporating the whipped cream or egg whites into the mascarpone mixture, fold gently to retain the light texture.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Espresso: Brew 3 cups of espresso and let it cool to room temperature. Add Marsala wine or other alcohol if using. Set aside.
Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Set aside in the fridge.
Make the Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy (about 5 minutes). Add the mascarpone cheese and vanilla (if using) and mix until smooth.
Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the cream.
Dip the Ladyfingers: Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso (about 1-2 seconds per side) and place them in a single layer in a large baking dish (at least 9×13 inches or larger).
Layer the Cream: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers, using a spatula to smooth it evenly.
Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers on top of the mascarpone cream, then spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the second layer of ladyfingers.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Dust with Cocoa: Before serving, dust the top with a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder. Optionally, garnish with dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch.
Serve: Slice and serve directly from the dish, ensuring each serving gets both cream and ladyfingers.
Description:
This crowd-sized tiramisu features layers of tender, espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream, creating a dessert that is both light and decadent. The bittersweet cocoa dusting and optional chocolate shavings offer the perfect contrast to the creamy layers, making it an elegant and satisfying dessert for any gathering.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 180mg
Sodium: 100mg
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Conclusion:
Tiramisu for a crowd is the perfect make-ahead dessert for large gatherings, combining the rich flavors of mascarpone, espresso, and cocoa. It’s both elegant and effortless, satisfying a wide range of palates. The airy, coffee-infused ladyfingers and creamy filling make each bite irresistible.