Dessert: Italy – Tiramisù (Pick-me-up)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 30 min

Cook 0 min

Additional 6 hrs

Total 6 hrs 30 min

Ingredients

- 16 oz (454 g) mascarpone cheese, chilled
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks, approx. 2.5 oz (72 g) total
- 4 large egg whites, approx. 4.25 oz (120 g) total
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) strong hot espresso, cooled to room temperature
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) Marsala wine or dark rum
- 24–30 store-bought dry ladyfingers (savoiardi), about 7 oz (200 g)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp (10 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
- Pinch of fine salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brew the espresso, stir in the Marsala or rum, pour into a shallow bowl and let cool to room temperature.
2. Step 2: Separate the eggs. In a heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water, whisk the egg yolks with 1/2 cup (100 g) of the sugar until pale and thick, about 6–8 minutes; remove from heat and whisk until slightly cooled.
3. Step 3: Stir the mascarpone and vanilla into the cooled yolk mixture until smooth and lump-free; set aside.
4. Step 4: In a clean bowl with a pinch of salt, beat the egg whites to soft peaks, then gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar and beat to glossy stiff peaks.
5. Step 5: Fold about one-third of the beaten egg whites into the mascarpone mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whites until incorporated without deflating.
6. Step 6: Quickly dip each ladyfinger (one at a time) into the cooled coffee mixture for 1–2 seconds—do not soak—then arrange a single layer, closely fitted, in a 9 x 9-inch (23 x 23 cm) or similar-sized shallow dish.
7. Step 7: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the first ladyfinger layer. Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture, smoothing the top.
8. Step 8: Sift the unsweetened cocoa powder evenly over the top. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to firm and allow flavors to meld.
9. Step 9: Before serving, dust with additional cocoa powder if desired, slice, and serve chilled.