Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that combines layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a rich and creamy mascarpone filling, topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. This no-bake dessert is perfect for anyone who loves a blend of sweet, creamy, and slightly bitter flavors. It's easy to make, and with a bit of chill time, the flavors come together beautifully.
Prepare the mascarpone filling. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until thick and pale, about 3-4 minutes. Add the mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Whip the cream. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream.
Assemble the tiramisu. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, making sure not to soak them completely (about 1 second on each side). Arrange a layer of the dipped ladyfingers in a 9x13-inch dish.
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Add another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
Serve. Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.
For a richer flavor, let the tiramisu sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to meld together. If you don't have coffee liqueur, you can skip it, but it adds a nice depth to the coffee flavor. Make sure the coffee has cooled before dipping the ladyfingers to avoid them becoming too soggy. Use freshly whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped toppings for a lighter, more authentic texture.