Tiramisu for Two

There’s something undeniably special about homemade tiramisu – the rich, creamy mascarpone filling, the delicate coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and the subtle kick of amaretto. It’s the ultimate Italian dessert, perfect for date nights, anniversaries, or whenever you’re in the mood for a decadent yet simple treat.

This Tiramisu for Two is easy to prepare and made with authentic ingredients to achieve that classic flavor. Plus, with a few expert tips, your tiramisu will turn out light, creamy, and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Tiramisu Recipe

• Perfectly Portioned – This recipe makes just enough for two, ideal for a romantic evening or a small indulgence.
• Easy to Make – No baking required! Just a few simple steps and some chilling time.
• Authentic & Delicious – Made with real mascarpone, espresso, and amaretto for that classic Italian flavor.
• Make-Ahead Dessert – Tastes even better when made the night before!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Tirmaisu:

• Mascarpone: The heart of tiramisu! This Italian cheese gives the dessert its signature rich, creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture without making it grainy.
• Ladyfingers: Also known as Savoiardi, these absorb the coffee beautifully while maintaining a light texture.
• Egg Yolks: Add richness and structure to the cream.
• Egg White: Beaten into a fluffy meringue, it makes the mascarpone cream light and airy.
• Espresso or Strong Coffee: Brings depth of flavor to the soaked ladyfingers.
• Amaretto: An almond-flavored liqueur that enhances the coffee flavor (optional, but highly recommended!).
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (for dusting): The final touch that adds a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness.

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Here are the essential tools you’ll need for making the Tiramisu:

• Serving dish or two small glasses: You can use one larger dish to share or two individual glasses for separate servings.
• Two mixing bowls: One for the mascarpone mixture, one for beating the egg whites.
• Whisk or hand mixer: To beat the egg yolks and whip the egg whites.
• Spatula or large spoon: For gently folding the ingredients together.
• Sifter or small sieve: To evenly dust cocoa powder on top.
• Shallow dish or bowl: For dipping the ladyfingers in coffee.
• Measuring spoons: To measure the Amaretto and sugar.
• Plastic wrap: To cover and chill the tiramisu before serving.
• Heatproof bowl and saucepan: To gently heat the egg yolks over a water bath.
• Piping bag: For a smooth and elegant layering of the cream.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 250 g (1 cup) mascarpone
• 50 g (½ cup) powdered sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 egg white
• 1 tbsp Amaretto (or up to 3 tbsp for a stronger flavor)
• 100 g (10–12 pieces) ladyfingers
• 1 ½ cups (about 360 ml) brewed coffee, cooled
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream

1. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color.
2. Stir in the amaretto for that signature Italian tiramisu flavor.
3. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese using a spatula or a whisk. Avoid using a mixer, as overmixing can cause the mascarpone to become too runny.

Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites

1. In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. This will help create a light, airy mascarpone mixture.
2. Carefully fold the beaten egg white into the mascarpone mixture. This step is crucial for a soft, fluffy texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu

1. Pour the cooled espresso or coffee into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee, making sure not to soak them for too long (about 1-2 seconds per side).
2. Place a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish.
3. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
4. Repeat with another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, then top with the remaining mascarpone cream.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

1. Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (or ideally overnight) to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Just before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder.

Tips for the Perfect Tiramisu:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since tiramisu is a simple dessert, using the best mascarpone, espresso, and real amaretto will make all the difference.
• Don’t Over-Soak the Ladyfingers: A quick dip in the coffee is all you need! Over-soaking will make them too soggy.
• Chill for the Best Flavor: The longer it chills, the better it tastes. Overnight chilling allows the flavors to fully develop.
• Make it Alcohol-Free: Simply skip the amaretto if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Add a Chocolate Twist: For extra indulgence, sprinkle grated dark chocolate between the layers or on top.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make tiramisu without raw eggs? A: Yes! You can gently heat the egg yolks with sugar over a double boiler while whisking continuously to pasteurize them. Alternatively, use pasteurized eggs.
• Q: Can I substitute mascarpone? A: While mascarpone is the classic choice, you can substitute it with a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream, but the taste will be slightly different.
• Q: Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Tiramisu tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert for special occasions.
• Q: How long does tiramisu last in the fridge? A: It stays fresh for up to 2-3 days in the fridge, but it’s best eaten within 24 hours for the best texture.
• Q: Can I freeze tiramisu? A: Yes, you can freeze tiramisu for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

More Recipes:

• Mini Protein Cheesecakes – These creamy and indulgent mini cheesecakes are packed with over 9g of protein per serving! Made with a graham cracker crust, Greek yogurt, and light cream cheese, they’re the perfect guilt-free dessert.
• Double Chocolate Protein Cookies -Soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness, these cookies have a secret: chickpea flour and protein powder! Each bite is rich in flavor and protein.
• Healthy Peanut Butter Brownies – Fudgy, gooey, and swirled with creamy peanut butter—these brownies are paleo-friendly, refined sugar-free, and made with almond flour. A healthier spin on a classic treat!
• Strawberry Matcha Clusters – Sweet, tangy, and refreshing! These frozen yogurt clusters are coated in matcha white chocolate and sprinkled with strawberry powder for a vibrant, healthy snack.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: