Tiramisu is almost a dream-like dessert for home cooks. It is simple, does not even require baking, and is super elegant. It is easy to make, and versatile. This recipe uses Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee to make sure that it is gentle on the stomach and completely delicious and satisfying. Here is how to make it.

What Is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a no-bake dessert that layers a variety of delicious ingredients. It comes from the Italian words for “pick-me-up,” and you’ll definitely see that the name is appropriate. Traditionally, it has ladyfingers soaked in spiked coffee, a rich filling based on mascarpone cheese, and as much whipped cream as you like. You can also vary it as you like to change the flavors and presentation.

Steps to Making Tiramisu

Tiramisu is foreign, great-tasting, suitable for company, even better the next day…and so easy to make. Here is the approach.

First, make the filling with egg yolks, sugar and milk. Cook them as they thicken, then chill and mix in the rich and delicious mascarpone cheese.

Next, make the whipped cream, adding some vanilla extract to give it a more complex flavor.

Soak the ladyfingers or, if you are using them, strips of pound cake. This is where you will benefit from making extra strong brewed coffee using Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee, and you add the coffee and rum or other alcohol to the ladyfinger.

Finally, you get to do the fun part. Put everything together! Layer everything, starting with the ladyfingers on the bottom. Follow that with mascarpone, whipped cream, and more ladyfingers, mascarpone and whipped cream. Top with cocoa powder or shaved chocolate.

You can keep this in the refrigerator for up to four days and believe us, it gets better and better! 

Ingredients

These are the key ingredients in tiramisu and how to vary them if you like.

• Brewed coffee, as strong as possible. Using Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee lets you have a more complex and smoother taste.
• Rum or Kahlua to spike the coffee. You can use another type of liquor if you prefer, such as Grand Marnier.
• Store bought ladyfingers or pound cake cut into strips. You can make the cake yourself if you like, or even choose a different type of cookie or cake.
• Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for a topping. Cinnamon powder and mini chocolate chips are fine too, or you can even use ground coffee beans.

If you like you can add your own personality with jam or sliced or diced fruit.

Recipe for Tiramisu with Low-Acid Coffee

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 egg yolks
• ¾ cup of sugar
• ½ cup of milk
• ½ cup of very strong brewed coffee, such as Alex’s Low-Acid Organic Coffee
• 1 pound of mascarpone cheese out of the fridge and warmed to room temperature
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons of Kahlua or rum
• 6 ounces of ladyfingers, cut in half lengthwise if desired
• Baking cocoa to dust the whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Blend the sugar into the egg yolks.
2. Whisk in the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When the mixture comes to a boil, let it boil for a minute and then remove it from the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes, then put it in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for 1 hour.
3. In the meantime, beat the whipping cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
4. When it is cool, remove the egg yolk mixture from the fridge and add the mascarpone cheese. Whisk gently until the mixture is smooth.
5. Mix the coffee and liquor in a shallow bowl. Soak the ladyfingers.
6. Add the ladyfingers to a 7 x 11 baking pan. Cover with some mascarpone mixture and whipped cream. Repeat these layers, then finish with chocolate, cocoa, or other topping.
7. Cover the baking pan and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight, until the dessert has set.
8. Serve and enjoy!