Tiramisù: the Authentic Recipe Without Cream

Tiramisù is an Italian no-bake dessert: savoiardi soaked in coffee, mascarpone with egg yolk and sugar, cocoa on top. The authentic recipe contains no whipped cream — only mascarpone and eggs.

History of the dish

Tiramisù was invented in Treviso (Veneto) at the El Toulà restaurant in the 1960s. Authorship is disputed, but the Veneto region has officially registered the recipe. 'Tiramisù' means 'lift me up'.

Key ingredients

Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers), mascarpone (500 g), eggs (4, separated), sugar (100 g), strong espresso (cooled), dark cocoa powder, Marsala or amaretto (optional).

How to cook at home

Beat egg yolks with sugar until pale. Whisk whites to stiff peaks. Fold mascarpone into the yolks, then fold in the whites. Dip savoiardi briefly in coffee (2–3 seconds — do not soak!). Chill for 4+ hours.