This Delia Tiramisu is a luxurious dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked sponge fingers, creamy mascarpone, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Delia’s recipe stays true to the Italian classic, blending rich flavors with a light, airy texture. It’s simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or an elegant after-dinner treat.
What is Delia Tiramisu?
Delia’s tiramisu is a traditional Italian dessert made by layering coffee-dipped sponge fingers (savoiardi) with a mascarpone and egg mixture. This no-bake dessert is chilled before serving to allow the flavors to meld, creating a smooth and creamy treat. Topped with cocoa powder, it’s an indulgent dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- No-bake dessert: Perfect for quick preparation and ideal for hot days.
- Classic Italian flavors: Authentic, rich coffee and mascarpone cream.
- Easy yet impressive: Simple to make, but has a beautiful presentation.
- Great make-ahead dessert: This can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Flexible ingredients: Customizable with different coffee or liqueur options.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Tiramisu
- 250g sponge fingers (savoiardi): Forms the base and texture of the dessert.
- 500g mascarpone cheese: Provides the creamy richness of the tiramisu.
- 4 large eggs (separated): Egg yolks add richness, and whipped egg whites add lightness.
- 100g caster sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture.
- 300ml strong coffee (cooled): Adds the classic coffee flavor.
- 2-3 tbsp brandy or Marsala wine (optional): Adds depth to the flavor.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder: For dusting on top.
Instructions to Make Delia Tiramisu
Step 1: Prepare the coffee and brandy
Brew a strong coffee and let it cool completely. Pour the coffee into a shallow dish and add the brandy or Marsala wine, if using. Set aside for dipping the sponge fingers.
Step 2: Make the mascarpone mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with caster sugar until they are pale and creamy. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Whip the egg whites
In a separate clean bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, airy cream.
Step 4: Dip the sponge fingers
Quickly dip each sponge finger into the coffee mixture, letting it soak for a second on each side. Arrange a layer of soaked sponge fingers on the bottom of your serving dish.
Step 5: Layer with mascarpone cream
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the layer of sponge fingers. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 6: Repeat layers
Add a second layer of coffee-dipped sponge fingers on top of the mascarpone layer, then spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the top layer of sponge fingers, smoothing it out evenly.
Step 7: Dust with cocoa powder
Using a sieve, dust a generous layer of cocoa powder over the top of the tiramisu.
Step 8: Chill and serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!
What Goes Well With Delia Tiramisu
- Fresh berries: Raspberries or strawberries provide a refreshing contrast.
- Amaretto or coffee liqueur: Serve a small glass on the side for an enhanced coffee flavor.
- Espresso: A shot of espresso pairs well with the creamy, rich dessert.
- Whipped cream: Adds extra creaminess if desired.
- Dark chocolate shavings: Sprinkle on top for a chocolatey garnish.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Delia Tiramisu
- Dip quickly: Avoid soaking the sponge fingers too long to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Use quality coffee: The coffee flavor shines through, so use a good-quality espresso or brewed coffee.
- Chill thoroughly: Tiramisu tastes best after chilling for several hours or overnight.
- Use fresh eggs: Since this is an uncooked dessert, make sure your eggs are fresh and high-quality.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the mascarpone mixture and add a bit more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
Easy Variations of Delia Tiramisu
- Fruit tiramisu: Add a layer of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Mocha tiramisu: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the mascarpone mixture for an extra coffee kick.
- Chocolate tiramisu: Sprinkle-grated dark chocolate between layers or use chocolate-dipped sponge fingers.
- Nutella tiramisu: Add a layer of Nutella to the mascarpone for a chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
- Alcohol-free version: Skip the brandy or Marsala and replace it with extra coffee.
Best Practices to Store Delia Tiramisu
- Refrigerate: Store tiramisu in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Cover tightly: To keep it fresh and prevent drying, keep the dish tightly covered.
- Freezing option: You can freeze tiramisu by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Delia Tiramisu
- Serve chilled: Tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled, and reheating is not recommended as it will affect the texture.
- Room temperature option: Let the tiramisu sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if you prefer it slightly less cold.
How Can I Make Delia Tiramisu Healthier?
- Use low-fat mascarpone: Swap for a lighter version to reduce calories.
- Reduce sugar: Lower the sugar in the mascarpone mixture for a less sweet dessert.
- Skip the alcohol: Removing the brandy or Marsala cuts calories and makes it family-friendly.
- Limit cream: Use less mascarpone or replace it with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
- Add fresh fruit: Layer in fresh berries for added fiber and natural sweetness.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sugar: 18g
Final Words
This Delia Tiramisu is a luscious, creamy dessert that captures the classic Italian flavors of coffee and mascarpone. Simple to make and perfect for any special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family.
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Delia Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delia’s tiramisu is a traditional Italian dessert made by layering coffee-dipped sponge fingers (savoiardi) with a mascarpone and egg mixture. This no-bake dessert is chilled before serving to allow the flavors to meld, creating a smooth and creamy treat. Topped with cocoa powder, it’s an indulgent dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.
Ingredients
-
- 250g sponge fingers (savoiardi): Forms the base and texture of the dessert.
- 500g mascarpone cheese: Provides the creamy richness of the tiramisu.
- 4 large eggs (separated): Egg yolks add richness, and whipped egg whites add lightness.
- 100g caster sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture.
- 300ml strong coffee (cooled): Adds the classic coffee flavor.
- 2–3 tbsp brandy or Marsala wine (optional): Adds depth to the flavor.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder: For dusting on top.
- 250g sponge fingers (savoiardi): Forms the base and texture of the dessert.
- 500g mascarpone cheese: Provides the creamy richness of the tiramisu.
- 4 large eggs (separated): Egg yolks add richness, and whipped egg whites add lightness.
- 100g caster sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture.
- 300ml strong coffee (cooled): Adds the classic coffee flavor.
- 2–3 tbsp brandy or Marsala wine (optional): Adds depth to the flavor.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder: For dusting on top.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the coffee and brandy
Brew a strong coffee and let it cool completely. Pour the coffee into a shallow dish and add the brandy or Marsala wine, if using. Set aside for dipping the sponge fingers.
Step 2: Make the mascarpone mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with caster sugar until they are pale and creamy. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Whip the egg whites
In a separate clean bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, airy cream.
Step 4: Dip the sponge fingers
Quickly dip each sponge finger into the coffee mixture, letting it soak for a second on each side. Arrange a layer of soaked sponge fingers on the bottom of your serving dish.
Step 5: Layer with mascarpone cream
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the layer of sponge fingers. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 6: Repeat layers
Add a second layer of coffee-dipped sponge fingers on top of the mascarpone layer, then spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the top layer of sponge fingers, smoothing it out evenly.
Step 7: Dust with cocoa powder
Using a sieve, dust a generous layer of cocoa powder over the top of the tiramisu.
Step 8: Chill and serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!
