This Nigella Tiramisu recipe is a creamy, indulgent dessert with layers of coffee-soaked sponge fingers, rich mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa. It’s an Italian classic reimagined with Nigella’s touch, and it’s simple to make while delivering deliciously satisfying flavors. Perfect for gatherings or special dinners, this tiramisu will surely impress.
What is Nigella Tiramisu?
Nigella’s tiramisu is a decadent, no-bake dessert made with layers of coffee-dipped sponge fingers (savoiardi), creamy mascarpone, and a hint of Marsala wine. This dessert is chilled to allow the flavors to meld together, creating a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Topped with a generous dusting of cocoa powder, it’s a luxurious yet easy-to-make dessert for any occasion.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and creamy: The mascarpone and cream create a luscious texture.
- No-bake dessert: Perfect for when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Simple yet impressive: Easy to make, but it has a wow factor.
- Great for entertaining: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Flexible flavors: Customize the coffee, wine, or toppings to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Tiramisu
- 250g sponge fingers (savoiardi): Provides the structure and texture of the tiramisu.
- 500g mascarpone cheese: Creates a rich, creamy layer.
- 300ml double cream: Adds extra creaminess to the mascarpone layer.
- 4 tbsp Marsala wine (or brandy/coffee liqueur): Adds depth and a slight boozy kick.
- 100g caster sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture.
- 300ml strong coffee (cooled): Adds bold coffee flavor to the sponge fingers.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder: For dusting and adding a rich chocolatey finish.
Instructions to Make Nigella Tiramisu
Step 1: Prepare the coffee and wine
Brew a strong coffee and allow it to cool. Once cooled, pour it into a shallow dish and mix in 2 tablespoons of Marsala wine or your preferred liqueur. Set aside for dipping the sponge fingers.
Step 2: Make the mascarpone cream
In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, double cream, caster sugar, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Marsala wine. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape.
Step 3: Dip the sponge fingers
Quickly dip each sponge finger into the coffee mixture, allowing them to absorb some coffee but not become soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked sponge fingers on the bottom of your serving dish, covering the base completely.
Step 4: Layer with mascarpone cream
Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the layer of sponge fingers. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 5: Repeat layers
Add a second layer of coffee-dipped sponge fingers on top of the mascarpone layer. Then, spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the top layer of sponge fingers, smoothing it out evenly.
Step 6: Dust with cocoa powder
Using a sieve, dust a generous layer of cocoa powder over the top of the tiramisu to finish.
Step 7: 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 Nigella Tiramisu
- Espresso: Enjoy a shot of espresso alongside to complement the coffee flavors.
- Fresh berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing contrast.
- Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle on top for extra richness.
- Whipped cream: For an added touch of creaminess.
- Amaretto or coffee liqueur: A small glass served on the side enhances the dessert’s flavors.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Nigella Tiramisu
- Dip sponge fingers briefly: Don’t soak the sponge fingers too long, as they can become too soggy.
- Use good-quality coffee: A strong espresso or high-quality brewed coffee enhances the flavor.
- Chill thoroughly: Tiramisu is best when chilled for several hours, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the mascarpone mixture and add a bit more sugar if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
- Customize the liqueur: If you don’t have Marsala, you can use brandy, coffee liqueur, or even rum.
Easy Variations of Nigella Tiramisu
- Fruit tiramisu: Add a layer of sliced strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate tiramisu: Add a layer of melted dark chocolate between the mascarpone and sponge layers.
- Nutella tiramisu: Swirl in a few tablespoons of Nutella into the mascarpone cream for a chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
- Alcohol-free version: Skip the Marsala wine and replace it with extra coffee for a family-friendly version.
- Mocha tiramisu: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the mascarpone mixture for an extra coffee kick.
Best Practices to Store Nigella Tiramisu
- Refrigerate: Store tiramisu in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Cover tightly: Keep it covered to prevent the mascarpone cream from drying out.
- Freeze (optional): You can freeze tiramisu by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freezing for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Nigella Tiramisu
- Serve chilled: Tiramisu is best served chilled, and reheating is not recommended as it will affect the texture.
- Room temperature option: Let the tiramisu sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving if you prefer it slightly less cold.
How Can I Make Nigella Tiramisu Healthier?
- Use low-fat mascarpone: Swap full-fat mascarpone for a lower-fat version to reduce calories.
- Reduce sugar: Use slightly less sugar in the mascarpone mixture if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Skip the alcohol: Removing the alcohol reduces calories and makes the dessert family-friendly.
- Limit the cream: Use only a portion of the double cream or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add fresh berries: Layering in fresh berries can add fiber and natural sweetness.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Sugar: 17g
FAQs
Can I make tiramisu without alcohol?
Yes, you can make tiramisu without alcohol. Simply replace the Marsala wine or liqueur with extra coffee. The tiramisu will still have a delicious, rich flavor without the alcohol.
How long does tiramisu need to chill before serving?
For the best flavor and texture, chill tiramisu for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
What can I use instead of mascarpone in tiramisu?
If you don’t have mascarpone, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream or use full-fat Greek yogurt. The flavor and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Can I freeze tiramisu?
Yes, tiramisu can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its creamy texture.
Final Words
This Nigella Tiramisu is a deliciously creamy and coffee-flavored dessert that’s sure to impress. With its rich mascarpone filling and coffee-soaked sponge, it’s a classic dessert that never fails to delight. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet end to any meal, this tiramisu is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Enjoy!
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Nigella Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Nigella’s tiramisu is a decadent, no-bake dessert made with layers of coffee-dipped sponge fingers (savoiardi), creamy mascarpone, and a hint of Marsala wine. This dessert is chilled to allow the flavors to meld together, creating a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Topped with a generous dusting of cocoa powder, it’s a luxurious yet easy-to-make dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 250g sponge fingers (savoiardi): Provides the structure and texture of the tiramisu.
- 500g mascarpone cheese: Creates a rich, creamy layer.
- 300ml double cream: Adds extra creaminess to the mascarpone layer.
- 4 tbsp Marsala wine (or brandy/coffee liqueur): Adds depth and a slight boozy kick.
- 100g caster sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone mixture.
- 300ml strong coffee (cooled): Adds bold coffee flavor to the sponge fingers.
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder: For dusting and adding a rich chocolatey finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the coffee and wine
Brew a strong coffee and allow it to cool. Once cooled, pour it into a shallow dish and mix in 2 tablespoons of Marsala wine or your preferred liqueur. Set aside for dipping the sponge fingers.
Step 2: Make the mascarpone cream
In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, double cream, caster sugar, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Marsala wine. Use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the mixture until it’s smooth, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape.
Step 3: Dip the sponge fingers
Quickly dip each sponge finger into the coffee mixture, allowing them to absorb some coffee but not become soggy. Arrange a layer of soaked sponge fingers on the bottom of your serving dish, covering the base completely.
Step 4: Layer with mascarpone cream
Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the layer of sponge fingers. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 5: Repeat layers
Add a second layer of coffee-dipped sponge fingers on top of the mascarpone layer. Then, spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the top layer of sponge fingers, smoothing it out evenly.
Step 6: Dust with cocoa powder
Using a sieve, dust a generous layer of cocoa powder over the top of the tiramisu to finish.
Step 7: 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!
