Classic Tiramisu (Claire Saffitz's Version)
Classic Tiramisu (Claire Saffitz's Version) is a intermediate Italian recipe that serves 9. 400 calories per serving.
Prep: 1 hr 10 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 14 hrs 10 min
Cost: $84.90 total, $9.43 per serving
Ingredients
- 7 oz package (about 24 pieces) Ladyfingers (Savoiardi) (Dry, crispy style for best absorption)
- 4 large Egg yolks (Use fresh eggs for food safety)
- 1/2 cup Demarara sugar (Can substitute with granulated sugar)
- 1/3 cup Marsala wine (Sweet Marsala, not dry; traditional for zabaglione)
- Pinch Kosher salt
- 1 cup Heavy cream (Chilled)
- 8 oz Mascarpone cheese (Chilled)
- 1 cup Espresso (Freshly brewed, cooled to room temp)
- 2 tbsp Demarara sugar (for soak)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 oz Chocolate (for grating) (Dark or semisweet, for topping)
- 1 piece Plastic wrap (To cover during chilling)
Instructions
Prepare espresso soak
Combine 1 cup freshly brewed espresso (cooled) with 2 tablespoons Demarara sugar in a bowl. Stir until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Reduce Marsala wine
Pour 1/3 cup Marsala wine into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce slightly until syrupy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Time: PT3M
Start zabaglione (sabayon) base
In a large heatproof bowl, combine 4 large egg yolks, 1/2 cup Demarara sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt. Whisk immediately to prevent yolks from 'burning' on the sugar.
Time: PT3M
Add Marsala and vanilla
Slowly stream the warm, reduced Marsala wine into the yolk mixture while whisking. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix well.
Time: PT2M
Cook zabaglione over water bath
Fill a large saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and bring to just under a simmer (not boiling). Place the bowl with the yolk mixture over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom doesn't touch the water. Using a hand mixer (or whisk), beat constantly, increasing speed gradually, until the mixture is thick, pale, and forms ribbons (about 10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Just under simmer (approx. 85°C)
Cool zabaglione
Remove the bowl from the heat. Continue beating for several minutes to cool the mixture to room temperature and further thicken.
Time: PT5M
Whip cream and mascarpone
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup cold heavy cream and 8 oz cold mascarpone. Using a hand mixer, whip on medium-low, increasing to high, until medium-stiff peaks form (about 3-5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Fold zabaglione into cream mixture
Add the cooled zabaglione to the whipped cream/mascarpone. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined and mostly uniform in color. Avoid overmixing.
Time: PT3M
Assemble first layer
Pour espresso soak into a shallow plate. Working quickly, dip each ladyfinger for about 1 second per side (do not oversoak) and arrange in a single layer in the bottom of an 8x8 inch baking dish lined with plastic wrap (optional, for non-reactive surface).
Time: PT7M
Spread half the filling
Spoon about half of the filling over the first layer of ladyfingers. Use an offset spatula to spread evenly.
Time: PT2M
Assemble second layer
Repeat dipping remaining ladyfingers and arrange as a second layer over the filling.
Time: PT5M
Spread remaining filling
Spread the rest of the filling over the second layer of ladyfingers, smoothing the top.
Time: PT2M
Cover and chill
Cover the surface with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours (overnight) to allow flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Time: PT12H
Temperature: 4°C
Finish and serve
Uncover tiramisu. Grate chocolate over the top to cover (or dust with cocoa powder). Cut into squares and serve.
Time: PT3M
Cleanup
Wash all bowls, mixer attachments, saucepan, spatulas, grater, and utensils. Wipe down counters and store leftovers.
Time: PT30M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 400
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbohydrates
- 38g
- Fat
- 24g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Wheat (gluten), Alcohol (Marsala wine)
Last updated: April 5, 2026








