Smeg's Traditional Italian Tiramisu Recipe

Indulgent, creamy and rich with coffee flavour, tiramisu is the ultimate Italian dessert and this traditional recipe is every bit as delicious as it looks. Layers of soft, coffee-soaked sponge, velvety mascarpone cream and a dusting of cocoa come together to create a treat that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this tiramisu is guaranteed to impress.

1. Brew a fresh batch of espresso, ideally using a coffee machine if you have one. Combine the hot coffee with the Marsala wine in a large bowl, then set aside to cool completely, you’ll use this to soak the sponge later.
   
   
2. Carefully separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another clean, large bowl. Using an electric whisk on high speed, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, they should hold their shape firmly and stay put when you tilt the bowl.
   
   
3. Whisk the egg yolks together with the sugar for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy and light in texture.
   
   
4. Place the mascarpone in a bowl and gently mix to loosen and soften it up. Once the egg yolk mixture is light and fluffy, fold it into the mascarpone and stir until smooth and fully combined.
   
   
5. Using a large metal spoon, add two generous spoonfuls of the whipped egg whites to the mascarpone mixture and gently fold them in with a figure-of-eight motion to keep the mixture light and airy. Once combined, carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until fully incorporated, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
   
   
6. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee and Marsala mix for 2–3 seconds. They should absorb the flavour without becoming overly soft. Aim for a light soak rather than a soak-through, the sponge should be coated, but not soggy.
   
   
7. Arrange the soaked ladyfingers snugly in a single layer at the bottom of your chosen dish. Once the base is covered, spoon the mascarpone mixture over the top and gently smooth it out to create an even layer.
   
   
8. Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers, followed by a second layer of mascarpone mixture. Continue layering until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a smooth layer of mascarpone on top.
   
   
9. Dust the top of the tiramisu with a light coating of cocoa powder or grated chocolate, then refrigerate to chill before serving.
   
   
10. Sit back, relax and enjoy your delicious homemade tiramisu – a true taste of Italy!

Recipe Supplied By Smeg