Why Make This Recipe
Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert beloved for its creamy texture and rich flavors. This recipe combines layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a delicious mascarpone mixture, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, who can resist a dessert that features coffee and cocoa?
How to Make Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu
Ingredients:
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar over medium heat until the mixture is thick and pale.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg mixture until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped cream.
- In a shallow dish, combine the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, then arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13 inch dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat the layers with remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder.
How to Serve Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu
To serve Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu, simply slice it into squares and place them on dessert plates. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for extra flair. It’s a great dessert to enjoy after a hearty meal, and it pairs well with coffee or dessert wine.
How to Store Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu
If you have leftovers, store the Tiramisu in the refrigerator. It is best kept covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, the flavors deepen and improve after a day, so if you can resist, wait to enjoy it!
Tips to Make Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu
- Use fresh ingredients, especially the mascarpone cheese for a creamy texture.
- Don’t soak the ladyfingers too long in the coffee; a quick dip is best to avoid sogginess.
- Customize the cocoa powder layer by adding chocolate shavings to the topping for extra chocolate flavor.
Variation
You can easily customize this Tiramisu by adding flavors like vanilla or almond extract in the mascarpone mixture. For a fruitier twist, consider layering in fresh raspberries or strawberries between the layers.
FAQs
1. Can I make Tiramisu without raw eggs?
Yes, you can use a pasteurized egg product or a safe egg substitute if you are concerned about using raw eggs.
2. How long does Tiramisu need to sit before serving?
For the best flavor and texture, Tiramisu should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible.
3. Can I freeze Tiramisu?
It is not recommended to freeze Tiramisu, as the texture of the mascarpone and whipped cream may change when thawed. It is best served fresh.

Sophia Loren’s Tiramisu
This classic Italian dessert features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone mixture, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar over medium heat until the mixture is thick and pale.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg mixture until smooth, then gently fold in the whipped cream.
- In a shallow dish, combine the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, then arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13 inch dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat the layers with remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 240 minutes, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder.
Notes
For extra flavor, customize the cocoa powder layer by adding chocolate shavings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: tiramisu, Italian dessert, coffee dessert
