Indulge in the classic flavors of Delia Smith’s Tiramisu, a dessert that promises to be both straightforward and delightful. This recipe marries the rich notes of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate, all balanced with the creamy texture of mascarpone cheese. Ideal for celebrating special moments or simply elevating your dining experience, this Tiramisu is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a breeze to prepare.
Designed to serve 6-8 people, you’ll spend roughly 30 minutes in preparation, followed by a necessary chilling period to ensure the flavors meld to perfection. This guide offers a straightforward approach to making a Tiramisu that’s guaranteed to impress your guests.
What is Delia Smith Tiramisu?
Delia Smith Tiramisu is a modern take on the traditional Italian dessert, featuring layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits) and a rich, creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese lightened with egg yolks and sugar, all topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. It’s a no-bake dessert known for its comforting texture and depth of flavor.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Simple to prepare, yet visually stunning and bursting with flavor.
- No-Bake Wonder: Perfect for those days when you want to keep the oven off.
- Versatile Dessert: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Tiramisu
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 24 to 30 ladyfingers (savoiardi biscuits)
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Tiramisu
Step 1. Combine Coffee and Liqueur
- Mix the cooled coffee with the coffee liqueur (if using) in a shallow dish. Set aside for dipping the ladyfingers.
Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Incorporate Mascarpone
- Add the mascarpone cheese to the egg mixture and beat until smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Whip the Cream
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold this into the mascarpone mixture until just combined.
Layer the Dessert
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, making sure not to soak them. Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish. Cover with half of the mascarpone mixture, and then add another layer of dipped ladyfingers. Top with the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Chill and Serve
- Cover and chill the tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired.
What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Tiramisu?
- Espresso or Coffee: Enhance the coffee notes in the tiramisu with freshly brewed espresso or coffee.
- Sweet Dessert Wine: A glass of Vin Santo or Moscato d’Asti complements the creamy richness.
- Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a bowl of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Offer extra whipped cream for those who enjoy a creamier dessert.
- Biscotti: Pair with almond or chocolate biscotti for a delightful crunch.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Tiramisu
- Quality Ingredients: Use the best quality mascarpone and fresh eggs you can find for superior flavor and texture.
- Do Not Over-Soak: Briefly dip the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the tiramisu to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for the flavors to meld.
- Cocoa Dusting: Dust with cocoa powder just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
- Gentle Folding: When combining the whipped cream and mascarpone mixture, fold gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
Variations of Delia Smith Tiramisu
- Chocolate Tiramisu: Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache between the layers for a decadent twist.
- Fruit Tiramisu: Incorporate a layer of mixed berries or a berry compote for a fruity variation.
- Amaretto Tiramisu: Substitute coffee liqueur with Amaretto for a nutty flavor profile.
- Vegan Tiramisu: Use vegan ladyfingers and a vegan cream cheese or mascarpone alternative for a plant-based version.
- Mini Tiramisu Cups: Prepare individual servings in small glasses for a charming presentation.
How to Store Delia Smith Tiramisu Leftovers
Keeping your Delia Smith Tiramisu tasting fresh after the initial delight requires proper storage.
Here’s how to ensure your leftovers remain delicious:
- Refrigerate Promptly: Move any uneaten tiramisu to the refrigerator within 2 hours of serving to prevent spoilage.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the tiramisu to an airtight container to keep it moist and protect it from absorbing fridge odors.
- Wrap Tightly: If you don’t have an airtight container large enough, wrap the serving dish tightly with plastic wrap.
- Consume Soon: For the best taste and texture, enjoy the leftovers within 3 days.
How to Reheat Delia Smith Tiramisu Leftovers
Tiramisu is typically enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. However, if you find the dessert too firm or cold directly from the refrigerator, here’s a gentle way to bring it to a more palatable temperature:
- No Heating Required: Tiramisu is best served chilled. Avoid using heat to warm it up.
- Let Sit at Room Temperature: If necessary, let the tiramisu sit out for 10-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
- Serve Immediately: Once at your preferred temperature, serve immediately to maintain its structure and flavor.
Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal
- Fat: Around 30g (Saturated Fat: 18g)
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g (Sugar: 30g)
- Protein: About 6g
- Cholesterol: Roughly 145mg
- Sodium: About 105mg
FAQs
Can I Make Delia Smith Tiramisu Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can easily make Delia Smith Tiramisu without alcohol by omitting the coffee liqueur. Simply replace it with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup to maintain the rich coffee flavor without the alcohol content.
What Can I Use Instead of Mascarpone in Tiramisu?
If you can’t find mascarpone cheese, a great substitute is a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream. For each cup of mascarpone needed, blend 3/4 cup of cream cheese with 1/4 cup of heavy cream until smooth. This mixture mimics the creamy texture and mild taste of mascarpone.
How Long Should Tiramisu Be Chilled Before Serving?
Tiramisu needs to be chilled for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor and texture, chilling it overnight is recommended. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Is It Safe to Consume Raw Eggs in Tiramisu?
Consuming raw eggs can pose a risk of salmonella infection. To minimize this risk, use pasteurized eggs or egg products when preparing Tiramisu. Pasteurized eggs have been heated to a temperature that kills bacteria without cooking the egg, making them safe to consume raw.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Tiramisu recipe offers a luxurious blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. With these tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste and impress your guests with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful treat, and savor the exquisite combination of coffee, cream, and cocoa in every bite.
