What is Tiramisu?
Tiramisu is a layered Italian desert made of ladyfinger biscuits dipped in expresso, an egg and mascarpone cheese custard, and a topping of chocolate. It’s origins are mixed, with many places laying claim to its creation; however it’s appearance came about in the late 1960s to early 1970s.
This desert is enjoyed throughout the world, and it can actually be eaten at any time of the day. Breakfast sounds great, as its name means “pick me up”; lunch date with tiramisu and coffee/tea, anyone?; and as an after-dinner dessert.
Why substitute?
The first time I tried making tiramisu, I failed at making the custard. The recipe I was following called for a raw egg custard. This was a disaster. I didn’t have to eat it to know it was a fail.
I’ve found other recipes since, from those that suggest whisking the eggs over a Bain-Marie, to those that solely use whipping cream instead of eggs. This had me thinking: Why put in the arm work when I can just buy already-made whipped cream? (I did not own a hand beater until two years ago. My troubles with tiramisu and meringues forced me to finally buy one.)
And voila! My tiramisu frustration became a success. Yes, it’s nowhere authentic, but it’s still a sweet and flavorful desert. And it can be whipped up in no time at all (no pun intended). Enjoy it any time of the year as well.
Easy & Simple Tiramisu Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 8-ounce pack spreadable cream cheese
- 1/2 – 1 tub whipped cream
- 5 Tbsp sugar (or double if you’re using the whole tub of whipped cream)
- 1 pack lady fingers
- 2 c strong coffee, cooled
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, whipped cream, and sugar. Whisk thoroughly. Then cover and set aside (in the fridge is fine too).
- Pour the coffee into a deep dish and dip the ladyfingers in for 2 seconds on each side. Layer the dipped ladyfingers in another dish.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture on top of the lady fingers.
- Then repeat step 2 to form another layer of lady fingers on top.
- Spread on the last half of the cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with cocoa powder
- Enjoy either immediately or cover the dish and set it in the fridge for at least 2 hours for the flavors to develop more deeply.
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