Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe is a luscious celebration of creamy mascarpone, bold espresso, and delicate ladyfingers that come together to create a truly unforgettable Italian dessert. This creamy classic balances rich textures and deep flavors so effortlessly that each bite feels like a warm, comforting hug. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a show-stopping tiramisu that impresses friends and family alike, this recipe is your ticket to homemade indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully selected to build the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the smooth mascarpone to the robust espresso, every component plays a vital role in crafting Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe.
- 4 egg yolks: They provide a rich, velvety base that is essential for the creamy custard.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness to balance the richness of the mascarpone.
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese: The star of the dish, mascarpone lends that luxurious, silky texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it lightens the cream mixture, giving the tiramisu its signature airy feel.
- 1 ½ cups brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled: Infuses the dessert with a bold, robust coffee flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cream.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the coffee soaking liquid just enough to complement the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the coffee mixture.
- 24 ladyfinger biscuits: These delicate cookies absorb the coffee perfectly without becoming mushy.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: For dusting the finished tiramisu, giving it that classic, elegant look.
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional): An extra touch of luxury and texture if you want to get fancy.
How to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream
Start by gently whisking the egg yolks and granulated sugar together in a heatproof bowl placed over simmering water. The gentle heat dissolves the sugar and thickens the mixture, which should turn pale and silky after about 5 minutes of continuous whisking. This step is critical because it builds the rich custard base that melds perfectly with the mascarpone.
Once this base cools down slightly, fold in the mascarpone cheese until the mixture is smooth and silky. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture. The lightness from the whipped cream balances the richness, giving the tiramisu its iconic creamy yet airy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Soaking Mixture
Next, brew a strong espresso or coffee, then allow it to reach room temperature. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract to infuse the coffee with sweetness and a subtle warmth. This soaking mixture is the soul of the dessert, imparting that unmistakable coffee kick to the ladyfingers.
Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture—just a dip to avoid sogginess—then arrange a single layer at the bottom of your dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over this layer. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish by topping with the remaining mascarpone cream. This layered assembly is where all those wonderful flavors start to meld into tiramisu magic.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover your tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least four hours, though overnight chilling is ideal. This resting time allows the ladyfingers to soak up the coffee and the flavors to blend beautifully, resulting in that perfect balance of creaminess and coffee-soaked softness. When ready to serve, dust the top generously with cocoa powder and optionally add dark chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
How to Serve Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting with unsweetened cocoa powder is a classic way to finish your tiramisu, lending a slight bitterness that complements the creamy layers. For a touch of decadence, sprinkle dark chocolate shavings just before serving. Fresh mint leaves or a few coffee beans can add an unexpected pop of color and aroma too.
Side Dishes
Tiramisu shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light dessert wine like Vin Santo or a shot of espresso for the coffee enthusiasts. If you want to extend the Italian vibes, serve it alongside fresh berries or a citrus sorbet to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist on Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe, try serving it in individual glass jars or elegant stemmed glasses. Layer the cream and soaked ladyfingers beautifully and top with artistic cocoa swirls or chocolate curls. This not only looks stunning but makes portioning a breeze for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, tiramisu keeps best tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop and deepen, making leftovers even better the next day. Consume within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness and texture.
Freezing
Tiramisu can be frozen if needed, though this may slightly alter the texture of the mascarpone cream. To freeze, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, letting it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving will enhance the flavors and soften the texture, providing a more indulgent experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso in Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe?
Absolutely! While espresso provides a stronger, more concentrated flavor, a strong brewed coffee works fine. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before dipping the ladyfingers so they don’t get soggy.
Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?
Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe uses a gentle cooking method by whisking the eggs over simmering water, which slightly cooks the yolks and reduces any food safety concerns. If you’re still worried, pasteurized eggs are a safe alternative.
Can I make this tiramisu dairy-free or vegan?
This particular recipe is rich with mascarpone and heavy cream, making it challenging to veganize without significantly altering the texture. However, you could experiment with dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan mascarpone substitutes, though results may vary.
How long should I soak the ladyfingers in the coffee?
Dip each ladyfinger just for a second or two. They should be moist but not soggy, as over-soaking can make your dessert mushy. It’s all about that perfect balance to keep the structure intact.
Can I prepare Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe in advance?
Yes! In fact, tiramisu benefits from resting time in the fridge. Preparing it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a touch of authentic Italian indulgence into your home kitchen, give Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe a try. It’s a beautiful, timeless dessert that’s surprisingly straightforward to make and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Once you master this recipe, tiramisu will no longer be a special occasion treat but a beloved favorite to enjoy anytime.
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Gordon Ramsay’s Classic Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Gordon Ramsay’s Tiramisu is a luscious and classic Italian dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone mixture. This recipe combines the richness of mascarpone and whipped cream with the bold flavor of espresso, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder and optional dark chocolate shavings for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Mascarpone Cream
- 4 egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Coffee Soaking Mixture
- 1 ½ cups brewed espresso or strong coffee, cooled
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly
- 24 ladyfinger biscuits
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mascarpone Cream: Whisk the egg yolks and ½ cup granulated sugar together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisking continuously for about 5 minutes until pale and silky.
- Cool and Combine: Remove the bowl from heat, let cool briefly, then fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form and gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture to maintain an airy texture.
- Prepare Coffee Mixture: Brew the espresso or coffee and cool it to room temperature. Stir in 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until dissolved.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, moistening but not soaking them thoroughly. Arrange a layer at the bottom of the serving dish.
- Layer Cream and Ladyfingers: Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers, then add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and texture set.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for added elegance.
Notes
- Be careful not to over-soak the ladyfingers to prevent sogginess.
- Use freshly brewed espresso for the best coffee flavor impact.
- Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture considerably.
- For a non-alcoholic version, avoid adding any liqueur; this recipe is alcohol-free.
- Ensure egg yolks are cooked gently over simmering water for food safety and texture.
