Alton Brown’s Quick & Creamy Tiramisu Recipe for Beginners

Alton Brown’s tiramisu transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that dances between rich, creamy textures and intense coffee notes.

Italian desserts rarely capture magic quite like this elegant creation, blending sophisticated layers with surprisingly simple preparation techniques.

Coffee-infused ladyfingers provide a delicate foundation for the luxurious mascarpone cream, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that enchant every palate.

Smooth, velvety mascarpone whispers decadence while chocolate dusting adds a subtle, sophisticated finishing touch to this classic treat.

Delicate ingredients meld together, producing a dessert that feels both traditional and innovative, challenging expectations of what a simple sweet can achieve.

Creamy, light, and intensely satisfying, this tiramisu represents a perfect symphony of taste and technique that beckons dessert lovers to indulge: prepare to be amazed.

Pro Tips for Alton Brown’s Tiramisu

• Strain Coffee Carefully: Use a fine-mesh sieve to catch grounds, ensuring a clean, smooth liquid for perfect ladyfinger dipping.
• Whip with Patience: Beat mascarpone and egg mixture slowly, creating a silky texture that prevents separation and maintains airy consistency.
• Chill Strategically: Let tiramisu rest in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper, richer notes.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat ladyfingers briefly in coffee to prevent soggy layers, maintaining ideal cake-like structure and preventing potential mushiness.
• Select Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-fat mascarpone and authentic Italian ladyfingers for an authentic, restaurant-worthy dessert experience.

How to Store Alton Brown’s Tiramisu

• Vacuum Seal Method: Lock out all air and moisture by using a vacuum sealer. Press the tiramisu into an airtight vacuum-sealed bag, ensuring zero oxygen exposure prevents freezer burn and preserves the delicate mascarpone cream's smooth texture.
• Individual Portion Freezing: Slice tiramisu into single servings before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place into a freezer-safe container, allowing quick thawing and preventing texture degradation when only one serving is needed.
• Container Storage: Select a glass or hard plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and store in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain the dessert's creamy consistency and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.

Delicious Variations of Alton Brown’s Tiramisu

• Coffee Liqueur Kick: Amp up the richness by adding an extra splash of coffee liqueur directly into the mascarpone cream for a more intense flavor profile.
• Dark Chocolate Decadence: Grate high-quality dark chocolate between layers instead of cocoa powder, creating a more complex and indulgent dessert experience.
• Espresso Intensity: Replace regular coffee with strong espresso for a bolder, more robust coffee flavor that will elevate the entire dessert's taste.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle finely chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts between layers for an added textural element and nutty undertone.

A Creamy, Coffee-Infused Delight: Alton Brown’s Tiramisu

Silky mascarpone clouds meld with espresso-kissed ladyfingers in this classic Italian dessert.

Alton Brown’s culinary magic transforms simple ingredients into an elegant masterpiece.

Coffee and liqueur create a rich, harmonious base that whispers sweet sophistication.

Creamy layers promise indulgence with each delicate spoonful.

Cocoa powder dusts the surface like a delicate chocolate snowfall.

You’ll discover pure bliss in this timeless treat – so snap a photo, share the recipe with friends, and let your taste buds dance with delight.

Why Alton Brown’s Tiramisu is a Classic Dessert with a Twist

• Savor Luxurious Layers: This tiramisu creates a beautiful harmony of creamy mascarpone and delicate ladyfingers, offering a sophisticated dessert experience that feels like a gourmet restaurant treat right in your own kitchen.
• Master Quick Elegant Technique: With just simple dipping and layering steps, even novice bakers can create an impressive Italian dessert that looks professionally crafted without complex cooking methods or advanced skills.
• Experience Rich Coffee Indulgence: The perfect balance of coffee and liqueur soaked ladyfingers provides a deep, sophisticated flavor profile that transforms a basic dessert into an elegant adult treat with complex taste notes.
• Chill and Forget Convenience: The make-ahead nature of this recipe allows you to prepare it in advance, letting flavors meld beautifully overnight while giving you stress-free dessert preparation for dinner parties or special occasions.

What You’ll Need for Alton Brown’s Tiramisu

• Whipping Cream: Rich and fluffy base for creating a light, airy texture in the tiramisu.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth, luxurious foundation for the dessert.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet essence.

• Ladyfingers: Light, delicate sponge cookies that absorb the coffee mixture and create layers.
• Coffee: Strong, rich liquid for moistening and flavoring the ladyfingers.
• Liqueur: Adds depth and complexity to the coffee soaking liquid.

• Cocoa Powder: Fine, dark powder for dusting the top, providing a classic tiramisu finish and bitter chocolate contrast.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Tiramisu

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Use an electric mixer or stand mixer at medium speed to whip heavy whipping cream until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 2: Create Creamy Mascarpone Mixture

Gradually add sugar and vanilla to the whipped cream. Gently fold in mascarpone cheese until fully combined. Set aside this creamy mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Coffee Dip

• Freshly brewed coffee
• Coffee liqueur

Quickly dip ladyfingers into the coffee mixture, ensuring both sides get moistened but not soaked. Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in an 8×8 inch baking dish.

Step 4: Layer First Cream Section

Carefully spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers, creating an even coating.

Step 5: Add Second Ladyfinger Layer

Create another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers on top of the first cream layer.

Step 6: Complete Final Cream Layer

Spread the remaining mascarpone cream mixture over the second ladyfinger layer, ensuring a smooth and even surface.

Step 7: Dust and Chill

Use a fine mesh strainer to dust cocoa powder generously across the top of the tiramisu. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator and slice into servings. Enjoy your homemade tiramisu chilled.

Alton Brown Tiramisu Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s tiramisu brings Italian dessert magic to your kitchen with rich mascarpone layers and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Creamy, indulgent, and elegantly crafted, this classic recipe promises a delightful journey through sophisticated sweet flavors you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1 package of Lady Fingers, Savoiardi brand
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold espresso

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• ⅓ cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons coffee-flavored liqueur, optional (Kahlua or DaVinci brands)

Garnish:

• Cocoa powder for dusting the top

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Instructions

1. Whip the heavy whipping cream in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until it begins to thicken and develop soft peaks.
2. Gradually add granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract to the whipped cream, continuing to mix until stiff, glossy peaks form. Gently fold in the room temperature mascarpone cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Prepare a coffee and liqueur mixture in a shallow, wide bowl by combining freshly brewed espresso or strong coffee with your preferred liqueur.
4. Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring both sides are lightly moistened but not soaked through. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single, even layer across the bottom of an 8-inch by 8-inch (20 centimeters by 20 centimeters) baking dish.
5. Carefully spread approximately half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the first layer of ladyfingers, creating a smooth, even surface.
6. Create a second layer by repeating the ladyfinger dipping and placement process, then cover with the remaining mascarpone cream mixture.
7. Using a fine-mesh sifter, generously dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder, creating an elegant, even coating.
8. Refrigerate the tiramisu for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely before serving.

Notes

• Cool the tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
• Select high-quality espresso or strong coffee for an authentic, rich taste profile.
• Ensure egg yolks are pasteurized or use a safe cooking method to prevent potential health risks.
• Bring mascarpone and eggs to room temperature to create a smoother, more cohesive mixture.
• Use an offset spatula for precise and even layering between ladyfinger rows.
• Sift cocoa powder just before serving to maintain its delicate, powdery appearance.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping texture and flavor intact.
• Experiment with dark chocolate shavings as an alternative topping for added decadence.
• Chill serving plates beforehand to keep the dessert cooler and more refreshing.
• Consider using a springform pan for easier serving and more dramatic presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg