Indulge in Ina Garten’s Spirited Rum Raisin Tiramisu Recipe

Dessert lovers swoon over this decadent rum raisin tiramisu recipe by Ina Garten that blends classic Italian elegance with rich, boozy charm.

Plump raisins soaked in dark rum create a luxurious depth rarely found in traditional tiramisu.

Each layer promises a delightful dance of creamy mascarpone and espresso-drenched ladyfingers.

The subtle warmth of rum infuses every bite with sophisticated flavor.

Raisins add unexpected bursts of sweetness that complement the espresso’s bold intensity.

This dessert turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration of indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every decadent spoonful of this irresistible Italian masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 556 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Rum Raisin Tiramisu

• Raisins: Plump, sweet gems that absorb rum's rich flavor, choose dark and juicy for maximum taste impact.
• Rum: Smooth Caribbean spirit that adds depth and complexity to the dessert, select a high-quality dark rum for best results.
• Orange Juice: Bright citrus liquid that balances the richness, opt for fresh-squeezed for vibrant, authentic flavor.

• Egg Yolks: Silky golden bases that create luxurious texture, select farm-fresh eggs for most vibrant color.
• Sugar: Sweet crystalline enhancer that balances and softens, use fine granulated for smooth incorporation.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Luxurious Italian cream cheese providing velvety richness, choose authentic imported version for traditional taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic essence adding warm depth, select pure extract over imitation for genuine flavor.
• Vanilla Bean: Exotic pod delivering intense vanilla notes, look for plump, glossy beans with visible seeds.

• Ladyfingers: Delicate sponge cookies creating classic tiramisu structure, select crisp, dry varieties that absorb liquid perfectly.
• Semisweet Chocolate: Elegant topping adding visual and flavor contrast, choose high-quality chocolate with good melting properties.

Kitchen Tools for Crafting Rum Raisin Tiramisu, Ina’s Way

• Stand mixer: Essential for beating egg yolks and creating smooth mascarpone mixture with paddle attachment.
• Shallow bowl: Perfect for mixing rum and orange juice to dip ladyfingers.
• 9 × 12 × 2-inch rectangular or oval dish: Ideal for layering and assembling tiramisu.
• Microwave: Quick method for soaking raisins in rum.
• Plastic wrap: Used for covering raisins and tiramisu during preparation and chilling.
• Mixing bowls: Helpful for preparing different components of the recipe.
• Sharp knife: Useful for scraping vanilla bean seeds.
• Grater or vegetable peeler: Needed for creating chocolate shavings for garnish.

Layer-by-Layer Guide to Ina Garten’s Rum Raisin Tiramisu

• Raisin Awakening

Plump raisins take a luxurious rum bath, softening and absorbing rich flavors that will dance through the entire dessert.

• Creamy Whispers

Egg yolks and sugar transform into a velvety base, welcoming mascarpone, rum, and delicate vanilla essences into a silky symphony.

• Lady's Graceful Dip

Ladyfingers glide briefly through a rum and orange juice mixture, absorbing liquid without disintegrating, creating a delicate foundation for the dessert.

• Layered Luxury

Alternate delicate ladyfinger layers with rum-kissed raisins and creamy mascarpone, building a beautiful landscape of textures and flavors.

• Flavor Meditation

Allow the tiramisu to rest in the refrigerator, letting each ingredient mingle and develop a harmonious personality.

• Chocolate Finale

Crown the dessert with delicate chocolate shavings, transforming the tiramisu into a decadent masterpiece ready to enchant taste buds.

Boozy Twists & Clever Tips for Ina’s Tiramisu

• Microwave raisins with rum for a quick, intense flavor infusion that plumps them perfectly and adds rich depth to the dessert.
• Swap rum with brandy, marsala, or amaretto to create unique flavor profiles that match your personal taste preferences.
• Prepare this tiramisu up to 2 days in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop an even more complex, sophisticated taste.
• Use soft ladyfingers for a melt-in-your-mouth experience, or choose firmer ones for a more structured dessert with slight bite resistance.
• Dust the top with cocoa powder instead of chocolate shavings for a classic tiramisu look, or garnish with fresh berries for a colorful presentation.

Elegant Ways to Present Ina Garten’s Rum Raisin Tiramisu

• Create a Stunning Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange the tiramisu on an elegant cake stand or decorative platter to make it the star of your dinner party, instantly elevating the visual appeal.
• Pair with Perfect Beverages: Serve alongside a robust espresso or a small glass of aged rum to complement the rich, boozy flavors of the dessert and enhance the overall tasting experience.
• Customize with Creative Toppings: Add a light dusting of cocoa powder, sprinkle some toasted almond slivers, or garnish with fresh berries to give the tiramisu a personal and artistic touch that delights the senses.
• Slice and Plate with Finesse: Cut clean, precise portions using a warm knife, and plate each slice on individual dessert plates with a small mint leaf or edible flower for an extra touch of sophistication.

Store It Right – Ina Garten’s Tiramisu Make-Ahead Game Plan

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the tiramisu tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert 1-2 days before serving for maximum flavor development. The resting time allows ingredients to meld beautifully.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze, the texture might slightly change. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Portion Protection: Use individual serving containers or cut servings before storing to maintain the dessert's delicate structure. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Creamy Ina Garten Rum Raisin Tiramisu Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s rum raisin tiramisu blends Italian dessert traditions with rich, complex flavors. Creamy mascarpone layers and boozy raisins create an elegant finale for special gatherings where friends savor each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 to 18 oz (450 to 510 g) mascarpone cheese, Italian
• 24 to 30 ladyfingers or savoiardi cookies, Italian
• 6 extra-large egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
• ¾ cup (120 g) raisins
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsps (260 ml) Mount Gay dark rum, divided
• ¾ cup (180 ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed (2 oranges)
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• Shaved semisweet chocolate, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rum-Soaked Raisin Preparation: Microwave raisins with rum for one minute, allowing them to absorb the liquor’s rich essence while cooling completely.
2. Mascarpone Cream Crafting: Whip egg yolks and sugar in a stand mixer at high speed until pale and voluminous. Gradually incorporate mascarpone cheese, reducing mixer speed to achieve a silky, uniform texture.
3. Flavor Infusion: Blend rum, orange juice, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds into the mascarpone mixture, creating a fragrant and complex base.
4. Ladyfinger Dipping Station: Combine remaining rum and orange juice in a shallow bowl. Swiftly dip each ladyfinger into the liquid, ensuring brief, complete absorption without oversaturating.
5. First Layer Assembly: Arrange soaked ladyfingers in a single layer across a rectangular dish, cutting cookies to fill any gaps. Scatter half of the rum-infused raisins evenly and gently spread half of the mascarpone cream to create a smooth surface.
6. Final Layer Construction: Repeat layering process with rum-dipped ladyfingers, remaining raisins, and mascarpone cream. Smooth the top layer for an elegant finish.
7. Flavor Melding: Seal the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify.
8. Serving Presentation: Garnish with delicate semisweet chocolate shavings just before serving. Slice and present chilled for a luxurious dessert experience.

Notes

• Boost Raisin Flavor: Microwaving raisins with rum helps them absorb rich, boozy notes quickly and evenly.
• Perfect Mascarpone Technique: Whip egg yolks and sugar at high speed for exactly 5 minutes to create a light, airy base that ensures a silky smooth texture.
• Prevent Soggy Ladyfingers: Dip cookies briefly and quickly into rum-orange mixture, avoiding oversaturation that can break down the delicate structure.
• Chill for Maximum Taste: Refrigerate tiramisu for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to develop and ingredients to meld into a harmonious dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 556
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 199 mg