Chef John's Tiramisu

In addition to being an incredible-tasting dessert, tiramisu also offers the perfect segue when you're trying to steer the Valentine's dinner conversation towards spicier subjects. This heady, mood-elevating concoction is rich and deeply satisfying, yet remarkably light in texture. Yes, you can use regular cream cheese, but mascarpone is far superior.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 774 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• ½ cup brewed espresso
• 3 tablespoons Marsala wine, divided
• ¾ cup mascarpone cheese
• 10 ladyfinger cookies, broken in half, or more as needed
• ½ ounce dark chocolate, grated

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Stir espresso and 2 tablespoons Marsala wine together in a shallow bowl.

Step 2

Whisk egg yolks, 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon Marsala wine together in the top of a double boiler over simmering water, until thick, pale yellow, and creamy, 5 to 6 minutes.

Step 3

Whisk egg yolk mixture, mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and salt together in a bowl until completely smooth.

Step 4

Beat egg whites in a glass or metal bowl until stiff peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites will form sharp peaks. Gently stir and fold 1/2 the egg whites into egg yolk mixture; fold in remaining 1/2 egg whites.

Step 5

Place 1 heaping spoonful mascarpone mixture into a single-serving cup or glass. Dip 2 ladyfinger cookie halves briefly in espresso mixture and turn 3 to 4 times to coat. Place cookie halves in the bottom of the glass on top of mascarpone.

Step 6

Fill the glass halfway with mascarpone mixture. Dip 5 ladyfinger halves in the espresso mixture and place vertically along the inside of the glass, dipping and placing more ladyfinger halves as necessary to fit the glass. Place 2 dipped ladyfinger halves horizontally on top of the mascarpone mixture. Fill glass to the top with mascarpone mixture. Repeat for the second serving glass.

Step 7

Wrap both glasses in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Remove plastic wrap and dust tops with cocoa powder and grated chocolate.