Classic Alton Brown Tiramisu Recipe with Coffee and Cocoa

Alton Brown’s tiramisu elevates everyday ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that tingles taste buds with luxurious coffee-kissed charm.

This Italian dessert weaves magic through delicate layers of velvety mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers.

Each bite promises a sensational journey through rich, creamy textures that dance across your palate.

The silky cream whispers decadence while cocoa dust adds an elegant final flourish.

No ordinary dessert, this creation marries traditional techniques with innovative flavor profiles.

Chocolate-dusted and impossibly light, the tiramisu beckons you to savor every sophisticated morsel.

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that redefines sweet perfection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Alton Brown’s Tiramisu Recipe Ingredients

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Select cream with high fat content for ultra-smooth, stable whipping.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Choose fresh, creamy Italian-style cheese from refrigerated section with rich, smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Opt for fine, pure white sugar that dissolves quickly and evenly.

• Freshly Brewed Coffee: Use strong, dark roast coffee for deep, robust flavor profile.
• Coffee Liqueur: Select quality liqueur that enhances coffee notes without overpowering dessert.

• Ladyfingers: Pick crisp, dry Italian-style ladyfingers that absorb liquid without falling apart.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened, high-quality dark cocoa for intense, rich dusting.
• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla for authentic, aromatic flavor enhancement.

Equipment Needed for Alton Brown’s Tiramisu

• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Essential for whipping cream to light, fluffy perfection.
• Shallow bowl: Perfect for creating coffee dipping mixture for ladyfingers.
• Fine mesh strainer: Helps dust cocoa powder evenly across the tiramisu surface.
• 8×8 inch baking dish: Ideal size for layering and assembling tiramisu.
• Mixing bowls: Needed for preparing cream and combining ingredients.
• Spatula: Great for gently folding mascarpone into whipped cream.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Refrigerator: Crucial for chilling and setting the tiramisu.

How to Prepare Tiramisu

• Whip Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and transform heavy cream into a light, airy cloud by blending at medium speed until peaks form beautifully.

• Craft Silky Mascarpone Blend

Gently fold sugar, vanilla, and smooth mascarpone cheese into whipped cream, creating a luxurious mixture that will become the heart of your dessert.

• Prepare Coffee Soaking Station

Create a quick coffee bath by combining strong brewed coffee with a splash of coffee liqueur. Swiftly dunk ladyfingers into this aromatic liquid, coating them just enough to capture flavor without turning them soggy.

• Build First Delicious Layer

Arrange soaked ladyfingers across your dish, then lavishly spread half of the creamy mascarpone mixture, ensuring an even, dreamy surface that promises pure indulgence.

• Create Second Decadent Layer

Repeat the ladyfinger dipping process, laying them carefully over the first cream layer. Top with remaining mascarpone mixture, smoothing to create a pristine canvas.

• Finish With Elegant Dusting

Sprinkle cocoa powder across the top using a fine strainer, creating a rich, artistic finish. Chill in the refrigerator for several hours, allowing flavors to dance and meld together.

• Serve and Savor

Remove from refrigerator, slice into elegant portions, and dive into your homemade Italian masterpiece – a dessert that speaks volumes without saying a word.

Dessert Tips for Alton Brown’s Tiramisu

• Boost Cream Stability: Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar while whipping cream to help maintain its fluffy texture and prevent deflation during mixing.
• Customize Coffee Intensity: Experiment with different coffee strengths or swap espresso for strong brewed coffee to adjust the tiramisu's deep flavor profile.
• Swap Liqueur Options: Replace coffee liqueur with marsala wine, rum, or skip alcohol entirely for a family-friendly version that still delivers rich taste.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare tiramisu up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and deepen for an even more delicious dessert experience.

Ways to Serve Alton Brown’s Tiramisu

• Elevate Dessert Presentation: Serve individual tiramisu portions in elegant wine glasses or clear dessert bowls to showcase beautiful cream and cocoa layers.
• Pair with Perfect Beverage: Match your tiramisu with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a robust espresso to complement the rich coffee and mascarpone flavors.
• Garnish with Delicate Touches: Sprinkle extra cocoa powder, add chocolate shavings, or place a small fresh mint leaf on top to enhance visual appeal and add subtle flavor complexity.
• Create Decadent Variations: Experiment with different liqueurs like amaretto or rum, or add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a personalized twist on the classic tiramisu recipe.

Storage Guide for Tiramisu

• Preserve Freshness: Store tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Place plastic wrap or an airtight lid directly on the surface to prevent moisture loss and absorb refrigerator odors.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare tiramisu one day in advance to allow flavors to develop and cream layers to set perfectly, enhancing the dessert's rich, complex taste profile.

Authentic Alton Brown Tiramisu Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Classic Alton Brown tiramisu blends rich mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and cocoa powder into an authentic Italian dessert. Creamy layers promise a luxurious finish you’ll savor with each delectable spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz (226 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1 package Lady Fingers, Savoiardi brand
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold espresso
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsps coffee-flavored liqueur, optional (Kahlua or DaVinci brands)
• cocoa powder for dusting the top

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Instructions

1. Whipping Cream Preparation: Whip heavy cream in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, gradually incorporating sugar and vanilla extract until stiff, glossy peaks develop. Gently fold in room temperature mascarpone cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
2. Ladyfinger Soaking: Create a coffee and liqueur bath in a shallow bowl, swiftly dip each ladyfinger to moisten without oversaturating. Arrange the delicately soaked ladyfingers in a single, uniform layer across the bottom of an 8-inch baking dish.
3. Cream Layering: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the first ladyfinger layer, ensuring a consistent, smooth surface. Repeat the ladyfinger dipping and placement process for the second layer, then lavishly cover with the remaining cream mixture.
4. Finishing Touch: Dust the surface generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sifter, creating an elegant, even coating that adds visual appeal and depth of flavor.
5. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate the tiramisu for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the dessert to set completely before serving chilled.

Notes

• Prevent Soggy Ladyfingers: Quickly dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture, avoiding over-soaking to maintain their delicate texture and prevent a mushy dessert.
• Cream Consistency Matters: Whip cream to stiff peaks and fold mascarpone gently to ensure a light, airy, and smooth cream layer without deflating the mixture.
• Chill for Flavor Development: Refrigerate tiramisu for at least 4-6 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to blend and the dessert to set properly.
• Cocoa Powder Finishing: Use a fine-mesh sifter for an even, elegant dusting of cocoa powder, creating a professional and visually appealing presentation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg