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Is mascarpone or ricotta better for tiramisu?

Tiramisu is an Italian dessert known for its indulgent layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy filling. At the heart of this iconic treat lies one key ingredient: the cheese. Traditionally, mascarpone has been the go-to choice, but some variations substitute ricotta. This substitution raises the question: which cheese is truly better for tiramisu? Let’s break down the key differences between mascarpone and ricotta in terms of texture, flavor, and nutritional value to help you decide which cheese works best for your tiramisu.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup strong brewed espresso (cooled)
  • 3 tablespoons rum (optional)
  • 3 large eggs (separated)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese (or ricotta for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
  • 24 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prep Espresso Mixture:
    Brew 1 cup of espresso and let it cool. Add rum if using and set aside.
  • Prepare Cream Base:
    In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale. Add mascarpone (or ricotta) and mix until smooth.
  • Whip Cream:
    In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
  • Beat Egg Whites:
    In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, fluffy cream.
  • Assemble Tiramisu:
    Dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture for a few seconds and arrange in a layer in your serving dish. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and finish with the remaining mascarpone cream.
  • Chill:
    Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to let the flavors meld.
  • Serve:
    Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
  • Author: Lyli Mildiva
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours (minimum)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-bake, Chilled
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: tiramisu recipe, mascarpone tiramisu, ricotta tiramisu, classic tiramisu, no-bake tiramisu, easy tiramisu, Italian dessert, best tiramisu