1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Classic Gordon Tiramisu

Classic Gordon Tiramisu

Featured in Desserts.

Gordon Ramsay's twist on tiramisu offers an easier way to enjoy the famous Italian treat at home. It balances creamy mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and light sweetness. The quick dip process prevents soggy layers, while optional coffee liqueur adds extra depth. With only 15 minutes of effort, most of the magic happens as the dessert chills and flavors combine. Soft textures paired with bold coffee notes make this a standout favorite.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A woman wearing an apron and smiling.
Updated on Wed, 21 May 2025 15:02:32 GMT
A decadent tiramisu slice topped with chocolate and cream. Pin it
A decadent tiramisu slice topped with chocolate and cream. | tasteofmoms.com

Every bite of this traditional Tiramisu brings together a perfect blend of tastes and feels that's made it a worldwide dessert favorite. You'll notice layers that play off each other—fluffy mascarpone cream next to soft, coffee-drenched ladyfingers, all lightly covered with slightly bitter cocoa. What makes this treat special is how everything works together without any single part taking over. It's a simple dish done really well, giving you something that's both homey and fancy at the same time.

Key Ingredients and Smart Picking Advice

  • Mascarpone Cheese: Get the Italian kind, soft and creamy, not cold from the fridge.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Look for the fatty kind (36-40%) so it holds up well.
  • Espresso: Make it fresh and let it cool for that real coffee kick.
  • Ladyfingers: Go for Italian savoiardi, the crispy ones.
  • Vanilla Extract: Use the real stuff for better taste.
  • Coffee Liqueur: You don't have to add it, but it makes things tastier; try Kahlua or some dark rum.
A slice of cake with white frosting and chocolate sprinkles on a plate. Pin it
A slice of cake with white frosting and chocolate sprinkles on a plate. | tasteofmoms.com

Step-by-Step Making Guide

Set Things Up:
Get everything ready at the right temperature.
Beat the Cream:
Mix 355ml heavy cream with 67g sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until it forms stiff peaks.
Mix in Mascarpone:
Carefully fold 225g mascarpone into your whipped cream.
Fix the Coffee Mix:
Combine 355ml espresso with 3 tbsp coffee liqueur in a flat dish.
Soak the Ladyfingers:
Give each ladyfinger a fast roll in the coffee mix.
Build Your Dessert:
Put soaked ladyfingers in an 8x8 dish, spread half the mascarpone mix on top, then do another layer of each.
Add Cocoa:
Sprinkle cocoa powder across the top layer.
Cool It Down:
Keep in the fridge at least 4 hours, but better overnight.

Keeping It Fresh and Planning Ahead

Keep your tiramisu wrapped up in the fridge and eat it within 3 days. If you want it to last longer, freeze single portions and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Getting Tiramisu right means being careful and balanced—giving each ingredient its proper place. This dessert turns basic stuff into something amazing, showing why some old recipes never go out of style.

A slice of cake with chocolate and whipped cream on a plate. Pin it
A slice of cake with chocolate and whipped cream on a plate. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I skip the alcohol in this dessert?
Of course! The coffee liqueur is optional. Replace it with more espresso or a splash of vanilla extract for an alcohol-free version.
→ Is there a substitute for mascarpone?
If you're out of mascarpone, blend cream cheese with a splash of heavy cream (about 8 oz cream cheese to 1/4 cup cream). The result tastes great though slightly tangier.
→ How far ahead can I prepare it?
You can make this dessert up to 2 days early and keep it covered in the fridge. Letting it sit overnight actually improves the flavor.
→ Can I freeze any leftovers?
Yes, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before enjoying. The texture might change a bit but it'll still taste great.
→ Why doesn't this version use raw eggs?
This simplified approach skips raw eggs for safety and accessibility. Whipping mascarpone with cream creates a light texture, no eggs needed.

Classic Gordon Tiramisu

This rich Italian dessert combines espresso-drenched ladyfingers with fluffy mascarpone cream. Inspired by Gordon Ramsay, it's indulgence with every bite, perfect for dessert lovers.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cream Blend

01 67g white sugar
02 1 tsp vanilla essence
03 355ml heavy cream for whipping
04 225g mascarpone, softened

→ Coffee Soak

05 3 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, like Kahlua or DaVinci)
06 355ml chilled brewed espresso

→ Putting It Together

07 Cocoa powder to sprinkle on top
08 One pack of Lady Fingers

Instructions

Step 01

Whisk the heavy cream in a large bowl using a mixer at medium speed. As you go, pour in the sugar and vanilla. Keep at it until stiff peaks form.

Step 02

Take the softened mascarpone and slowly fold it into the whipped cream. Stir until smooth and everything blends well. Set aside.

Step 03

In a shallow dish, stir the chilled espresso together with the optional coffee liqueur.

Step 04

Quickly dip both sides of each ladyfinger into the coffee mix—don't let them soak through. Lay them single-file across the bottom of an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) dish.

Step 05

Smooth half of the mascarpone blend over the dipped lady fingers. Add a second layer of soaked lady fingers and spread the remaining cream mixture on top.

Step 06

Grab a fine sifter and sprinkle cocoa atop the mascarpone in an even layer.

Step 07

Wrap it up and pop it into the fridge. Leave it to set for at least 3-4 hours, but overnight is even better for the flavor to shine.

Notes

  1. This creamy, dreamy Tiramisu inspired by Gordon Ramsay is a dessert perfect for any get-together. Using ingredients like espresso, mascarpone, and lady fingers, it's packed with flavor and simple to make.
  2. Opt for fresh espresso: Brewed fresh and cooled, espresso gives the best depth of flavor.
  3. Be quick with the lady fingers: Don't let them swim in the coffee—just a fast dip keeps the layers intact.
  4. Overnight chilling works wonders: Letting it sit for a longer time makes the flavors meld perfectly.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Large bowls for mixing
  • Shallow tray for coffee mix
  • 20x20cm (8x8-inch) baking pan
  • Sifter for cocoa powder
  • Flexible spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (like mascarpone and cream)
  • Contains gluten (in lady fingers)
  • May include alcohol from coffee liqueur (optional)
  • Eggs might be present in the lady fingers

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 513
  • Total Fat: 38 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 6 g