Tiramisu for Two
Highlighted under: Soft Kitchen
I love making Tiramisu for Two whenever I want to indulge in a classic Italian dessert with someone special. The combination of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone is a match made in heaven. This recipe is easy to prepare and serves just two, which means we can enjoy a rich and delicious treat without the temptation of leftovers. Plus, I love that it can be made in advance, making it perfect for a cozy evening at home or a romantic date night.
When I first tried Tiramisu, I was blown away by its unique flavor combination of coffee and cream. After experimenting with recipes, I decided to create a simplified version for just two servings. The key is to use fresh mascarpone cheese to achieve that velvety texture and to soak the ladyfingers just enough for them to absorb the coffee without becoming too soggy.
This recipe is all about balance—the right amount of coffee, sugar, and cream brings everything together. A sprinkle of cocoa on top adds a rich finish. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to enjoy Tiramisu regularly, but this version will keep you from overindulging!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich coffee flavor with a creamy mascarpone layer
- Perfectly portioned for a romantic dessert for two
- No baking required, making it quick and easy to prepare
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
When preparing Tiramisu, the quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the final flavor and texture. Choose a high-quality mascarpone cheese; it should be creamy, rich, and smooth to create that luxurious layer of cream. A subpar mascarpone can lead to a grainy texture, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, using freshly brewed coffee enhances the robust flavor of the dessert. If you’re short on time, opt for a good-quality espresso from a local coffee shop.
The ladyfingers you select also play a crucial role. Look for authentic Italian savoiardi that are crisp yet absorbent. This helps them soak up the coffee without becoming mushy too quickly. If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own ladyfingers. However, store-bought options save time and still deliver great results, ensuring that you can focus more on perfecting the creamy mascarpone layer.
Techniques for Perfecting Texture
Achieving the perfect balance between the coffee-soaked ladyfingers and airy mascarpone cream is key to a successful Tiramisu. When mixing the mascarpone, ensure that you whisk it just until soft peaks form. Overmixing can lead to a thick, dense cream rather than the light, velvety texture we’re aiming for. I recommend using a hand mixer for this step to achieve the ideal fluffiness in just a couple of minutes.
Soaking the ladyfingers is another critical step—do so briefly, about 1-2 seconds per side, to ensure they maintain their structure while absorbing the coffee flavor. If dipped too long, they’ll fall apart and can turn your Tiramisu into a mushy pudding. Arrange them in a slightly overlapping pattern to create a sturdy base before layering with the mascarpone cream.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Tiramisu for Two:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- 4 ladyfingers
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Ensure you have everything ready before starting the preparation!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Tiramisu for Two:
Prepare the Coffee Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur, if using. Stir gently to mix.
Soak the Ladyfingers
Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not falling apart. Arrange them in the bottom of your serving dish.
Make the Mascarpone Cream
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Layer the Ingredients
Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone cream.
Chill and Serve
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder.
Enjoy your delicious Tiramisu for Two!
Pro Tips
- For a more intense coffee flavor, try using espresso instead of brewed coffee. You can also add a touch of cinnamon to the mascarpone mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best features of Tiramisu is that it can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. Once assembled, cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent any unwanted absorption of odors from your refrigerator. I love making this a day ahead of time as it takes away the stress of preparation on the day of serving. Just remember to dust with cocoa powder right before serving to keep it looking fresh.
If you're planning to store leftovers, Tiramisu keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, for optimal texture and flavor, it's best to enjoy it within the first day or two. I recommend serving it cold directly from the fridge for the most refreshing bite, but allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes for an extra creamy texture.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Feel free to experiment with different flavors by adding a hint of citrus, like orange or lemon zest, to the mascarpone mixture for a bright twist. You can also swap the coffee liqueur with flavored syrups, such as hazelnut or caramel, for a unique twist on the classic recipe. These small changes can elevate the Tiramisu experience, tailoring it to your personal taste.
Serving Tiramisu in individual glasses can create an elegant presentation, perfect for intimate gatherings or romantic dinners. Layer the components artfully for a beautiful display, and consider garnishing with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for added color and flavor contrast. This attention to detail not only makes the dessert visually appealing but enhances its overall appeal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this Tiramisu in advance?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
→ What can I substitute for ladyfingers?
If you can't find ladyfingers, you can use sponge cake or even a softer pound cake cut into strips.
→ Is it safe to use raw eggs in Tiramisu?
This recipe does not include raw eggs, making it safe for everyone to enjoy.
→ Can I use a different flavor for the cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to add flavored extracts like almond or coffee to customize your Tiramisu.
Tiramisu for Two
I love making Tiramisu for Two whenever I want to indulge in a classic Italian dessert with someone special. The combination of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone is a match made in heaven. This recipe is easy to prepare and serves just two, which means we can enjoy a rich and delicious treat without the temptation of leftovers. Plus, I love that it can be made in advance, making it perfect for a cozy evening at home or a romantic date night.
Created by: Leonie Fairchild
Recipe Type: Soft Kitchen
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
- 4 ladyfingers
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder for dusting
How-To Steps
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur, if using. Stir gently to mix.
Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not falling apart. Arrange them in the bottom of your serving dish.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone cream.
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder.
Extra Tips
- For a more intense coffee flavor, try using espresso instead of brewed coffee. You can also add a touch of cinnamon to the mascarpone mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g