Tiramisu

Tiramisu with cream cheese – a refined and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Let us be carried away by flavors and aromas into the world of the classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu! This recipe offers you a unique version, using cream cheese, which gives it a creamy texture and superb taste. Tiramisu means 'pick me up' in Italian, and this dessert is exactly what will make you feel better after a long day. Let's see together how we can prepare this quick and simple, yet impressive dessert.

Ingredients

- 2 packs (2x200 grams) of ladyfingers
- 400 grams of unsalted cream cheese (like Philadelphia)
- 100 grams of sugar
- 4 fresh eggs
- 2 cups of bitter coffee (made with a drip coffee maker)
- 4-5 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt

Tips about ingredients

- Coffee: Use high-quality coffee, as its flavor will influence the final taste of the tiramisu. Fresh coffee is ideal, but if you have leftover coffee, make sure it is bitter and unsweetened.
- Cream cheese: Choose a quality cream cheese that will provide a rich flavor and smooth texture. The cheese should be at room temperature for easier blending.
- Eggs: Make sure to use fresh eggs, preferably organic, as better taste translates into a more savory dessert.

Step by step for a perfect tiramisu

Step 1: Preparing the coffee
Start by brewing the bitter coffee using the drip coffee maker. Let it cool completely before continuing, so it doesn't melt the ladyfingers.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
In a large bowl, add the egg whites from the 4 eggs along with a pinch of salt. Beat them with a mixer until you achieve a stiff foam. This step is essential for giving the dessert an airy texture.

Step 3: Mixing the yolks with the sugar
In another bowl, mix the yolks with the sugar until they become a whitish and homogeneous mixture. This process helps to completely dissolve the sugar, providing sweetness and a fine texture to the cream.

Step 4: Adding the cheese
Once the yolk and sugar mixture becomes homogeneous, add the cream cheese. Gently mix with a spatula or mixer until everything is well combined without losing the air from the egg whites.

Step 5: Incorporating the egg whites
Now, take the egg white foam and fold it into the cream cheese mixture with slow and gentle movements from top to bottom to preserve the air in the foam. This will make the dessert light and creamy.

Step 6: Assembling the tiramisu
In a rectangular glass dish, start by dipping each ladyfinger in the cold coffee, being careful not to leave them too long, so they don’t become too soft. Place a first layer of ladyfingers at the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the cream cheese. Repeat the process with another layer of ladyfingers and then add the remaining cream cheese.

Step 7: Dusting with cocoa
To finish the dessert, sprinkle a generous amount of cocoa over the cream. This layer not only looks good but also adds a note of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cream.

Step 8: Cooling
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the tiramisu cool in the fridge for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to blend harmoniously.

Serving and variations

After it has chilled, the tiramisu is ready to be served! Cut it into portions and, if you like, you can add a garnish of whipped cream or some grated chocolate on top. Additionally, a delicious idea is to add some fresh berries for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of cheese?
Although cream cheese is the main ingredient, you can experiment with mascarpone, but the original tiramisu recipe is based on this ingredient. However, each variation has its charm!

- How can I store the tiramisu?
Tiramisu keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. It is important to cover it to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.

- Is this dessert suitable for vegans?
Although this recipe is not vegan, you can experiment with vegan alternatives for cheese and eggs, using tofu or coconut cream.

Nutritional benefits

Tiramisu with cream cheese is not only a delicious dessert but also a source of protein due to the eggs and cheese. Additionally, coffee contains antioxidants that can provide health benefits. Of course, moderate consumption is key, but this dessert can be enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Conclusion

Tiramisu with cream cheese is a dessert that will definitely impress anyone who tastes it. It is perfect for a special occasion or for a relaxing evening at home. Cooking at home gives you the opportunity to experiment and create personalized recipes, and this version of tiramisu is proof of that. So, put on an apron and let’s bring a touch of joy to the kitchen! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: -2 packs (2x200 grams) ladyfingers - 400 grams of unsalted Philadelphia cream cheese - 100 grams of sugar - 4 fresh eggs - 2 cups of bitter coffee (filter) - 4-5 tablespoons of cocoa