Tiramisu recipe with walnut base

Walnut Base Tiramisu: A Sweet Delight for the Holidays

Often, the most beautiful memories are built around the table. Tiramisu, this iconic Italian dessert, has managed to win the hearts of many generations, and today I will share with you a special version I created for my son Cristian's birthday. Instead of traditional ladyfingers, I chose to use a walnut base, which adds a crunchy texture and a deep flavor to this delicious dessert. Together, we will embark on the preparation of this unique tiramisu, full of personality, that will bring smiles to the faces of our loved ones.

Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Number of Servings: 10

Ingredients:

*For the Base:*
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of ground walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of flour

*For the Cream:*
- 1 box of mascarpone cheese (about 500 g)
- 4 eggs
- 100 g of powdered sugar
- 300 ml of Hulala whipped cream (or liquid cream)

*For the Syrup:*
- 5 sachets of Ness (about 15 g)
- 200 ml of water
- 1 tablespoon of cognac

*For the Glaze:*
- Dr. Oetker chocolate glaze (or a homemade chocolate glaze recipe)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray (usually 20x30 cm) by lining it with baking paper.

Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a firm foam. This step is crucial for obtaining a fluffy and airy base.

In a separate bowl, mix the yolks with the sugar until they become a frothy and light-colored cream. Add the ground walnuts and flour, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.

Incorporate the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture with delicate up-and-down movements. Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and bake for 20 minutes or until the base is golden and passes the toothpick test.

2. Preparing the Cream:
While the base is in the oven, you can prepare the cream. Beat the 4 eggs with the powdered sugar in a bowl until they become a smooth cream. Add the mascarpone cheese and continue mixing until well combined.

In another bowl, whip the Hulala cream until it becomes firm. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, being careful to preserve the air.

3. Preparing the Syrup:
In a small bowl, dissolve the Ness sachets in warm water. Add the cognac and mix well. This syrup will add an intense flavor to your dessert.

4. Assembling the Tiramisu:
Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into four equal parts. Soak each layer of the base with the Ness syrup, ensuring it is well moistened.

Place the first layer of the base on a platter and cover it with a portion of the mascarpone cream. Continue alternating layers of base and cream, finishing with a layer of cream on top.

5. Glazing:
Prepare the chocolate glaze according to the instructions on the package. Pour the warm glaze over the tiramisu and let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally, leave it overnight.

This waiting time is crucial as it allows the flavors to blend perfectly and makes the dessert easier to cut.

Serving:
When you're ready to serve the tiramisu, cut it into portions and sprinkle a little cocoa or ground walnuts on top for an attractive look. It is a perfect dessert for special occasions, but it can also be enjoyed on ordinary days, alongside a glass of sweet wine or a fragrant coffee.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before using them. This helps to better homogenize the mixtures.
- If you prefer an alcohol-free version, you can omit the cognac from the syrup or replace it with vanilla essence.
- If you want a more intense coffee flavor, you can add a few drops of coffee essence to the mascarpone cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of nuts? Absolutely! Pecan or ground almond nuts are excellent alternatives.
- How long can tiramisu be kept in the fridge? Usually, it keeps well for 3-4 days, but the taste is best in the first 48 hours.
- Is it a suitable dessert for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan cream and an egg replacer, but the texture and taste will be different.

Nutritional Benefits:
This walnut base tiramisu is a good source of protein due to the eggs and mascarpone cream. The walnuts add healthy fats and fiber, while the whipped cream brings an extra flavor. Of course, like any dessert, it should be consumed in moderation, but it is a better choice compared to many other commercial sweets.

In the end, I hope this walnut base tiramisu recipe brings not only sweet moments but also unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this dessert will surely leave an unforgettable impression. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Tiramisu original recipe Base: 5 eggs, 5 tablespoons sugar, 5 tablespoons ground walnuts, 2 tablespoons flour Cream: 1 box mascarpone cream, 4 eggs, 100 g powdered sugar, 300 ml whipped cream Syrup: 5 sachets of instant coffee (about 15 g), 200 ml water, 1 tablespoon brandy Chocolate glaze from Dr. Oetker

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