Tiramisù, as we all know, is the quintessential Italian dessert. With its creamy texture given by the velvety mascarpone cream and that bitter touch of coffee, it is a sure winner with everyone.
Some prefer to follow the traditional recipe using ladyfingers and cacao, while others like to experiment with other biscuit types or indulgent new variations with strawberries or pistachios. Different recipes, the same result: Tiramisù is a true delight for the taste buds and there is something for everyone!
The traditional Tiramisù
Tiramisù boasts a lengthy history and its recipe has been passed down through generations. That is why methods differ depending on where in Italy it is being made. Let’s be honest, every Italian keeps their grandmother’s recipe somewhere in the house, with those secret tips that make each Tiramisù unique and delicious.
The traditional Tiramisù recipe has a few simple ingredients: Savoiardi biscuits (ladyfingers), mascarpone, eggs, sugar, coffee and bitter cacao (and a dash of Marsala or rum to taste). Then there are those who like replacing the ladyfingers with other biscuits, such as Pavesini or even crispier types, and those who, driven by indulgence, cannot resist a good Tiramisù with cream.
On the contrary, if for some reason you can’t enjoy the traditional recipe, but you don’t want to give up the taste of Tiramisù, you can always rely on alternatives to the classic dessert. For example, if you have an egg allergy, you can follow an egg-free Tiramisù recipe; if you prefer a lighter version, you can opt for a mascarpone-free Tiramisù, replacing it with Greek yogurt and honey or low-fat ricotta. And of course, for those who follow a vegetable-based diet there is always the vegan Tiramisù variation, without eggs or mascarpone, but rather a cashew cream made with soy milk and maple syrup or vegan whipped cream and tofu.
Tiramisù revisited
For anyone passionate about experimenting and always on the lookout for new flavours and unusual combinations, we would like to recommend some simple, tasty variants of Tiramisù. The first reinterpretation boasts fruit as its main ingredient; or more specifically, the strawberry Tiramisù. A wonderfully fresh alternative, perfect in warmer weather, that uses a delicate strawberry purée instead of coffee. Pieces of fruit are also added between the Tiramisù layers, and enhanced by a mint-leaf garnish.
Another sweet alternative to classic Tiramisù is the Pistachio Tiramisù, where the mascarpone cream is replaced with a delicious pistachio cream and the cacao with a crunchy pistachio grain. If you prefer less sugary flavours, then Lemon Tiramisù is the one for you. The crème patisserie and fresh lemon juice used instead of coffee make this a wonderfully pleasing and light dessert. Coconut Tiramisù, on the other hand, is the perfect solution for those seeking a balance between tradition and innovation, as it simply involves adding a drop of coconut milk to the mascarpone cream and a dusting of coconut flakes as decoration.
Last but certainly not least, the Nutella Tiramisù with its delicious mascarpone cream made with the much-loved chocolate and hazelnut Italian classic. Garnished with chopped hazelnuts for an added crunch, this variation is perfect for the little ones (we recommend replacing the ladyfingers with chocolate biscuits to make the dessert even more indulgent).
To sum up, Tiramisù is the typical pudding that brings everyone together, young and old. From traditional recipes to creative recipes, from single portions to whole cakes, here at Restaurant Amedeo we love this dessert in all its variations. If you fancy tasting ours, come and visit us: Tiramisù is always on the menu!