Tiramisu Recipe with Homemade Mascarpone

A fabulous alcohol-free version of tiramisu that's rich, decadent and not too sweet. Use store bought or homemade mascarpone; instructions included.

A square-shaped serving of tiramisu, an Italian dessert made by layering coffee-dipped ladyfingers with a mascarpone cream cheese mixture. The top of the dessert is heavily dusted with cocoa powder.
Tiramisu. Photo: Pixabay

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The classic Italian dessert of tiramisu can be found in restaurants throughout Morocco, where it's usually prepared without the addition of alcohol. We enjoy it most, however, when made at home using the recipe below.

What Exactly Is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a coffee-flavored layered dessert. It's made by dipping ladyfingers in strong coffee or espresso, then layering them in a dish with a mascarpone cheese and pastry cream mixture. This version also calls for a layer of whipped cream as well. A generous dusting of cocoa powder serves as garnish. Creamy, decadent and so delicious!

Why Use Homemade Mascarpone

Mascarpone, an Italian cream cheese, is key to making tiramisu. It's available in some Moroccan grocery stores, but since it's a specialty ingredient it can be a bit pricey. If you use it regularly, you can buy it when it's on sale and freeze it.

That said, I found that it's quite easy and usually less expensive to make my own mascarpone at home. Instructions for making homemade mascarpone are included in the recipe. If taking that extra step, plan to do it a day or two before assembly.

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A square-shaped serving of tiramisu, an Italian dessert made by layering coffee-dipped ladyfingers with a mascarpone cream cheese mixture. The top of the dessert is heavily dusted with cocoa powder.

Tiramisu Recipe with Homemade Mascarpone

Christine Benlafquih | Taste of Maroc
This alcohol-free version of Tiramisu is made by dipping ladyfingers in strong coffee, layering them with a creamy mascarpone cheese mixture and whipped cream, and topping all with cocoa powder. A very rich and special dessert. 
The recipe includes instructions for making your own mascarpone. This should be done a day ahead of time or you can use store bought mascarpone instead.