Olive Garden Tiramisu Copycat Recipe (Italian Dessert)
Ingredients
Custard:
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Espresso Soak:
- 2 3/4 cups hot water
- ½ cup plus 3 tablespoons espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur, optional
Other Ingredients:
- 18-22 ladyfingers
- sweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Mascarpone Custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until they turn light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the egg mixture.Add the mascarpone cheese to the mixture and fold gently until well combined and smooth. Avoid over-mixing.
- Espresso Soak: Stir to combine the hot water and espresso powder, allow to cool. Combine the cooled espresso with the coffee liqueur in a shallow dish.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture. Do not soak them – just a quick dip is enough. Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish or a similar-sized serving dish. Repeat with a second layer of soaked ladyfingers on top of the previous layer. Spread the mascarpone custard over the ladyfingers in an even layer.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.Before serving, dust the top generously with sweetened cocoa powder. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Donna's Notes
1. Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container. It's best consumed within 2-3 days.
- For longer storage, tightly wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze. It can be frozen for up to one month. 2. Freezing Instructions:
- To freeze, assemble the tiramisu in a freezer-safe container. Wrap the container in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add the cocoa powder topping just before serving. 3. Substitutions:
- Mascarpone Cheese: If you can't find mascarpone, a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream can be used as a substitute.
- Espresso Powder: Strongly brewed coffee or a mix of instant coffee and hot water can be used if espresso powder is not available.
- Egg Yolks: For a lighter custard, use a custard powder or pudding mix as an alternative.
- Ladyfingers: If you can't find ladyfingers, sponge cake or angel food cake cut into strips can be used. 4. Tips for Making the Best Tiramisu:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- When dipping ladyfingers in the espresso mixture, do it quickly to prevent them from getting too soggy.
- For an alcohol-free version, skip the coffee liqueur or replace it with a coffee-flavored syrup. 5. Serving Suggestions:
- For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or a few coffee beans.
- Serve in individual cups or glasses for a more elegant presentation. 6. Make-Ahead Tip:
- Tiramisu is a great make-ahead dessert. It tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. 7. Variations:
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache or mix some cocoa powder into the custard for a chocolatey twist.
- Experiment with different liqueurs like Amaretto or Frangelico for a unique flavor.
- Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered container. It's best consumed within 2-3 days.
- For longer storage, tightly wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and freeze. It can be frozen for up to one month. 2. Freezing Instructions:
- To freeze, assemble the tiramisu in a freezer-safe container. Wrap the container in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add the cocoa powder topping just before serving. 3. Substitutions:
- Mascarpone Cheese: If you can't find mascarpone, a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream can be used as a substitute.
- Espresso Powder: Strongly brewed coffee or a mix of instant coffee and hot water can be used if espresso powder is not available.
- Egg Yolks: For a lighter custard, use a custard powder or pudding mix as an alternative.
- Ladyfingers: If you can't find ladyfingers, sponge cake or angel food cake cut into strips can be used. 4. Tips for Making the Best Tiramisu:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- When dipping ladyfingers in the espresso mixture, do it quickly to prevent them from getting too soggy.
- For an alcohol-free version, skip the coffee liqueur or replace it with a coffee-flavored syrup. 5. Serving Suggestions:
- For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or a few coffee beans.
- Serve in individual cups or glasses for a more elegant presentation. 6. Make-Ahead Tip:
- Tiramisu is a great make-ahead dessert. It tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. 7. Variations:
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache or mix some cocoa powder into the custard for a chocolatey twist.
- Experiment with different liqueurs like Amaretto or Frangelico for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 490cal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Cholesterol: 191mg | Sodium: 79mg | Sugar: 15g | Fiber: 0.2g | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 2mg
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe's nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.