Classic Tiramisu Measurements
500g
Mascarpone (2¼ cups)
36-40
Ladyfinger cookies
9x13 inch Pan
Serves 8-10 people
Complete Tiramisu Recipe (9x13 Pan)
Cream Layer:
- • 500g (2¼ cups) mascarpone
- • 6 large egg yolks
- • ¾ cup (150g) sugar
- • ⅓ cup (80ml) sweet Marsala wine
- • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Coffee Mixture & Assembly:
- • 36-40 ladyfinger cookies
- • 1½ cups (360ml) strong espresso (cooled)
- • 3 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- • 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for dusting)
- • Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Ladyfinger Quantity by Pan Size
9x13 inch Pan (Classic)
Two layers + sides
36-40
8x8 inch Square
Smaller portion, two layers
24
Individual Glasses (6oz)
Per serving
2-3
Mascarpone Substitutes & Measurements
If you can't find mascarpone (500g needed):
Option 1: Cream Cheese Blend (Best)
- 400g (1¾ cups) cream cheese, softened
- + 100ml (7 tbsp) heavy cream
- Mix until smooth. Closest texture to mascarpone.
Option 2: Ricotta Blend
- 400g (1¾ cups) whole milk ricotta (drained)
- + 100g (½ cup) cream cheese
- Blend until very smooth. Slightly grainy texture.
Option 3: Pure Cream Cheese (Emergency)
- 500g (2¼ cups) cream cheese, softened
- + 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Works but tangier. Authentic taste requires mascarpone.
Coffee Soaking Technique
✅ Correct Method
- • Quick dip: Submerge each side for 1-2 seconds only
- • Room temp coffee: Never hot (melts mascarpone)
- • One at a time: Don't soak multiple ladyfingers together
- • Immediate assembly: Layer right after soaking
❌ Common Mistakes
- • Over-soaking: Soggy, mushy texture
- • Hot coffee: Ladyfingers dissolve, cream melts
- • Dry ladyfingers: Hard, crunchy tiramisu
- • Uneven soaking: Some hard, some mushy
Assembly Tips
🧈 Room Temperature Mascarpone
Let mascarpone sit at room temp 30 minutes before mixing. Cold mascarpone won't blend smoothly with eggs and creates lumps.
🥚 Temper the Egg Yolks
Whisk egg yolks with sugar over double boiler until thick and pale (5-7 min). This pasteurizes eggs and creates silky texture.
❄️ Refrigerate Overnight
Tiramisu needs 6-8 hours (or overnight) to set. The flavors meld and ladyfingers soften perfectly. Don't serve immediately!