Baking and desserts
Egg-Free Tiramisu
Classic tiramisu uses raw eggs and mascarpone, but many people are wary of raw eggs at home and mascarpone is not always easy to find. This version solves both. A filling of full-fat cream cheese and whipped cream turns out just as light and silky, holds its layers and does not weep. Ladyfingers soak up strong coffee in seconds and turn cake-soft. It takes 25 minutes to assemble, then a night in the fridge brings all the flavours together. A reliable dessert for a special occasion.
Method
Tap a step to mark it done.
Make the coffee and let it cool completely. Add a tablespoon of sugar if you like.
Whip the cold cream with half the icing sugar to soft, stable peaks, 2-3 minutes.
In another bowl briefly beat the cream cheese with the remaining icing sugar and vanilla sugar on low speed until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Fold the whipped cream into the cheese in 2-3 additions. The cream should be thick and airy.
Dip each ladyfinger quickly in the coffee, 1-2 seconds per side, and lay them tightly in a dish of about 20 x 20 cm.
Spread half the cream over the biscuits.
Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and cover with the rest of the cream.
Cover with cling film and chill for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.
Just before serving, dust generously with cocoa through a small sieve.
Tips for success
- Do not soak the ladyfingers for more than 2 seconds. They keep absorbing moisture from the cream and can turn to mush.
- Do not overbeat the cream cheese or it goes runny.
- Dust with cocoa just before serving, otherwise it absorbs moisture and darkens.
- For a grown-up version, add 2 tablespoons of amaretto or brandy to the coffee.
Serving and storage
Serve chilled, cut into squares, or assemble in individual glasses. An espresso and a few fresh berries on the side are perfect.
Keeps covered in the fridge for 3 days. Freeze for up to a month, thaw in the fridge and dust with cocoa before serving.
Variations
- Berry: use berry syrup instead of coffee and layer with strawberries or raspberries.
- Chocolate: grate dark chocolate between the layers.
- In glasses: layer into 6 glasses; these are ready in 3-4 hours.
Calories and macros
Per serving (about 199 g):
Per 100 g: 277 kcal, P 4.1, F 19.1, C 22.4. An estimate based on average ingredient values. Your daily calories ›
