Christmas tiramisu with spices (no raw eggs)
Prep: 25 min · Makes: 8 · For:
Tiramisu is always a favourite, and with a little cinnamon, ginger and orange it tastes like Christmas. This version has no raw eggs: mascarpone and whipped cream make a light, stable cream that sets beautifully overnight.
It is the ideal make-ahead dessert. Assemble it on Christmas Eve and simply dust it with cocoa before serving.
Tips
- Quick dips. Soggy fingers make a wet tiramisu; one second per side is enough.
- Cold cream, cold bowl. It whips faster and holds its shape.
- Give it time. The flavours need at least 6 hours to come together.
Variations
- Individual glasses: break the sponge fingers into pieces and layer everything in small glasses.
- Gingerbread: add 1 tsp extra mixed spice and crumble a few spiced biscuits on top.
- Berry: add a layer of raspberries for colour and freshness.
Ingredients
- 250 g mascarpone
- 300 ml double cream, cold
- 75 g icing sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- a pinch each of ground cloves and nutmeg
- grated zest of 1 orange
- 300 ml strong coffee or espresso, cooled
- 3 tbsp amaretto or coffee liqueur (optional, see the alcohol-free version)
- about 24 sponge fingers (savoiardi)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, for dusting
- 30 g dark chocolate, grated (optional)
Method
- Mix the cooled coffee with the liqueur, if using, in a shallow dish.
- In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone with the icing sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg and orange zest until smooth.
- Add the cold cream and whisk until the mixture is thick and holds soft peaks. Do not overbeat, or it can turn grainy.
- Dip the sponge fingers one at a time into the coffee, just for a second on each side, and lay them in a dish of about 20 x 25 cm (or an 8-inch square).
- Spread half of the cream over the first layer. Add a second layer of dipped sponge fingers and cover with the rest of the cream.
- Cover and chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight, so it can set.
- Just before serving, dust generously with cocoa through a sieve and scatter over the grated chocolate.
Questions
How do I make it alcohol-free?
Leave out the liqueur and add 1 tsp vanilla extract or a little orange juice to the coffee instead.
Can children eat tiramisu?
The classic contains coffee, so it is a grown-up dessert. For children, dip the sponge fingers in a mix of orange juice and a little cocoa, or in decaf, and skip the liqueur.
How long does it keep?
Up to 2 days in the fridge, covered. It is at its best on the second day.
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