Description
This easy, zesty tiramisu layers creamy mascarpone with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich dark chocolate, bright orange zest, and a splash of Grand Marnier for a showstopping, make-ahead dessert. Perfect for entertaining or a special treat at home.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (450 g) mascarpone cheese, chilled
- 4 large eggs, separated, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
- 24–30 Italian ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- 1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed espresso or dark coffee, cooled
- 2 tbsp Grand Marnier (optional, for coffee soak)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate, chopped or chips (at least 60% cacao)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Extra orange zest, for garnish (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish (optional)
- Additional cocoa powder for dusting (optional)
- Thin orange slices or candied orange peel, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brew 1 cup strong espresso or coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
- Separate 4 eggs, placing yolks in one bowl and whites in another.
- Finely grate orange zest (about 1 tbsp) and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick (2-3 minutes).
- Add mascarpone, vanilla, orange zest, and 1/4 cup Grand Marnier to the yolk mixture. Beat until just smooth and creamy.
- With clean beaters, whip egg whites on high until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture in batches, using a rubber spatula.
- In a shallow dish, combine cooled coffee with 2 tbsp Grand Marnier (if using).
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger (1-2 seconds per side) in the coffee mixture.
- Arrange half the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer in a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Spread half the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
- Melt dark chocolate with butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top mascarpone layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Just before serving, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with extra orange zest, chocolate shavings, or orange slices if desired.
Notes
For best results, keep mascarpone and eggs cold before mixing. Use pasteurized eggs if concerned about raw eggs. Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid sogginess. Chill overnight for optimal flavor and texture. Gluten-free ladyfingers can be used for a gluten-free version. For an alcohol-free version, substitute orange juice for Grand Marnier.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/10th of the pan
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 70
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: tiramisu, chocolate orange tiramisu, Grand Marnier dessert, easy tiramisu, make-ahead dessert, Italian dessert, mascarpone, orange liqueur, holiday dessert, no bake dessert