Description
This tiramisu ice cream recipe transforms the classic Italian dessert into a rich, creamy frozen treat. Featuring a smooth mascarpone custard base infused with bold espresso and layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and chocolate, it delivers all the traditional tiramisu flavors in every scoop. Perfect for make-ahead entertaining and coffee-inspired dessert nights, this elegant dessert is indulgent yet balanced and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Dairy Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
Custard & Flavorings
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Espresso Mixture
- ½ cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
Additional Ingredients & Garnish
- 12–15 ladyfinger biscuits
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup or melted dark chocolate
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Heat Dairy: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk and heavy cream until steaming, making sure it does not boil.
- Whisk Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the warm dairy into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Cook Custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Mascarpone: Remove the custard from heat and whisk in the softened mascarpone cheese until smooth and fully combined.
- Flavor & Cool: Stir in vanilla extract and allow the custard to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn following the manufacturer’s instructions until reaching a soft-serve consistency.
- Prepare Espresso Soak: In a shallow bowl, mix cooled espresso with coffee liqueur if using. Quickly dip ladyfingers in the mixture to lightly soak, then break into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer Ice Cream: In a freezer-safe container, place half of the churned ice cream, then layer with soaked ladyfingers and drizzle chocolate syrup or melted dark chocolate.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining ice cream, followed by another layer of ladyfingers and more chocolate drizzle.
- Finish & Freeze: Dust the top lightly with unsweetened cocoa powder. Cover tightly and freeze for 4–6 hours until firm.
Notes
- For extra texture, add mini chocolate chips to the ice cream before layering.
- Boost coffee flavor by mixing espresso powder into the custard.
- Swirl caramel sauce into the layers for added sweetness.
- Use dark chocolate shavings instead of syrup for a richer finish.
- Omit coffee liqueur for a non-alcoholic version.
- Store ice cream tightly covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, pressing plastic wrap onto the surface to maintain creaminess.
- Let ice cream soften at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze custard in a container and stir every 30–45 minutes until creamy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: Italian