Cheesecake Tiramisu: A Perfect Fusion of Two Italian Classics
If you’re craving the luscious, creamy decadence of cheesecake combined with the irresistible flavor of tiramisù, then this Cheesecake Tiramisu is a perfect dessert for you. It beautifully blends the rich, tangy flavors of mascarpone and cream cheese with the bold kick of coffee-soaked savoiardi biscuits and a light dusting of cocoa powder. The result is a dessert that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate, with an indulgent yet balanced taste that makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner, this cheesecake tiramisù will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this cheesecake tiramisù come together to create a dreamy dessert that showcases layers of flavors and textures. You’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Savoiardi (ladyfingers) | 190g |
| Butter (melted) | 100g |
| Coffee (espresso or moka) | 50g |
| Mascarpone cheese | 500g |
| Cream cheese (spreadable) | 250g |
| Sugar | 130g |
| Fresh cream (liquid) | 100g |
| Egg yolks | 100g |
| Water | 45g |
| Gelatin sheets | 10g |
| Savoiardi (ladyfingers) | 120g |
| Coffee (for soaking) | 120g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 10g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by making the coffee. You’ll need a total of 170g of coffee, which you can prepare using your espresso machine or moka pot. Let it cool to a warm temperature, but don’t allow it to become cold.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan, ensuring it doesn’t burn. Once melted, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Next, crush the savoiardi biscuits in a food processor or blender until they form a fine crumb. Once crushed, transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl. Add the melted butter and the first 50g of cooled coffee. Stir well to combine, ensuring the mixture is evenly moistened.
Prepare a 22 cm springform pan by greasing it with butter and lining it with parchment paper. Pour the savoiardi mixture into the pan and press it down evenly with the back of a spoon to compact it. Place the pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the base to firm up.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Filling
While the base is setting in the fridge, it’s time to make the creamy filling. Start by soaking the gelatin sheets in cold water for a few minutes until they soften.
In a small saucepan, combine 45g of water with 65g of sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature. Once it reaches 115°C, remove it from the heat.
Now, beat the egg yolks and the remaining 65g of sugar in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Start mixing on medium speed. As soon as the sugar syrup reaches 120°C, carefully add it to the egg yolk mixture in a thin stream, allowing it to incorporate smoothly. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy and has cooled to room temperature.
In a separate saucepan, heat the fresh cream over low heat—just warm it up, don’t bring it to a boil. Add the softened gelatin sheets to the warm cream, stirring to dissolve them completely. Once dissolved, set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
Now, add the mascarpone and cream cheese to the stand mixer, one tablespoon at a time, and mix on low speed until smooth and well incorporated. Once the cheese is blended into the mixture, slowly add the cream and gelatin mixture, continuing to mix until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake Tiramisu
Remove the base from the fridge. Spread a layer of the prepared cream mixture over the biscuit base, smoothing it out with a spatula to ensure it’s even.
Take the remaining 120g of coffee and dip the second batch of savoiardi biscuits quickly into the coffee, making sure they’re moistened but not soggy. Arrange the dipped savoiardi in concentric circles over the cream layer in the pan. Press down gently to ensure they adhere.
Top with the second layer of cream, spreading it evenly to cover the savoiardi layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 4: Chill and Finish
Once assembled, cover the cheesecake tiramisù with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cheesecake to set properly.
Before serving, remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and peel off the parchment paper from the edges.
To decorate the top, you have a couple of options. For a simple finish, lightly dust the surface of the cheesecake with unsweetened cocoa powder. If you want to create a beautiful checkerboard pattern like a traditional tiramisù, here’s how you can do it:
- On a piece of parchment paper, draw a circle with the same diameter as the cake.
- Using a ruler, divide the circle into equal-sized squares, forming a grid pattern.
- With a sharp knife or an Exacto blade, cut out alternate squares to create a checkerboard pattern.
- Place the stencil on top of the cheesecake, ensuring it’s centered. Gently dust the exposed areas with cocoa powder.
Once the stencil is removed, you should be left with a beautiful checkerboard design on the cheesecake, adding an extra layer of elegance.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully slice your cheesecake tiramisù and serve chilled. The creamy filling, soaked biscuits, and delicate cocoa dusting combine for a rich and indulgent experience with every bite. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or as a decadent treat, this dessert is sure to wow your guests and leave them coming back for more.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 80mg |
| Calcium | 60mg |
This Cheesecake Tiramisu combines the best of both worlds: the creamy texture of cheesecake with the irresistible coffee flavors of tiramisù. The rich mascarpone and cream cheese filling provides a smooth base that pairs perfectly with the moist, coffee-soaked savoiardi biscuits. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration or a simple family dinner, this dessert is sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the elegance and deliciousness of this classic Italian-inspired treat!
