Pandoro Tiramisu: A Festive Twist on the Classic Italian Dessert
Category: Desserts
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mascarpone | 250g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Pandoro (Italian Christmas Cake) | 200g |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | To taste |
| Sugar | 50g |
| Coffee (strongly brewed) | 200ml |
| Rum | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar (for egg whites) | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Coffee:
Begin by brewing the coffee, allowing it to cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial, as it will help the layers soak evenly without sogginess. -
-
Separate the Eggs:
Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites, placing the yolks in a large mixing bowl and the egg whites in another. The separation is essential for achieving the perfect texture in the tiramisu. -
Whip the Yolks and Sugar:
To the egg yolks, add 25g of sugar and the vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat them together for about 3 minutes or until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy. This will create the base of your creamy mascarpone filling. -
Add Mascarpone:
Gradually incorporate the mascarpone into the egg yolk mixture, adding it little by little. Continue mixing until you achieve a dense and smooth consistency. This step is vital to getting that luxurious, velvety texture that tiramisu is known for. -
Whip the Egg Whites:
Now, take the egg whites and beat them with 1 teaspoon of sugar until they form soft peaks. This will help the tiramisu filling maintain its light and airy consistency. -
Fold the Egg Whites into the Mascarpone Mixture:
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture. Use soft, circular motions to combine them thoroughly, keeping the texture light and airy. -
Prepare the Pandoro:
Slice the pandoro into 1 cm thick slices. Using a cookie cutter (about 7 cm in diameter), cut out 8 rounds from the slices. These rounds will form the base and layers of your tiramisu. Set aside the leftover pandoro scraps, cutting them into small cubes for garnish. -
Prepare the Coffee Soak:
In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee with the rum. Stir well to mix the ingredients thoroughly. This aromatic mixture will be used to soak the pandoro rounds. -
Assemble the Tiramisu:
Start by placing a thin layer of mascarpone cream at the bottom of each serving glass or dish. Next, place one of the pandoro rounds on top of the cream layer. Drizzle a bit of the coffee-rum mixture over the pandoro to soak it lightly but thoroughly.Add another layer of mascarpone cream on top of the soaked pandoro, followed by another round of pandoro. Repeat the process, ensuring each layer is evenly soaked with the coffee mixture.
Finish by adding a final layer of mascarpone cream, bringing the dessert to the top of your serving glass.
-
Decorate:
Top the tiramisu with the pandoro cubes you’ve cut earlier. These small pieces of pandoro add texture and a festive touch to the dish. Dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder for a finishing touch that balances the sweetness of the cream. -
Chill:
Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. This chilling step ensures the tiramisu maintains its beautiful layered structure when served. -
Serve:
Once chilled, serve your pandoro tiramisu in individual glasses or bowls. The creamy layers, combined with the rich coffee-soaked pandoro, create an indulgent, festive dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion.
Tips and Variations:
- Make Ahead: This tiramisu can be made a day or two in advance. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, making it even more delicious.
- Alcohol-Free Version: If you prefer a non-alcoholic dessert, simply omit the rum and use additional coffee or a splash of flavored syrup (such as hazelnut or vanilla) for added depth.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dessert with a warm espresso or a glass of dessert wine to complement the rich flavors of the tiramisu.
This Pandoro Tiramisu is a unique and delicious twist on the traditional Italian dessert, perfect for creating a memorable treat during the holidays. The tender layers of coffee-soaked pandoro combined with the creamy mascarpone filling offer an unforgettable taste experience that will leave everyone coming back for more.
