Classic Tiramisu

Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 16 oz mascarpone cheese
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups strong brewed coffee or espresso
• 2 tbsp coffee liqueur
• 2 packages (7 oz each) ladyfinger cookies
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Steps

1. 1Whisk the egg yolks and half the sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water (not touching the water). Whisk constantly 8 to 10 minutes until pale, thick, and doubled — this cooks the yolks safely and is called a zabaglione.
2. 2Remove from the heat and whisk in the mascarpone until smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
3. 3In a separate bowl, whip the cream with the remaining sugar to soft peaks. Fold it gently into the mascarpone mixture.
4. 4Stir the coffee liqueur into the cooled coffee. Dip each ladyfinger briefly — a quick in-and-out, not a soak, or they turn mushy — and arrange a layer in a 9-by-9 dish.
5. 5Spread half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining cream.
6. 6Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Dust generously with cocoa powder just before serving.