Olive Garden Tiramisu Recipe: Classic Italian Delight at Home
Tiramisu, a classic Italian dessert, is one of the world’s most popular and loved desserts. With its creamy layers of sponge cake soaked in coffee and liqueur, this delightful dessert is the perfect way to end a meal.
This Olive Garden Tiramisu recipe stands out among all the others, with its signature blend of strong Italian coffee and mascarpone cheese, making it the perfect dessert after an Italian meal. This blog will share the secret to making the perfect Olive Garden Tiramisu (Italian style) at home.
The traditional Tiramisu consists of ladyfingers soaked in a mixture of coffee and liqueur, layered with mascarpone cheese, sugar, and whipped cream. The dessert is then finished with a dusting of cocoa powder.
The result is a creamy, decadent dessert that will tantalize your taste buds. Many restaurant recipes stick to the traditional Tiramisu recipe, but some deviations can be found. We’ll list some of the most common variations at the bottom of this article.
Olive Garden Tiramisu Recipe
Preparation Time
The preparation time for this Olive Garden Tiramisu recipe is approximately 30 minutes, not including the refrigeration time.
However, it is best to refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and for the dish to set correctly. So, including refrigeration time, you should allow at least 2 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
How Many People Does this Recipe Serve?
Depending on the serving size, this recipe serves approximately 6-8 people. Remember that the serving size can vary depending on individual preferences and portion sizes.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make the perfect Olive Garden Copycat recipe.
- 6 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound mascarpone cheese
- 24 ladyfingers
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 4 teaspoons of cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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Instructions
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a medium saucepan until well blended. Whisk in the milk and cook over high heat, constantly stirring, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold in the mascarpone cheese.
- In a small bowl, blend coffee and rum. Dip the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture, then arrange them in a single layer in an x8-inch serving dish. Make sure to place the cut surface of the bottom layer of ladyfingers facing down.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, completely covering the middle of the sponge cake. That’s the bottom half of the cake.
- Repeat with another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers and the other half of the cheese mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
- Melt the chocolate chips and oil over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Take a tight-mesh strainer, then sprinkle top the cocoa powder over the tiramisu by gently tapping the side of the strainer. Serve chilled.
Tips and Tricks
- Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before making the tiramisu (you’ll want to beat room-temperature cheese). This will ensure that everything blends perfectly.
- Use a tight-mesh strainer to strain the egg yolk mixture, removing any lumps and making the mixture smoother.
- Place the ladyfingers soaked side-by-side to create a compact layer when layering them.
- To make the mascarpone mixture extra creamy, use an electric mixer to beat the room-temperature cheese in a medium metal bowl.
- If you’re not a fan of rum, you can substitute it with a bit of Kahlua or Marsala wine.
Olive Garden Tiramisu Recipes Variations
Variation #1: Substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese
Mascarpone cheese and cream cheese are two different types of cheese, although they are sometimes used interchangeably in recipes. Mascarpone cheese is a type of Italian cheese that is rich, creamy, and sweet. It is often used in desserts such as Tiramisu, providing a smooth and velvety texture.
Cream cheese, on the other hand, is a tangy and creamy cheese commonly used in spreads, dips, and baked goods. It has less fat than mascarpone cheese and is not as sweet.
While mascarpone and cream cheese can have similar textures, they have different flavors and are used in different cooking methods.
In recipes for Tiramisu, it is recommended to use mascarpone cheese for the traditional flavor and texture, but in a pinch, cream cheese can be substituted. However, the final result may have a slightly different taste and texture.
Variation #2: Use a coffee liqueur such as Kahlua to make Tiramisu
Yes, coffee liqueur, such as a Kahlua mixture, can be used in Tiramisu as a substitute for the traditional mixture of coffee and rum.
Coffee liqueur adds a coffee flavor and a touch of sweetness to the dessert, complementing the mascarpone cheese and ladyfingers. Using coffee liqueur can add a unique twist to the classic Tiramisu recipe and enhance its flavor.
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When using coffee liqueur in Tiramisu, it’s best to use a good quality liqueur such as Kahlua.
Replace the rum in the recipe with an equal amount of coffee liqueur, and soak the ladyfingers in the mixture before layering them with the mascarpone cheese mixture. You can also adjust the amount of coffee liqueur to suit your taste preferences.
Keep in mind that coffee liqueur is stronger and sweeter than coffee, so it may alter the flavor and balance of the Tiramisu. If you prefer a more traditional taste, you may want to stick with the classic mixture of coffee and rum.
Serving and Storing
Tiramisu is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. If you’re making the tiramisu for a special occasion, you can make individual single servings for a more elegant presentation.
To store the tiramisu, cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. The tiramisu will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze Tiramisu?
Yes, you can. Freezing extends the shelf life of Tiramisu by several months, but too much time in the freezer can cause a freezer burn and affect its quality. Usually, Tiramisu lasts up to three months in the freezer.
Italian Tiramisu: Perfect for Any Special Occasion
In conclusion, the Olive Garden Tiramisu is a delicious dessert perfect for any special occasion. With its creamy layers of mascarpone cheese, coffee-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder, this classic Italian dessert is sure to please everyone.
With this easy recipe, you can make the perfect Olive Garden Tiramisu right at home. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this classic Italian delight.
Do you have a sweet tooth? Are you looking for more delicious dessert recipes? Check out our blog for more amazing recipes, including copycat Olive Garden recipes. And if you try this recipe, don’t forget to share your feedback. We’d love to hear from you!
So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start making the perfect Olive Garden Tiramisu today! Your taste buds will thank you.
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