The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed (2024)

The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed (4)

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ByBen Fisher/

Tiramisu is a vital component to any Italian restaurant's dessert menu, but it can be rather pricy. Mascarpone cheese, a slightly sweet Italian-style "cream cheese" is one of the primary components of tiramisu. Around half a pound is used for a single 8-inch cake, according toOh Sweet Day.

Although we don't typically think of Philadelphia Cream Cheese as a luxurious item, mascarpone, the real Italian stuff (cheaper domestic versions are available), can be quite costly at more than $7 per pound, and probably even more expensive at a specialty foods store. One way around this is by making it at home. All that's required is heavy cream and lemon juice, and a candy thermometer is strongly recommended (perAn Italian in my Kitchen).

While many modern home cooks who make the famous dessert posit that the cost has to do with the cheese, the man behind the recipe has a different take.

The inventor begs to differ

The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed (5)

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Roberto Linguanotto, a Venetian pastry chef who is often credited with the invention of tiramisu back in the 1960s, says that his creation is expensive because of the espressoused in another essential component to the dessert: espresso-soaked ladyfingers (via The Straits Times). If you aren't familiar with them, lady fingers are eggy sponge cakes shaped like, well, a big finger, the result of piping batter on a baking sheet to achieve the effect, perJoy of Baking. Linguanotto points out that each ladyfinger has to be dipped in espresso before being added to the cake, which contributes to the costliness.

Consider that a shot of espresso is tiny, typically around 1 ounce. Given the fact that ladyfingers are sponge cakes, it should come as no surprise that they act like one when introduced to a liquid, requiring a good deal of espresso be used. And don't forget that indulgent, and fittingly-expensive mascarpone cheese! All of these put together result in a pricy pastry — but a very delicious one that's likely worth the cost.

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The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed (2024)

FAQs

The Real Reason Tiramisu Can Be So Expensive - Mashed? ›

Roberto Linguanotto, a Venetian pastry chef who is often credited with the invention of tiramisu back in the 1960s, says that his creation is expensive because of the espresso used in another essential component to the dessert: espresso-soaked ladyfingers (via The Straits Times).

Why is tiramisu so expensive? ›

Tiramisu is one mysterious dessert that costs a lot in a restaurant, but in fact takes no hassle to make at home. I guess the pricey mascarpone cheese is the reason why tiramisu is expensive, although other ingredients are quite inexpensive.

Why is my tiramisu mushy? ›

She uses crisp ladyfingers and subsequently dips them in a mixture of rum and coffee. It is this dipping stage that makes or breaks a tiramisu. According to Garten, if you dip your ladyfingers for too long, they will turn soggy. However, if you don't dip them for long enough, they won't absorb the proper flavor.

What is Costco tiramisu made of? ›

While a tiramisu is normally made with soaked lady fingers, this cake mostly uses coffee-soaked sponge cake with creamy mascarpone filling. It is then topped off with a sprinkle of chocolate powder, chocolate shavings or espresso beans.

What is special about tiramisu? ›

The delicate flavor of layers of mascarpone and Italian custard are contrasted with the darkly robust presence of espresso and sharpness of cocoa powder. The name itself, tiramisu, means “pick me up” in Italian most likely referring to the two caffeinated ingredients that are present in the dish, espresso and cocoa.

Do Italians eat tiramisu? ›

Tiramisu's origins may well be the most debated of Italian dolci (“desserts”), but one thing everyone can agree on is that it is certainly Italy's most uplifting dessert. Beloved by many across the globe, it's name translates as 'pick/pull me up', owing to its rich cocoa and coffee-infused flavours.

What is the difference between Italian and American tiramisu? ›

Traditional Italian tiramisu does not contain cream–the mascarpone “cream” is composed of simply mascarpone, eggs and sugar. However, our selection of mostly Americanized recipe did include 5 recipes that used heavy cream (ranging from 2 tablespoons to 2 cups).

Was tiramisu a mistake? ›

Although he is credited with creating the tiramisu for owning the restaurant where the dessert came from, it is said that the discovery was actually made by Chef Linguanotto and Signora Campeol who were preparing a vanilla ice cream when a spoonful of mascarpone fell by mistake. in the mixture of sugar and egg yolks.

How firm should tiramisu be? ›

Aim for whipped cream with firm peaks: You want the whipped cream to be in between soft peaks, where the tips of the whipped cream soften down on themselves, and stiff peaks when the peaks stand straight up. You want a little wobble in your peaks.

Are the ladyfingers in tiramisu supposed to be soggy? ›

(Make sure you dip for only a second—you don't want the ladyfingers to be soaked to the center or your tiramisu will end up mushy.) Depending on how you arrange the ladyfingers, you should get 19 to 20 in the dish; you may have to trim a little off the ends of the ones in the corners.

Does Costco tiramisu go bad? ›

They do need to be refrigerated, and can last about a month with refrigeration.

How long does tiramisu last? ›

How to Store Tiramisu. Leftovers should be refrigerated immediately and will last 4 days. You can either transfer it to an airtight container or wrap the dish well with plastic. If you plan on making this recipe ahead of time, it's best served after 1-2 days.

How much is Costco's tiramisu cake? ›

Perfect for serving at parties (or for a party of one), Costco's Kirkland Signature Tiramisu Bar Cake reportedly retails for around $15.99 and weighs a hefty 38 ounces, or about two-and-a-half pounds.

Why is tiramisu cake so expensive? ›

The inventor begs to differ. Roberto Linguanotto, a Venetian pastry chef who is often credited with the invention of tiramisu back in the 1960s, says that his creation is expensive because of the espresso used in another essential component to the dessert: espresso-soaked ladyfingers (via The Straits Times).

What not to do when making tiramisu? ›

Roberto Lestani, who for the occasion revealed to us the 3 mistakes not to make to prepare a stunning tiramisu!
  1. 1: excessively whipping the mascarpone! ...
  2. 2: once together, don't immediately mix the yolks and sugar! ...
  3. 3: Neglect stratification!
Jun 16, 2020

Is tiramisu very unhealthy? ›

Tiramisu is the clear loser here at 400 calories for 5 ounces. The primary ingredients are usually some mixture of creamy fats, processed sugars and alcohol. A typical recipe calls for eggs, mascarpone cheese, ladyfingers, cream, espresso, liquor (e.g., brandy, Marsala or rum), sugar, and cocoa or shaved chocolate.

What is real tiramisu made of? ›

Original ingredients

Traditional tiramisu contains ladyfingers (savoiardi), egg yolks, sugar, coffee, mascarpone and cocoa powder.

Is tiramisu the most popular dessert in Italy? ›

Tiramisu

Perhaps the most iconic Italian dessert, tiramisu appears on menus at restaurants not only throughout Italy but also all over the world.

Is tiramisu better the longer it sits? ›

Homemade tiramisu lasts for up to 3 days in the fridge.

As it sits, it gets better and better. You can freeze tiramisu for up to 3 months, although the texture and flavor will be slightly different as it thaws.

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