What Type of Coffee is Best for Tiramisu?

Originating from Italy, Tiramisu is a layered dessert, traditionally made with ladyfingers soaked in freshly brewed coffee, layered with a creamy blend of eggs, sugar and mascarpone, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. This classic dessert has become a beloved staple in cafes and homes worldwide.

Coffee isn't just an ingredient in tiramisu; it's the very backbone of its unique flavour profile. It provides a crucial counterpoint to the dessert's rich sweetness, cutting through the creaminess with its intense, aromatic bitterness.

By cutting through the richness, the coffee prevents the tiramisu from being overly sweet, transforming it into a dessert with a complex and refined taste.

Beyond a simple caffeine boost, coffee in tiramisu adds complexity and depth. Its bold notes interact with the delicate sweetness of the mascarpone and ladyfingers, creating a harmonious blend where neither ingredient overwhelms the other. The coffee's role is to enhance, not dominate.

Espresso, with its concentrated flavour and velvety rich crema, is the classic choice for a tiramisu. With the strongest flavour profile, it works to strike the balance of flavour when paired with the creamy mascarpone. For maximum impact, use freshly brewed coffee - try with our convenient espresso pods - and thoroughly soak the ladyfingers.

Decaf coffee ensures that the entire family, including the youngest members, can enjoy the rich and authentic tiramisu flavour without any caffeine concerns, making it a perfect shared dessert experience.

We've explored the best coffee types for tiramisu; now, let's focus on techniques to really make those flavours shine. These tips will help you craft a tiramisu that tastes like it came from a professional Italian kitchen.

If using a NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® coffee machine, we recommend using our espresso pods to get a strong, rich flavour. The coffee's strength should complement the dessert's sweetness. If you're using more mascarpone and sugar, opt for our Espresso Intenso pods to ensure a perfect flavour balance.

When pairing coffee with ingredients like the creamy mascarpone in Tiramisu, choose a bold yet smooth coffee. A medium roast can strike the right balance, allowing the coffee's rich notes to complement the mascarpone's delicate sweetness without overpowering it. Beyond the basics consider these options:

• Coffee Styles: Some prefer Americano for its nuanced flavors, while others advocate for a Lungo blend's balanced, roasty notes.
• Flavour Additions: For a unique twist, flavoured Monin syrups like almond, vanilla, or even hazelnut can be incorporated into the coffee, creating a harmonious blend with the coffee and mascarpone.
• Liqueur Infusions: A splash of liqueur, such as marsala or amaretto, can really enhance the flavor and depth of the coffee component.