Tiramisu Parfait

by Kiran on September 6, 2013 · 108 comments

in Desserts

Preconceived notion.

Dictionary defines this as: noun

an opinion formed beforehand without adequate evidence.

That’s exactly what I did with tiramisu — i had a preconceived notion that it’s one of the most complex desserts to make.

Tiramisu Parfait | KiranTarun.com

Oh tiramisu. How could I ever doubt thee?

There’s definitely no doubt I’m born with a HUGE sweet tooth when it comes to French or Italian desserts. Everything is so tantalizing to taste, hardly tooth-achingly sweet, and just plain AMAZING.

Sigh. If only desserts were calorie free. I could stuff myself silly for every meal.

Tiramisu Parfait | KiranTarun.com

Coming back to the point with “preconceived notion“. This is going to make your mind boggle, in a very good way. Just one taste is enough to convince that you can be a great pastry chef.

Well, I’d love to assume is that simple. Or at least preconceive it that way.

Sometimes you just need a nudge and pull yourself together. Gather the necessary ingredients and go for it. If it turns out delicious, toot your horn all over the place. If its a disaster, there’s no pressure of revealing it to anyone. Just grab and spoon and dig in.

Tiramisu Parfait | KiranTarun.com

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Makes 4 servings (in dessert glasses)

Ingredients:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • pinch of salt
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 4 tbsp amaretto liqueur
  • 1 cup freshly brewed espresso, cooled to room temperature
  • 24 ladyfingers
  • cocoa powder
  • optional: semi-sweet chocolate shavings

Directions:

  1. In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk, whip egg whites and 2 tbsp of sugar on high for 1 minute or until soft peaks. Remove whipped egg whites into a clean bowl.
  2. In the same stand mixer bowl, add egg yolks, 2 tbsp of sugar and a pinch of salt. Whip egg yolks until pale and ribbony, about 1 minute.
  3. Remove bowl from stand mixer and stir in mascarpone cheese and 2 tbsp amaretto liqueur. Gently fold in egg whites until completely incorporate. Do not over-mix. Cover bowl with a cling wrap and refrigerate to chill.
  4. Meantime, brew 1 cup of espresso. Cool espresso to room temperature before adding 2 tbsp of amaretto liqueur.
  5. Add cooled espresso in a large shallow dish (eg. roasting pan). Begin layering tiramisu parfait by dipping ladyfingers one-by-one into espresso for a few seconds, or just enough to moisten. Do not dip longer that required. It’ll be difficult to build layers with moist crumbs 😉
  6. Build a layer with moisten ladyfingers, topped with chilled tiramisu cream and finish it off with a dusting of cocoa powder and chocolate shavings. Continue building a second layer, beginning with ladyfingers, chilled cream and dusting of cocoa powder.
  7. Once all layers are built, refrigerate parfaits for at least 6 to 12 hours before consumption. The longer it sits, the better it gets.

 

Tiramisu Parfait | KiranTarun.com

Enough of a “noun” lesson for one day. Today, I pledge to cook/bake anything I want to, with or without having a preconceived notion. I feel so much better, now that its all out there in the open.

One thing is for sure, there will now be more homemade tiramisu in our life 😉

Any preconceived notion you had earlier about a recipe? Got get ’em!

 

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Comments on this entry are closed.

1 Rosa September 6, 2013 at 8:48 AM

Lovely presentation and fabulous individual Tiramusù.

Cheers,

Rosa

2 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 12:22 AM

Rosa — thank you, friend 🙂

3 Monica September 6, 2013 at 9:35 AM

I can relate, Kiran! I made very similar tiramisu a few months ago from David Lebovitz and we loved it. It was much easier than I thought and it’s one of my husband’s favorite desserts to order when we’re out. I think the same probably goes for souffle…looks incredibly hard but really not. Now I’m craving tiramisu and souffle.
Monica recently posted..Homemade bread at last

4 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 12:29 AM

Monica — and now, I’m craving for soufflé 🙂

5 Ash-foodfashionparty September 6, 2013 at 9:43 AM

Beautiful tiramisu, so simple yet completely delicious, I’m totally craving for it now.

6 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 12:33 AM

Ash — thank you and I hope you’d try this recipe soon 🙂

7 dixya| food, pleasure, and health September 6, 2013 at 9:57 AM

I hear you – i felt the same way with gnocchi and I cant believe how simple it was. Tiramisu happens to be one of my favorite!
dixya| food, pleasure, and health recently posted..Fitness Friday : On Staying Active {Guest Post}

8 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 12:40 AM

Dixya — aaah, i need to try making gnocchi too 🙂

9 Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com September 6, 2013 at 10:03 AM

Oh My! That’s it Kiran – you have convinced me with this recipe – I am packing my bags and heading your way!!!
I am in love with Tiramisu!!! This parfait – oh gawwwsh! If I look at the photos any longer – am gonna start licking the screen!
Hope you have a great weekend!
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com recently posted..Peach Jelly, Lime & Jalapeño Salmon!

10 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 12:44 AM

Shashi — oh yes! come on over! Hope you had a great weekend too 🙂

11 Ina gawne September 6, 2013 at 10:27 AM

Scrumptious….I luv luv tiramisu!
Ina gawne recently posted..APPLE SPICE BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

12 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 2:42 AM

Ina — thanks love 🙂

13 Anne ~ Uni Homemaker September 6, 2013 at 11:30 AM

Wow….what an elegant looking dessert and you present it beautifully Kiran! Can I come and eat at your house? 😉 Have a lovely weekend!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker recently posted..Savory Ham Cheese and Olive Cake

14 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 2:48 AM

Anne — thanks! and you are always welcome here 🙂

15 Gayathri Ramanan September 6, 2013 at 1:05 PM

fantastic tiramisu…love the first click..
Gayathri Ramanan recently posted..VINAYAGA CHATURTHI RECIPES | GANESH CHATURTHI RECIPES

16 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:00 PM

Gayathri — thank you so much 🙂

17 Sharmila September 6, 2013 at 2:00 PM

My husband and I love tiramisu. Such a delicious dessert. Your photos of it are so gorgeous!
Sharmila recently posted..Bean and Grain Salad Bar

18 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:01 PM

Sharmila — thank you so much! hope you’d get to enjoy more tiramisu with your husband 🙂

19 Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ September 6, 2013 at 2:40 PM

I’m glad you found out how easy is to make a delicious Tiramisu. I 100% approve your recipe 🙂
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ recently posted..My Insolent Italy

20 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:03 PM

Daniela — awww, thank you so much for your approval. Makes me so so happy 😀

21 Denise Browning@From Brazil To You September 6, 2013 at 4:26 PM

Cute tiramisu parfaits…and delicious too! I’ll go grab a spoon to dig in.

22 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:17 PM

Denise — thanks and please do 😉

23 Maria | Pink Patisserie September 6, 2013 at 4:48 PM

Beautiful Tiramisu, and I love those little serving glasses. They are perfect!
Maria | Pink Patisserie recently posted..Rustic Paris-Brest

24 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:20 PM

Maria — thank you so much, friend 🙂

25 Coffee and Crumpets September 6, 2013 at 5:33 PM

Tiramisu is my weakness! I love it and is my favourite dessert I think. I started making it a few years ago mainly because of the alcohol. Since I don’t drink. It’s become a staple on our Thanksgiving table and my 2nd daughters birthday request every year. I like your single serving parfaits! Beautiful but I would probably need about 3!

Nazneen

26 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:33 PM

Nazneen — tiramisu for birthday sounds like a delicious idea 🙂

27 Asmita September 6, 2013 at 9:41 PM

Gorgeous dessert! The presentation is stunning!
Asmita recently posted..Yellow Shrimp Curry- “Hing Sambaare”

28 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:33 PM

Asmita — thank you so so much 🙂

29 Archana @ FeedingThefoodie September 6, 2013 at 11:38 PM

I can see why Tiramisu can be intimidating – I was that person too. Until last year, when a friend helped me put together individual tiramisu cups for a party! I couldn’t believe how easy they were and ofcourse, they were a hit at the party!
Seeing your pics, I want one right now. Its one of my favorite desserts. I’m allowing myself all indulgences this week, so please, can I have one of these!
Archana @ FeedingThefoodie recently posted..Pearl Couscous Salad with Pistachio crusted Goat Cheese

30 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:45 PM

Archana — thank you so much! wish I could teleport some tiramisu your way 🙂

31 Kumar's Kitchen September 6, 2013 at 11:52 PM

yes yes for years we had this same idea about making Tiramisu,but after making it once got hooked to its simplicity….the parfaits look gorgeous and can’t wait to try them out…delicious 🙂
Kumar’s Kitchen recently posted..Colorful Carrot & Yogurt Dip:It Is All About What You C…:-)

32 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:47 PM

Kumar — thank you and I hope you’d get to try making this soon 🙂

33 cquek September 7, 2013 at 12:47 AM

oh my oh my oh my. these are so beautiful and your pictures are yet again amamamamazing!
cquek recently posted..Kinoshita Circus

34 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 9:48 PM

Cquek — awww, thank you so much 😀

35 Laura (Tutti Dolci) September 7, 2013 at 1:02 AM

Ah yes, if only desserts were calorie free! 😉 I adore your tiramisu parfaits, the presentation is so pretty!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..brown butter pear bars

36 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 10:23 PM

Laura — thank you. oh, calorie free desserts 😉

37 Irina @ wandercrush September 7, 2013 at 2:57 AM

I love tiramisu EVERYTHING! These little guys look amazing and adorable in their little individual vessels. Such bright and clean photos as usual.
Irina @ wandercrush recently posted..Heirloom Shakshuka

38 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 10:39 PM

Irina — awww, thank you so much friend 🙂

39 Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella September 7, 2013 at 7:35 AM

I have a real weakness for tiramisu too! Oh and wouldn’t it be wonderful if it were calorie free? 😀
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Homemade Chai Syrup

40 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 10:40 PM

Lorraine — haha! similar wishful thinking 😉

41 Angie | Big Bears Wife September 7, 2013 at 8:20 AM

I have always been intimidated by tiramisu…well to make it not eat it I do love to eat it, I just have never made it on my own . I will have to give your recipe a try it looks very easy
Angie | Big Bears Wife recently posted..Creamy Tomato Parmesan Mezzi Rigatoni

42 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 10:52 PM

Angie — it’s really very simple. just the waiting might be the toughest step 😉

43 Angie@Angie's Recipes September 7, 2013 at 8:52 AM

As always, your food styling is amazing, Kiran.
The tiramisu parfait looks so inviting!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Purple Cabbage Fig Salad with Warm Walnut Vinaigrette

44 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 10:53 PM

Angie — thank you so much, sweetie 🙂

45 The Squishy Monster September 7, 2013 at 9:55 AM

How freaking adorable! I’ve always enjoyed “building the layers” and this is on point!
The Squishy Monster recently posted..Favorite Korean Drinks

46 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 10:53 PM

TSM — haha, thanks!

47 Meghan September 7, 2013 at 11:11 AM

I don’t think I could love this anymore if I tried! Tiramisu is one of my all-time favorite desserts! Beautiful!
Meghan recently posted..Blueberry Bliss Cheesecake Bars

48 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 10:54 PM

Meghan — thank you! it’s really tough to hate tiramisu 😉

49 Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies September 7, 2013 at 6:33 PM

I’ve never made tiramisu and I haven’t ever tried it either! But I just want to dig right in to these.
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies recently posted..What Meg from Beard and Bonnet Ate This Week

50 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 10:58 PM

Kiersten — you need to try it ASAP!!!

51 Raymund September 7, 2013 at 6:45 PM

Honestly after looking at those I think I badly need one.
Raymund recently posted..Must Try Foods in Switzerland

52 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:17 PM

Raymund — honestly, me too!

53 CCU September 7, 2013 at 6:55 PM

These look as beautiful as they would taste 😀

Cheers
CCU
CCU recently posted..CCU Undercover: Tem Ichi Restaurant (Teppanyaki)

54 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:20 PM

CCU — thank you so much!!

55 Matt @ The Athlete's Plate September 7, 2013 at 7:53 PM

Seems a little complicated for me! Looks good though 🙂
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..Paleo Banana-Walnut Bread

56 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:21 PM

Matt — no way. it’s so simple. the only lengthy step is the waiting time 😀

57 Gemma @andgeesaid September 7, 2013 at 10:16 PM

Oh my goodness. These look wonderful Kiran! I love how perfectly even and flat the top layer is. YUM! xxxx gemma
Gemma @andgeesaid recently posted..The Blue Lagoon: Bláa lónið

58 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:21 PM

Gemma — thank you so so much 🙂

59 Ansh | Spiceroots September 7, 2013 at 10:33 PM

Excellent Photos!! Way to go girl! And I love your pledge.
Ansh | Spiceroots recently posted..Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette # Ina Fridays

60 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:40 PM

Ansh — thank you so much, dear 😀

61 Tandy | Lavender and Lime September 8, 2013 at 5:00 AM

This sounds and looks divine 🙂
Tandy | Lavender and Lime recently posted..Sourdough Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe

62 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:40 PM

Tandy — thanks friend 🙂

63 Ameena September 8, 2013 at 9:02 AM

Looks amazing Kiran…love the idea of the parfait.

Your photography just keeps getting better. Gorgeous pictures!
Ameena recently posted..a train ride

64 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:44 PM

Ameena — thank you so so much, my sweet friend 🙂

65 Lail | With A Spin September 8, 2013 at 10:16 AM

I have been thinking of making a coffee dessert for a long time. I’ve been refraining so that we don’t eat something that we cannot share with the toddler in the house. Your parfait is just tempting me even more. Hmm…should I just let the toddler indulge some caffeine with us through a dessert 🙂
Lail | With A Spin recently posted..Protein Rich Split Pea Fudge – Chana Dal Barfi

66 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:49 PM

Lail — yes you should. i’d suggest using decaf instead of pure espresso 😉

67 Rekha September 8, 2013 at 10:23 AM

Tiramisu looks delish 🙂 awesome pics too

68 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:50 PM

Rekha — thank you so much! 🙂

69 john@kitchenriffs September 8, 2013 at 4:08 PM

There are calories in desserts?!!! That explains a lot. 😉 Tiramisu is such good stuff – one of my favorites appetizers. Er, desserts. 😉 This parfait is a terrific idea – something I should try. Thanks.
john@kitchenriffs recently posted..Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies

70 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:51 PM

John — haha! and yes, you need to try this dessert 😉

71 Sissi September 8, 2013 at 5:41 PM

Tiramisù is as dangerously easy as it’s delicious… I am always afraid to prepare it because I know I am unable to stop eating it and then I feel so guilty… Your tiramisù looks terrific and I am thrilled to see you also do the real thing (without cream, which has become so popular in this dessert when made outside of Italy, but which in my opinion spoils the whole elegance and sophistication). Gorgeous!
Sissi recently posted..Long-term Westernised Kyuuri no Kyuuchan (Cucumber Pickled with Soy Sauce and Ginger)

72 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:54 PM

Sissi — there’s nothing authentic about tiramisu without mascarpone cheese, in my opinion. thank you, friend 🙂

73 Natasha @ The Cake Merchant September 8, 2013 at 9:16 PM

What a beautiful and elegant dessert! Your photography is gorgeous as well.
Natasha @ The Cake Merchant recently posted..Double Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

74 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:54 PM

Natasha — thank you so much 🙂

75 Sophie September 9, 2013 at 1:31 AM

I love your own take on the tempted tiramisu! I love your more lighter version a lot!

The desserts are also beautifully presented this way,…they lure me in! 🙂 MMMMMMMMM! x
Sophie recently posted..Vegan, Gluten-free fresh fig treats! No-bake!

76 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:55 PM

Sophie — thank you so much my dear. this is not a very light recipe, but yes, I went easy on eggs 😉

77 Nami | Just One Cookbook September 9, 2013 at 2:41 AM

My husband’s favorite dessert (well, one of favorites) is tiramisu but haven’t really had courage to make it at home… your parfait looks so cute and I’m tempted. 🙂
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..How To Make Bento

78 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:56 PM

Nami — thank you! it’s so easy and you need to make it 🙂

79 Shema | LifeScoops September 9, 2013 at 8:31 AM

Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts.. absolutely love it…This looks divine!
Shema | LifeScoops recently posted..Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole with Grilled Vegetables

80 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:57 PM

Shema — thank you 🙂

81 Nik@ABrownTable September 9, 2013 at 11:24 AM

Perfection, tiramisu is one of my all time favorite desserts!
Nik@ABrownTable recently posted..bourbon peach ice cream

82 Kiran September 11, 2013 at 11:57 PM

Nik — thank you!

83 Angie September 9, 2013 at 5:23 PM

These are just too pretty!!! Can I have three? Yummy!
Angie recently posted..Slow Cooker Brunswick Stew and a $100 VISA Card Giveaway

84 Kiran September 12, 2013 at 12:05 AM

Angie — thank you so much! and yes, you may 🙂

85 sippitysup September 9, 2013 at 5:36 PM

I have a preconceived notion that I cannot be a great pastry chef. So I’ll drool over your handiwork. GREG
sippitysup recently posted..Eggplant Sandwich for me and my Blog

86 Kiran September 12, 2013 at 12:06 AM

Greg — ha! i’m sure you’d do well, thanks 🙂

87 Monet September 9, 2013 at 11:22 PM

These are just gorgeous. Almost too pretty to eat. ALMOST. Thank you for sharing yet another delicious and delightful post. I hope you had a wonderful Monday. Here’s to an even better week!
Monet recently posted..Banana Bread Cookies

88 Kiran September 12, 2013 at 12:37 AM

Monet — thank you so much, my sweet friend 🙂 xo

89 easyfoodsmith September 10, 2013 at 8:46 AM

I love tiramisu and your presentation is gorgeous!
I have been dying to try out this dessert but neither do I have lady fingers nor the mascarpone cheese at my disposal (read available here in India & the imported ones cost a bomb!!)…guess I will have to make these from the scratch first to make this dessert 😉
easyfoodsmith recently posted..HANDVO – Savory Rice & Lentil Cake (Gluten Free)

90 Kiran September 12, 2013 at 1:05 AM

EFS — thank you! i understand your qualm about imported foods. it can be very expensive. sigh.

91 nusrat2010 September 10, 2013 at 2:20 PM

Damn you Kiran! You do not need to be that AWESOME & BEAUTIFUL all the time! Gimme a break, will ya!
I’d sneak into your head and steal all your photography tricks if you don’t gimme a crash course ASAP!

(I can die over your cute, straight-from-paradise Tiramisu Parfait)
nusrat2010 recently posted..Mango Chutney

92 Kiran September 12, 2013 at 1:10 AM

Nusrat — haha! i’m not even trying 😉

93 simi September 11, 2013 at 2:04 PM

If there is something that makes me weak in my knees it is Tiramusù. gorgeous clicks!
simi recently posted..Instant Peda

94 Kiran September 12, 2013 at 1:11 AM

Simi — it does that to me too! thank you so much 🙂

95 Patty September 11, 2013 at 6:31 PM

This is a perfect dessert and yes I would love to pick up a spoon and dig in!!!
Patty recently posted..Gâteau d’Alice (gâteau au chocolat amer)

96 Kiran September 12, 2013 at 1:13 AM

Patty — thank you my sweet friend 🙂

97 laurasmess September 11, 2013 at 6:49 PM

They are some of the most beautiful Tiramisu I have ever seen. Love that dusting of cocoa on the top… makes it look like such a beautiful surface to crack through to the soft, fragrant mascarpone and coffee sponge. I am the same – massive sweet tooth. It drives me mad, as I’d love to just eat sweet things all day every day! xx
laurasmess recently posted..Kangaroo Rendang with Roti Canai

98 Kiran September 12, 2013 at 1:13 AM

Laura — thank you so much, sweetie!! I’m off to drool over some roti canai on your blog 🙂

99 Chuck September 12, 2013 at 9:08 PM

Just came across your blog, great photos!!
I just posted a how to make a Tiramisu video on you tube that is eggless and with a couple of short cuts that you may find interesting. When traveling to Nashville come visit and say “Hi” and I’ll give you an apron if you want to cook or bake something, maybe make a video…

100 Kiran September 13, 2013 at 11:05 AM

Chuck — thanks so much for visiting 🙂

101 Marly September 13, 2013 at 3:41 PM

Beautiful photos!

102 Kiran September 24, 2013 at 11:31 AM

Marly — thank you so much, sweet friend 🙂

103 Julia | JuliasAlbum.com September 15, 2013 at 3:19 PM

This dessert looks like a work of art! So refined!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com recently posted..Pad Thai noodles with shrimp

104 Kiran September 24, 2013 at 11:32 AM

Julia — your comment made my day. thank you so much, friend 🙂

105 Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence September 20, 2013 at 4:06 PM

This is perfection! The man loves tiramisu – I need to make him a few of these 🙂
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence recently posted..Marinated Flank Steak Salad with Feta and Arugula

106 Kiran September 24, 2013 at 11:33 AM

Brandon — thank you and yes, you need too. pronto 😀

107 Carolyn Chan October 6, 2013 at 11:56 PM

Your tiramisu could not get more elegant !
Carolyn Chan recently posted..Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes

108 Needful Things November 3, 2013 at 2:40 AM

Wow. I follow you on instagram so I know when a new post is up, but I have not been following food blogs in months and missed seeing this in its entirety. The parfaits are gorgeous! Any idea what I can substitute for the amaretto liqueur?
Needful Things recently posted..Of Friends and Granola

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