Tiramisu from Carrabba's Italian Grill features layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, rich mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder, delivering a creamy, decadent Italian dessert with a delicate balance of coffee and sweetness.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 9x9 inch baking dish (or similar)
- Shallow dish (for dipping ladyfingers)
- Spatula
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve (for cocoa powder)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or cover (for chilling)
Ingredients
- 6 oz (170g) ladyfingers
- 1 cup (240ml) brewed espresso (cooled)
- 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
- 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (separated)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for dusting)
Espresso should be fully cooled before soaking the ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming too soggy and losing their texture. Using high-quality mascarpone cheese is essential for achieving the rich and creamy consistency characteristic of authentic tiramisu. Separate the eggs carefully, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites for optimal whipping volume. Coffee liqueur like Kahlua enhances the coffee flavor but can be substituted or omitted based on your preference. Your tiramisu will closely replicate Carrabba's Italian Grill dessert when these ingredient details and preparation tips are followed precisely.
Instructions
- Brew espresso and allow it to cool.
- Combine espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish.
- Separate egg yolks and egg whites into different mixing bowls.
- Whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until light and creamy.
- Add mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to the egg yolk mixture; blend until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks using an electric mixer.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture.
- Gently fold beaten egg whites into the mascarpone and cream mixture until fully combined.
- Quickly dip ladyfingers, one by one, into the espresso mixture, coating briefly without soaking.
- Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers over the mascarpone.
- Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture on top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Just before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder using a sifter or fine mesh sieve.
Substitution
Tiramisu from Carrabba's Italian Grill copycat menu combines espresso-soaked ladyfingers with creamy mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa powder, capturing the restaurant's signature flavor. If you lack espresso, strong brewed coffee can substitute with a splash of coffee liqueur to maintain depth. Mascarpone cheese may be replaced with a blend of cream cheese and heavy cream if unavailable, though the texture will differ slightly. When dipping ladyfingers, ensure they are briefly submerged to avoid sogginess in your dessert. Your final presentation benefits from dusting cocoa powder just before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Tips
Make sure your espresso is fully cooled before dipping the ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming soggy and falling apart. When whipping both the heavy cream and egg whites to stiff peaks, avoid overwhipping, which can cause graininess and affect the texture of your mascarpone mixture. Use a quick, gentle dip for each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture to maintain a balance between moisture and structure in the dessert layers. Your tiramisu needs at least 4 hours of chilling time to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly before serving.
Nutritions
Tiramisu from Carrabba's Italian Grill contains approximately 450-550 calories per serving, with a rich source of fats primarily from mascarpone cheese and heavy cream. This dessert provides moderate protein from eggs and cheese, while sugars from powdered and granulated sugar contribute to its sweetness, totaling around 30-40 grams per portion. The espresso-soaked ladyfingers add minimal calories but provide a caffeine boost, enhancing the dessert's flavor without significant nutritional weight. You should enjoy tiramisu in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content, balancing indulgence with overall dietary goals.
Storage
Store your tiramisu in an airtight container or tightly cover the baking dish with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain the creamy texture and fresh coffee flavor. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the delicate mascarpone and whipped cream consistency.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the brewed espresso with strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate for a milder coffee flavor in your Tiramisu. Instead of using raw eggs, consider a cooked zabaglione by whisking egg yolks with sugar over a double boiler until thickened, then folding it into the mascarpone for added safety. For a boozy twist, replace coffee liqueur with amaretto or dark rum to introduce a nutty or caramel-rich dimension. To speed up preparation, use pre-made whipped cream instead of whipping heavy cream from scratch, ensuring it's folded gently to maintain a light texture.
Allergies
Tiramisu from Carrabba's Italian Grill contains eggs, dairy products like mascarpone cheese and heavy cream, which are common allergens that may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The ladyfingers include wheat flour, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. You should avoid this dessert if you have allergies to eggs, dairy, or gluten to prevent adverse effects.
Why this recipe?
Carrabba's Italian Grill's Tiramisu is beloved for its authentic blend of creamy mascarpone, rich espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder that delivers a perfectly balanced dessert experience. The layered texture and bold flavors mirror traditional Italian recipes, making it a standout choice for dessert enthusiasts. Crafting a copycat version allows you to recreate the restaurant-quality taste and impress guests with a classic Italian treat. Your kitchen can become a gourmet destination with this indulgent, cafe-style dessert.