Tiramisu, sweet or dessert from Italy: what it is and how it is eaten

Tiramisu is a dessert from northeastern Italy made of ladyfingers soaked in coffee, layered with a creamy mixture of egg yolks, sugar, mascarpone cheese, and topped with cocoa powder. Served cold, it became popular in restaurants from the late 1960s and is now one of Italy’s best-known sweets, often enjoyed after meals.

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Made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream
Originated in northeastern Italy in the late 1960s
Served cold and topped with cocoa powder
The name means 'pick me up' in Italian

What is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a layered dessert where crisp ladyfinger biscuits are dipped in strong coffee and arranged in a dish. Over these, a smooth cream made from egg yolks, sugar, and mascarpone cheese is spread. The top is dusted with cocoa powder. The result is a soft, creamy sweet with a gentle coffee flavor and a hint of cocoa. It is served cold, and the biscuits soften as they absorb the coffee and cream.

Where does Tiramisu come from?

Tiramisu comes from northeastern Italy, with both Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions claiming its invention. The dessert appeared in restaurants in the late 1960s, with Le Beccherie in Treviso often credited as its birthplace. Earlier desserts with similar ingredients existed, but tiramisu as known today was not found in cookbooks before the 1960s. Its name means 'pick me up' in Italian, referring to its energizing ingredients.

How is Tiramisu made?

To make tiramisu, ladyfinger biscuits are quickly dipped in coffee and laid in a dish. A creamy mixture is prepared by beating egg yolks with sugar, then folding in mascarpone cheese. This cream is spread over the coffee-soaked biscuits. The process is repeated for more layers, finishing with a dusting of cocoa powder. The dessert is chilled before serving, allowing the flavors to blend.

How and when is Tiramisu eaten?

Tiramisu is usually eaten as a dessert after lunch or dinner. It is served cold, often sliced from a larger dish or cut into squares. It is enjoyed in homes and restaurants alike, and is a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations. Some versions are round or rectangular, depending on the dish used.

Kinds of Tiramisu

Many variations exist. Some recipes add alcohol, such as Marsala wine or coffee liqueurs, to the coffee. Others lighten the cream with whipped egg whites or whipped cream. Some cooks swap the coffee for flavors like chocolate, fruit, or liqueur, or use different biscuits or cakes. Regional debates continue over the best type of biscuit to use.

What Tiramisu means

Tiramisu is one of Italy’s most famous desserts, recognized worldwide. It was officially listed as a traditional agri-food product in Friuli-Venezia Giulia in 2017. The dessert’s origins are a source of local pride, especially in Treviso. Its popularity has led to many creative takes in both home and professional kitchens.

Questions people ask about Tiramisu

What is tiramisu made of?

Tiramisu is made from ladyfinger biscuits soaked in coffee, layered with a cream of egg yolks, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, and finished with cocoa powder on top.

Where does tiramisu come from?

Tiramisu comes from northeastern Italy, with both Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions associated with its origin. It became popular in restaurants in the late 1960s.

Is tiramisu always made with alcohol?

Traditional tiramisu does not require alcohol, but some variations add Marsala wine or coffee liqueurs to the coffee used for soaking the biscuits.

How is tiramisu served?

Tiramisu is served cold, usually cut into squares or slices from a larger dish. It is eaten as a dessert after meals.

What does the name tiramisu mean?

The name tiramisu comes from the Italian phrase 'tirami su', which means 'pick me up' or 'cheer me up', referring to its energizing ingredients.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Tiramisu", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Tiramisu