OLD-FASHIONED ZABAIONE TIRAMISU
This delicious take on the classic dessert combines rich, velvety zabaglione custard with layers of delicate ladyfingers cookies and creamy mascarpone.
Each spoonful is a revelation of lush flavors and a true celebration of Italian culinary artistry.
Whether you’re dining or simply craving luxury, this eggnog-infused tiramisu is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave an indelible impression.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Rich and luxurious: eggnog adds a velvety richness to classic tiramisu.
- Perfect for the holidays: An impressive yet easy-to-make dessert.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or substitute coffee liqueur for amaretto for a unique flavor.
- Authentically Italian: A true celebration of Italian culinary artistry.
Enjoy this Zabaione Infused Tiramisu, a dessert that elevates any occasion with its luxurious flavors and textures. Enjoy!

Preparation Time
- Active Preparation: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4+ hours (preferably overnight)
- Total Time: ~4 ½ hours
Servings
- Serves 8-10
Ingredients
For the Zabaione
- 6 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sweet Marsala wine
For the Filling
- 1 pound (16 oz) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ladyfingers and Assembly
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
- 24-30 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
For Garnish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish
Method
1. Prepare the Zabaione
- Whisk Yolks and Sugar: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
- Cook Over Simmering Water: Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Slowly whisk in the Marsala wine and whisk constantly for 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a pale, ribbon-like consistency.
- Cool: Remove from heat and allow the zabaione to cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture
- Beat Mascarpone: In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine with Zabaione: Gently fold the cooled zabaione into the mascarpone cheese until smooth and uniform.
3. Prepare the Coffee Mixture
- Combine Coffee and Liqueur: In a shallow dish, mix the cooled brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur (if using).
4. Assemble the Tiramisu
- Layer Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they’re moistened but not overly soaked. Arrange in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×13 inch serving dish.
- Add Zabaione Filling: Spread half of the zabaione-mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining zabaione-mascarpone mixture.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to set.
5. Serve
- Garnish: Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.
- Slice and Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy this luxurious dessert.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 |
| Total Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 190mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 6g |

Old-fashioned Zabaione Tiramisu
Ingredients
For the Zabaione
- 6 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sweet Marsala wine
For the Filling
- 1 pound 16 oz mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Ladyfingers and Assembly
- 1 ½ cups strong brewed coffee cooled
- 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur optional
- 24-30 ladyfinger biscuits savoiardi
For Garnish
- Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
- Dark chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Zabaione
- Whisk Yolks and Sugar: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined.
- Cook Over Simmering Water: Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Slowly whisk in the Marsala wine and whisk constantly for 8-10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a pale, ribbon-like consistency.
- Cool: Remove from heat and allow the zabaione to cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture
- Beat Mascarpone: In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Combine with Zabaione: Gently fold the cooled zabaione into the mascarpone cheese until smooth and uniform.
Prepare the Coffee Mixture
- Combine Coffee and Liqueur: In a shallow dish, mix the cooled brewed coffee with the coffee liqueur (if using).
Assemble the Tiramisu
- Layer Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they’re moistened but not overly soaked. Arrange in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×13 inch serving dish.
- Add Zabaione Filling: Spread half of the zabaione-mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining zabaione-mascarpone mixture.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to set.
Serve
- Garnish: Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.
- Slice and Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy this luxurious dessert.








