Vegan Tiramisu Recipe

This vegan tiramisu recipe offers a delicious, dairy-free twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring homemade ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream. Below are the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this indulgent treat.

Ingredients

For the Vegan Ladyfingers:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 2 tbsp (20 g) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup (120 mL) aquafaba (chickpea brine)
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, divided
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) dairy-free yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tbsp melted vegan butter or avocado oil
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar for dusting

For the Vegan Mascarpone Cream:

• 170 g vegan butter, melted
• 350 g firm silken tofu, room temperature
• 120 g soy yogurt, plain and unsweetened
• 120 g caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Espresso Soak:

• 160 ml (2/3 cup) freshly brewed espresso, cooled
• 50 ml (1/5 cup) dark rum or Marsala wine

For Serving:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ladyfingers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In a separate bowl, whip aquafaba with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
4. Gradually add half of the granulated sugar to the aquafaba while continuing to whip.
5. Gently fold in the dry ingredients along with melted butter and yogurt until just combined.
6. Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe ladyfinger shapes onto a lined baking sheet.
7. Dust with powdered sugar and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool.

Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream

1. In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat melted vegan butter and silken tofu until smooth.
2. Gradually add caster sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
3. Refrigerate the mascarpone cream until ready to use.

Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu

1. In a shallow dish, mix cooled espresso with dark rum.
2. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture for about 3 seconds on each side.
3. Layer half of the soaked ladyfingers in a rectangular dish.
4. Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
5. Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone cream.
6. Dust the top generously with cocoa powder.

Step 4: Chill

1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor.

Tips for Making Extra Tender Ladyfingers

1. Use Aquafaba: Replacing eggs with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) helps create a light and airy texture. Whip it until stiff peaks form to incorporate air effectively.
2. Gentle Folding: When combining the aquafaba with the dry ingredients, use a gentle folding technique to avoid deflating the mixture. This helps maintain the airiness of the batter.
3. Powdered Sugar Dusting: Dust the ladyfingers with powdered sugar before baking. This not only adds sweetness but also helps create a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Substituting Rum in Espresso Soak

You can substitute rum with other liquors such as Kahlúa, coffee liqueur, or even amaretto for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the liquor or use vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the espresso soak.

Ensuring Creamy Mascarpone After Refrigeration

To keep the mascarpone cream creamy after refrigeration:

• Use Full-Fat Coconut Cream: Chill coconut cream overnight and only use the solid part for a rich texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just until smooth to prevent separation.
• Add a Stabilizer: Consider adding a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder when blending to help maintain a creamy consistency after chilling

Gluten-Free Options for Ladyfingers

For gluten-free ladyfingers, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to mimic the structure of wheat flour. Also, check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Best Way to Store Leftover Vegan Tiramisu

To store leftover vegan tiramisu:

• Cover Tightly: Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to cover the tiramisu completely to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.
• Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and improve over time.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of both the ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.

Enjoy your homemade vegan tiramisu as a delightful dessert that will impress both vegans and non-vegans alike!