Tiramisu is a timeless dessert loved by many. Traditionally, it is made with coffee, mascarpone, and alcohol, but we are making a child-friendly version. We will use savoiardis, cream cheese, and Nutella to create a deliciously creamy, chocolatey variation of the classic Italian dessert.
The ingredients for this recipe are mostly commonly found in most homes. However, savoiardis might not be a staple in your pantry. They are a type of Italian biscuit, also known as ladyfingers. They have a light and airy texture that absorbs the milk mixture nicely, creating a soft and pleasant contrast to the creamy filling. You can find them in the cookie aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Tiramisu for Kids
Savoiardis: Italian biscuits that absorb the milk mixture to create the base layer of the tiramisu.
Philadelphia cream cheese: Creates a rich, creamy base for the filling.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and the milk mixture.
Nutella: Adds a delicious, chocolatey flavor to the cream cheese filling.
Heavy whipping cream: When whipped, it adds lightness and volume to the cream cheese filling.
Milk: Used in the mixture to soften the savoiardis.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the milk mixture.
Cocoa powder: Dusting on top adds a nice visual touch and a hint of chocolate flavor.
One reader, Ferdinande Ly says:
The tiramisu recipe for kids is a hit in our household! It's easy to make and the kids love helping out. The creamy filling and soft cookies make it a delightful treat. Plus, the dusting of cocoa powder adds a touch of elegance. It's a definite winner for family dessert nights!
Techniques Required for Making Tiramisu
How to prepare the milk mixture: This involves mixing the milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan until the sugar is dissolved, bringing it to a boil, then simmering for 1 minute before setting it aside.
How to whip the cream: This involves adding the heavy whipping cream to the cream cheese and nutella mixture and whipping it until it reaches a slightly firm and smooth consistency.
How to assemble the tiramisu: This involves dipping the cookies in the milk mixture, layering them with the cream mixture, and dusting the top with cocoa powder before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
How To Make Kids’ Tiramisu
Whip up a kid-friendly treat with this tiramisu recipe. It’s made with milk-dipped cookies, Nutella cream cheese filling, and cocoa powder to finish.
Serves:
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1½cupsmilk
- 1cuppowdered sugar
- 1tspvanilla extract
- 18savoiardis,or lady finger cookies
Filling:
- 8ozPhiladelphia cream cheese,softened at room temperature for 20 minutes
- 2cupspowdered sugar
- 1cupNutella
- ½cupheavy whipping cream,chilled
For Topping:
- 2tbspcocoa powder
Instructions
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In a saucepan, mix milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until the sugar is completely dissolved. Turn the heat on, bring it to boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 1 minute. Set it aside.
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In a food processor (whisk attachment), work cream cheese and powdered sugar until they are combined. With a spatula, scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl very well.
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Add the Nutella and mix well. Stop the machine occasionally to scrape the sides and bottom to make sure it is evenly mixed without lumps.
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Add the heavy whipping cream, and whip until the cream reaches a slightly firm consistency. The cream has to appear smooth and fluffy.
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To assemble the tiramisu, make one layer of cookies. Dip them in the milk mixture one at a time, flip them over once (do it quickly, so they are soft but not falling apart).
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Make another layer with half of the cream mixture. Keep layering until all ingredients are used.
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With a sifter, dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder. Note, the surface has to be covered with no cream showing underneath.
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Tiramisu goes in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours to set, or make it the day before and let it sit overnight.
Nutrition
- Calories: 741.32kcal
- Fat: 37.18g
- Saturated Fat: 27.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.94g
- Carbohydrates: 96.68g
- Fiber: 3.33g
- Sugar: 90.32g
- Protein: 7.59g
- Cholesterol: 74.85mg
- Sodium: 193.60mg
- Calcium: 175.13mg
- Potassium: 378.01mg
- Iron: 2.62mg
- Vitamin A: 248.41µg
- Vitamin C: 0.12mg
Technique Tip for Achieving the Perfect Tiramisu Texture
When preparing the tiramisu, it's important to not over-soak the savoiardis in the milk mixture. They should be moist but not soggy, as they will continue to absorb moisture from the cream filling. If they are too wet, your tiramisu may end up too mushy. A quick dip, flip, and remove is the best method. Also, when whipping the heavy cream, be careful not to over whip as it can turn into butter. Stop when you see it forming soft peaks.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tiramisu
Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and tools before starting to make the tiramisu. This will help you work more efficiently and avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Use store-bought cookies: To save time, consider using store-bought ladyfinger cookies instead of making them from scratch. This will significantly cut down on preparation time.
Chill the cream: Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the refrigerator for a few minutes before whipping the cream. This will help the cream whip faster and achieve a better consistency.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work through the recipe. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Prep in advance: Prepare the tiramisu a day ahead to allow it to set overnight in the fridge. This will not only save time on the day you plan to serve it but also enhance the flavors.
Substitute Ingredients For Kids’ Tiramisu Recipe
cookies - Substitute with graham crackers: Graham crackers are a kid-friendly alternative to traditional ladyfingers, providing a sweeter and less dense texture that kids may prefer.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle nutty flavor and is suitable for kids with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, making it a healthier alternative to powdered sugar for kids.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a sweet, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients and is a kid-friendly alternative to vanilla.
savoiardis - Substitute with sponge cake: Sponge cake can be easily cut into smaller, kid-friendly portions and offers a softer texture that is more appealing to children.
philadelphia cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a tangy and creamy texture, making it a healthier alternative to cream cheese for kids.
nutella - Substitute with peanut butter: Peanut butter offers a rich and nutty flavor that kids love, and it can be a delicious alternative to Nutella in the tiramisu filling.
heavy whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream adds a tropical twist and a hint of sweetness, making it a dairy-free alternative that kids may enjoy.
cocoa powder - Substitute with chocolate sprinkles: Chocolate sprinkles add a fun and colorful topping that kids will love, and they provide a similar chocolatey flavor to cocoa powder.
Creative Ways to Present This Delightful Dessert
Elevate the plating: When presenting the tiramisu, carefully layer the cookies and cream mixture in a cylindrical mold to create a stunning layered effect when sliced.
Garnish with fresh berries: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing the tiramisu with a selection of fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.
Create a cocoa powder design: Use a stencil to dust a delicate cocoa powder design on the plate for an elegant and artistic touch to the presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious finish, delicately place edible gold leaf on top of the tiramisu to add a touch of opulence to the dessert.
Serve with a side of vanilla bean ice cream: Accompany the tiramisu with a quenelle of creamy vanilla bean ice cream to complement the flavors and add a refreshing element to the dish.
Use a tempered chocolate garnish: Create a delicate chocolate garnish by tempering chocolate and shaping it into elegant curls or shards to adorn the tiramisu.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating edible flowers such as pansies or violets to add a visually stunning and sophisticated element to the presentation.
Present in a glass: For a modern twist, serve the tiramisu in a transparent glass to showcase the beautiful layers and textures of the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making Tiramisu
Saucepan: A saucepan is a deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for boiling, simmering, and making sauces.
Food processor: A food processor is a kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients.
Spatula: A spatula is a flat, flexible tool used for scraping, spreading, and lifting ingredients.
Sifter: A sifter is a handheld or mechanical tool used to aerate and break up clumps in dry ingredients, as well as to evenly sprinkle ingredients like cocoa powder.
How To Store and Freeze Tiramisu
- To store the tiramisu in the refrigerator, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you want to freeze the tiramisu, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to serve the frozen tiramisu, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This will help maintain the texture and prevent the cream from becoming grainy.
- For best results, avoid freezing the tiramisu for longer than 3 months, as the quality may start to deteriorate over time.
- If you've used any decorations on top of the tiramisu, such as cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, it's best to add these after thawing the dessert to keep them looking fresh.
- Individual portions of tiramisu can be wrapped separately and frozen, making it easy to thaw and serve smaller amounts as needed.
- Always store the tiramisu in the coldest part of your refrigerator or freezer to maintain its quality and freshness.
Random Fact about Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert that originated in the 1960s. Despite its rich and creamy taste, traditional tiramisu recipes do not include any alcohol. However, some variations may include a splash of liqueur for added flavor.
Is Making Tiramisu at Home Economical?
The tiramisu recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of cream cheese and nutella may increase the overall cost, but the recipe yields a generous portion suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for the ingredients is around $20, making it a reasonable dessert option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering the indulgent flavors and the satisfaction it brings to the table.
Is Tiramisu Healthy or Unhealthy for Kids?
This tiramisu recipe for kids is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe contains high amounts of sugar, with powdered sugar being used in both the milk mixture and the filling. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity, dental issues, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
- The use of heavy whipping cream and cream cheese contributes to a high saturated fat content, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Nutella, a key ingredient in the filling, is high in sugar and fat, further adding to the overall calorie count and potentially unhealthy nature of the dessert.
- The recipe lacks any significant sources of nutrients, such as fruits, whole grains, or proteins, which could help balance out the indulgent ingredients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the milk mixture and filling, or replace some of the powdered sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and a lighter whipping cream alternative, such as coconut cream or Greek yogurt, to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Replace Nutella with a homemade chocolate hazelnut spread made with less sugar and healthier fats, such as coconut oil or avocado.
- Incorporate fresh fruits, like strawberries or raspberries, into the layering process to add nutrients, fiber, and natural sweetness.
- Use whole grain cookies or biscuits instead of traditional savoiardis to increase the fiber content and provide a more balanced treat.
Editor's Opinion on This Classic Italian Dessert
This tiramisu recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for introducing kids to the world of sophisticated flavors. The combination of creamy Nutella filling and delicate savoiardi cookies soaked in a sweet milk mixture creates a luscious and indulgent treat. The method is well-explained and easy to follow, making it a great recipe for involving children in the kitchen. The finished tiramisu is sure to impress with its rich, velvety texture and irresistible cocoa-dusted top. It's a fun and delicious way to introduce young ones to the joys of cooking and savoring a beloved dessert.
Enhance Your Kids’ Tiramisu Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Kids’ Tiramisu Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic tiramisu, perfect for kids and adults alike. The combination of nutella and cream cheese creates a rich and creamy filling that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The use of savoiardi cookies soaked in a milk mixture ensures a moist and flavorful dessert. With the added touch of cocoa powder on top, this recipe promises a decadent and visually appealing treat. Trust in the familiar flavors and simple preparation of this recipe to create a delightful and enjoyable dessert experience for the whole family.
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