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Tiramisu Toast Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

Tiramisu Toast Recipe brings the iconic Italian dessert to your breakfast or brunch table with crispy bread, creamy mascarpone, and coffee-soaked richness. Thick-cut bread is toasted until golden, then topped with a silky mascarpone mixture and a dusting of cocoa powder for a deconstructed tiramisu experience. This sophisticated yet simple dish captures the essence of traditional tiramisu in an entirely new form.

Ingredients

• 4 slices artisan bread, 2 cm thick
• 250 g mascarpone cheese (8.8 oz)
• 60 ml strong espresso, cooled (1/4 cup)
• 30 g granulated sugar (2 tablespoons)
• 15 ml coffee liqueur, such as Kahlúa (1 tablespoon)
• 5 g vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• 30 g unsweetened cocoa powder (3 tablespoons)
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

1. Brew strong espresso and allow it to cool to room temperature. While cooling, combine mascarpone, sugar, vanilla extract, coffee liqueur, and sea salt in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, approximately 1 minute.

2. Brush both sides of each bread slice lightly with softened butter.

3. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it reaches 180°C (350°F), approximately 2 minutes.

4. Place bread slices on the hot skillet and toast for 3-4 minutes until the first side is golden brown and crispy.

5. Flip each slice carefully and toast the second side for 2-3 minutes until equally golden and crispy throughout.

6. Remove toasted bread from skillet and place on a serving platter. Allow to cool for 1 minute.

7. Quickly brush or drizzle the cooled espresso evenly over the top surface of each toast slice.

8. Divide the mascarpone mixture evenly among the four toast slices, spreading it in a generous layer with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

9. Dust each toast generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve or sifter, creating an even, dark coating.

10. Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and crispy, with the mascarpone cool and the cocoa powder visible on top.

Substitutions

• Replace mascarpone with crème fraîche mixed with a small amount of cream cheese for a tangier version
• Substitute coffee liqueur with brandy or omit entirely for an alcohol-free rendition
• Use decaffeinated espresso for a caffeine-free option without sacrificing flavor
• Replace regular bread with brioche or panettone for additional richness and sweetness

Tips

• Toast the bread immediately before assembly to maintain maximum crispness and contrast with the creamy topping
• Prepare the mascarpone mixture up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate; espresso must be cooled completely before using
• For a lighter version, whip the mascarpone mixture with 30 ml of whipped cream to add volume and reduce richness
• Use freshly ground espresso or high-quality instant espresso for the deepest coffee flavor

Tiramisu, meaning 'pick me up' in Italian, originated in the Veneto region and traditionally features ladyfinger biscuits layered with mascarpone and coffee. This toast adaptation honors the classic dessert's spirit while reimagining it as a modern breakfast dish that reflects Italy's tradition of transforming simple ingredients into elegant preparations.

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