Low-Fat Tiramisu Recipe

Introduction

Tiramisu, a beloved Italian dessert, traditionally features layers of sponge cake soaked in coffee and brandy or liqueur, interspersed with mascarpone cheese and topped with grated chocolate. This low-fat version substitutes a reduced-fat cream filling for much of the mascarpone, making it a lighter yet equally delicious treat.

Ingredients

Cream Filling

• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
• 1/4 cup sugar, plus 3 tablespoons for beating the egg whites
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 eggs (1 whole egg, plus two egg whites, discard the yolks)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup low-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

Tiramisu Layers

• 24 ladyfingers
• 1/2 cup cold espresso or regular coffee
• 1 tablespoon brandy
• 1 tablespoon rum
• 1 tablespoon water
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small pan, mix the milk, cinnamon, vanilla bean paste, and one tablespoon of sugar. Gradually bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the milk from burning. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Whisk Egg Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of sugar, cornstarch, and one tablespoon of water. Add the whole egg and lemon zest, whisking until well combined.
3. Incorporate Milk: Slowly whisk the scalded milk into the egg mixture to avoid cooking the eggs. Return the mixture to the pan and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in the low-fat cream cheese.
4. Beat Egg Whites: Beat the two egg whites and cream of tartar until glossy but not dry, gradually adding the remaining three tablespoons of sugar as the egg whites stiffen. Fold the beaten egg whites into the warm custard mixture and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Assemble the Tiramisu

1. Layer Ladyfingers: Arrange 12 ladyfingers in a serving dish or a 9-inch pan.
2. Prepare Coffee Mixture: In a bowl, combine the espresso, brandy, rum, water, and four tablespoons of sugar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Brush Ladyfingers: Using a pastry brush, apply half of the coffee mixture to the ladyfingers.
4. Add Cream Filling: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and sprinkle with half of the cocoa powder using a fine strainer or sifter.
5. Repeat Layers: Add a second layer of ladyfingers, brush with the remaining coffee mixture, and spread the rest of the mascarpone mixture on top.
6. Refrigerate: Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
7. Final Touch: Before serving, sift the remaining cocoa powder on top.

Nutritional Information

Interesting Facts

• Caloric Reduction: Traditional Tiramisu can contain up to 550 calories per serving, while this low-fat version has approximately 250 calories, making it a healthier choice.
• Popularity: Tiramisu is one of the most popular desserts in Italy and has gained international fame. According to a survey by the Italian Trade Agency, Tiramisu is the most ordered dessert in Italian restaurants worldwide.
• Origins: The name "Tiramisu" means "pick me up" in Italian, referring to the caffeine and alcohol content that gives a quick energy boost.

Sources

• Italian Trade Agency
• Healthline

Chef Shelley Pogue, a Cum Laude graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and Executive Research and Development Chef for Vertical Sales and Marketing, San Ramon, CA, shares this delightful recipe. Shelley is also the desserts editor for Bella Online.

For more delicious recipes and culinary tips, visit Bella Online.

This article was inspired by Shelley Pogue's original recipe on EzineArticles.