Add 1 tablespoon of coffee to 1 cup of water. Soak both layers of the prepared sponge cake with the coffee mixture.

In a saucepan, combine 2.5 water glasses (about 200 ml / 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp each) of milk, 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons of flour, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Stir over medium heat until the mixture reaches a muhallebi (Turkish milk pudding) consistency. Just before it comes to a boil, add 100 g (about 3.5 oz) of vegetable margarine and continue stirring for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Once lukewarm, add 1 package of labne cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.

Using a spatula, spread the prepared muhallebi evenly over one layer of the soaked sponge cake, being careful not to let it spill over the edges. Place the second cake layer on top. Pour the remaining muhallebi over the top and spread it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder over the muhallebi. Refrigerate for 1 day before serving. Enjoy!

About This Recipe

The origins of tiramisu stretch all the way back to the 18th century — yes, you heard that right, the 18th century. We've all heard the story of how chef Roberto Linguanotto and his assistant Francesca Valori at a restaurant called "Le Beccherie" in Treviso, in the Veneto region, first created tiramisu in 1967 and introduced it to the world through their 1983 book "Veneto Desserts." But there is actually a story that dates to the late 17th century. In this tale, the origin of tiramisu is attributed to Cosimo III de' Medici, Duke of Tuscany. The Duke was very fond of sweets, but due to personal health issues, he was careful to ensure his desserts had aphrodisiac properties. The Duke visited the city of Siena for two or three days, and in his honor, the city's pastry chefs wanted to create a new dessert that would bring together everything symbolizing nobility. After preparing this delicious and impressive dessert from simple ingredients, the chefs named it "Zuppa del Duca" — meaning "the Duke's Soup."

The Duke praised the flavor of the dessert and the talent of the Sienese pastry chefs. Believing it also helped with his ailment, he took the recipe back to Florence. "The Duke's Soup" thus became famous, crossing national borders and becoming the dessert of choice among all the nobility. Thanks to its perceived aphrodisiac qualities, its reputation grew day by day, and large portions began to be enjoyed before "romantic" encounters. As its aphrodisiac reputation took center stage, its name changed too — "The Duke's Soup" became the suggestive "tiramisu," meaning "lift me up."

Of Italian origin, tiramisu has long since become a favorite among coffee lovers for its ease of preparation, light texture, and the unique flavor it leaves on the palate. We don't know if you're a coffee lover, but even non-coffee-drinkers praised our previously shared Coffee Cake recipe. So we'll go ahead and say it — we think you'll absolutely love our Tiramisu recipe.