What is the main ingredient in a traditional Italian Tiramisu?

The main ingredient in a traditional Italian Tiramisu is mascarpone cheese. This creamy, rich cheese is essential to the dessert's characteristic texture and flavor. Tiramisu is famous for its layered structure, combining coffee-soaked ladyfingers with a delicate mascarpone mixture that often includes egg yolks and sugar, resulting in a smooth and indulgent filling.

Mascarpone brings a unique richness that complements the coffee and cocoa flavors used in the dish, contributing to its luxurious mouthfeel. Other cheeses, such as ricotta or cream cheese, do not replicate the same consistency or taste that mascarpone provides; therefore, they are not traditionally used in this dessert. Laboratory cheese is not a recognized or relevant ingredient in culinary practices, particularly in traditional recipes like tiramisu, which rely on authentic ingredients to maintain their classic identity.