Orange, nutmeg and panettone tiramisu

This festive twist on tiramisu is a celebration in a bowl. Layers of coffee-kissed panettone and sponge fingers meet a lush mascarpone cream, brightened with orange zest and warm nutmeg. It’s a no-bake wonder that’s rich, creamy, and joyfully indulgent – the perfect grand finale to any feast.

By Matt Tebbutt
From Saturday Kitchen Recipes
Original recipe from BBC Saturday Kitchen Live.

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This is a decadent dessert for special occasions.  The score reflects the high sugar and saturated fat content from mascarpone, chocolate, and panettone.
Per serving (based on 10): approximately 550 kcal, 35g fat, 20g saturated fat, 45g carbohydrates, 30g sugars, 2g fibre, 10g protein.

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Equipment

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Ingredients

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Method

1. Make the mascarpone cream. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and caster sugar together until they become thick, pale and leave a ribbon trail on the surface. Add the mascarpone and mix gently until everything is smoothly combined.
2. Fold in the egg whites. In a separate, scrupulously clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form soft, billowy peaks. Using a spatula, gently fold the whisked egg whites into the mascarpone mixture. This keeps the cream beautifully light.
3. Prepare the coffee dip. Pour the cooled espresso and coffee liqueur into a wide, shallow dish. This gives you plenty of space for dipping.
4. Dip the biscuits and panettone. Briefly dip each savoiardi biscuit and panettone slice into the coffee mixture. A quick in-and-out is all you need – they should be moist but not sodden or they may fall apart.
5. Build the first layers. Spread about one-third of the mascarpone cream over the base of your serving dish. Grate a generous amount of orange zest and a little nutmeg directly over the cream. Arrange a layer of the coffee-dipped biscuits on top.
6. Add the middle layers. Spoon over another third of the mascarpone cream, followed by more orange zest and nutmeg. Now, add a layer of the dipped panettone slices.
7. Finish and chill. Spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the panettone to create the final layer. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavours to meld and the dessert to firm up perfectly.
8. Decorate and serve. Just before serving, dust the surface heavily with cocoa powder. Scatter over the grated dark chocolate and artful chocolate shards. Slice and enjoy the creamy, festive layers.

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What can you serve with this

1. Sweet dessert wine. A glass of vin santo or a Moscato d’Asti complements the coffee and orange flavours without overwhelming them.
2. Sharp berry compote. A spoonful of raspberry or blackberry compote cuts through the richness with a welcome tang.
3. Candied orange peel. Scattered on top, it adds a chewy, bittersweet texture that echoes the orange in the cream.
4. Extra cup of espresso. Serve small cups of strong coffee on the side for the ultimate Italian finish.

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FAQs for Orange Panettone Tiramisu

• Can you make tiramisu without raw eggs? Yes, you can gently cook the egg yolks and sugar with a little milk or Marsala over a bain-marie until thickened, then cool before adding mascarpone. Or use pasteurised egg whites.
• How long does homemade tiramisu last? It keeps well, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavours often improve after a day.
• What is panettone? Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread, studded with raisins and candied fruit, typically enjoyed at Christmas.
• Why did my tiramisu become watery? This usually happens if the biscuits or panettone were soaked for too long, absorbing excess liquid which then seeps out.
• Can I freeze tiramisu? Freezing is not recommended as the creamy layers can separate and become grainy when thawed.
• What’s the difference between savoiardi and sponge fingers? They are the same thing: dry, elongated sponge biscuits perfect for absorbing liquid without disintegrating.

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Nutri-score Health Check

This dessert scores an E on the Nutri-Score scale. It is an occasional indulgence.

Positive Factors: The eggs provide protein, and the dark chocolate can offer antioxidants. The orange zest contributes a small amount of vitamin C.

Negative Factors: The score is significantly lowered by the very high content of sugars (from the caster sugar, panettone, and chocolate) and saturated fat (from the mascarpone and chocolate).

Remember, this score is automatically calculated from the ingredients in the recipe and is only a guide. Perfect for holiday celebrations.