Tiramisu, the traditional Italian dessert, has been a popular dessert choice for around 60 years. The combination of rich mascarpone cheese, coffee and a hint of cocoa powder makes a delightful treat, which is now enjoyed all around the world.
Its exact origins are subject to debate, but it is believed to have first been created in Veneto, a Northern region of Italy. The dessert gained widespread popularity throughout its home country in the 70’s and 80’s, popping up on restaurant dessert menus throughout, before it started its journey across Europe. Soon after, driven by the Italian cuisine boom in America, tiramisu found its way to the states, where high-end Italian restaurants in the likes of New York started to list it on their menu.
Its rise to global phenomenon is a testament to its rich yet balanced flavours and simple ingredients. Above all else, it’s the endless adaptability that makes tiramisu still just as popular to this day.
On its journey around the world, tiramisu has had various adaptations. Ingredients, flavours and formats have all been tweaked.
In Asia, for example, the cocoa powder is often replaced by the hugely popular matcha to create a unique, vibrant variant of the dessert.
Other flavours we have seen infused within tiramisu include lemon and red berry, adaptions which have been made to tap into more local tastes.
And in France, where choux originated, we have seen the likes of tiramisu eclairs and tiramisu choux created. For a more elevated variation, try this tiramisu choux artisan, which is a deliciously eye-catching creation.
The popular comfort food also taps into many of the current trends we are seeing in the food world such as nostalgia. In addition, the layering of seemingly unrelated ideas to create new dishes taps into the hybridisation trend which consumers are placing a premium on.
Brownies continue to be a popular sweet treat, and according to Lumina Intelligence Eating & Drinking Out Panel, brownies have seen growth year on year. By combining with tiramisu, you can create a mash-up of the two highly demandable goods.
Muffins are simple to add unique flavours to in order to create demand and excitement. Why not introduce these tiramisu muffins to your range around the time of World Tiramisu Day (21st March) to drive sales.
Make this trend your own by trying some of the above recipes or use these as inspiration to create your own concoction.
You can even go one step further by entering the Tiramisu World Cup! There are two categories; original, meaning only the basic ingredients can be used, and creative, where you can experiment on flavours and formats. The competition takes place in October – find out more.