Based in Crystal Palace, Ele’s Tiramisù started as a side project in 2016 for wife-and-husband duo Eleonora and Gianluca and is now celebrating its 10th anniversary.
There are many different tiramisu recipes, and I would argue that it is one of those dishes that every family seem to make a little differently. But, according to Google, a classic tiramisu is a rich, no-bake dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked savoiardi ladyfingers and a velvety mascarpone and egg cream.
There are many versions, however, from those using coffee liqueur or rum to vegan alternatives. During one trip to Italy, my sister-in-law and I tried tiramisu at every opportunity – to experience different methods, yes, but also to find our favourite. It has long been one of my go-to desserts.
Ele’s Tiramisù also has several variations, from a classic tiramisu to pistachio, Biscoff and brownie flavours. There are also different ways to enjoy them, whether that’s as an indulgent ‘keep-to-yourself’ individual cup, as a sharing tray or even a tiramisu cake. The larger sharing options come in glass trays, with each ‘tray’ serving 12.
The Classic Tiramisu – or, as they say “the one that started it all” – combines coffee-soaked savoiardi sponge layered with smooth mascarpone cream, before finishing with cocoa and chocolate curls. It has a delicious flavour with the coffee coming through and mixing with the sponge and the cream beautifully. Comfort on a spoon.
The cream was light and airy, but in my opinion, a little too light and lacking the body to hold its own. Especially in the sharing format (not so much the pot) you also expect to see the distinctive layers that tiramisu has become known for, but you don’t. Perhaps they are more visible in the glass tray? Or maybe it got a bit muddled during delivery?
The Pistachio Tiramisu is “a little nutty”. It had wonderful green colour and combined savoiardi sponge soaked in a mixture of coffee and milk, with mascarpone cream. The cream was still wonderfully light but did feel like it had a touch more body. The final flourish was topping the dessert with pieces of pistachio.
The Pistachio dessert, while containing coffee, was much more on the nutty side which was delightful. From the Classic to the Pistachio, to the Biscoff and Brownie versions – with the later two containing no coffee – it felt like something of a sliding scale depending on how much you enjoy the taste of coffee.
The Biscoff Tiramisu coupled savoiardi sponge soaked in a milk mixture with the familiar caramelised brown sugar, warming spice, biscuity yumminess of Biscoff. Throughout the pudding, you’ll find drizzles of Biscoff spread (the pool of it on top is very inviting), as well as Biscoff biscuit mixed throughout.
The Brownie Tiramisu is a chocolate lover’s dream. Delightful and rich brownie pieces are layered with mascarpone cream and a light chocolate cream, before being topped with chocolate sauce and more brownie chunks. Honestly, this seemed more like a chocolate dessert and felt like it was a world away from the classic tiramisu, but if you love chocolate then this is definitely for you. Perfect for those who want the tiramisu experience but don’t like coffee.
Finally (but by no means least) is the Rum Tiramisu. Akin to the Classic, but with a rummy punch. It features everything you would find in the classic option, but instead of being soaked in coffee, the savoiardi sponge is soaked in a dark rum syrup which Ele’s Tiramisù make (rather than being soaked in straight rum). This creates a richer eating experience, and you can definitely taste the warmth that the rum brings.
I can see why Eleonora turned this into her full-time job. The freshly made tiramisus are a delight to eat and, especially the sharing versions, I think you could easily pass these off as your own at a dinner party if you were that way inclined (without the faff of actually having to make a dessert).
Ele’s Tiramisù now also offers a range of ‘other treats’, including homemade sponge cakes and Basque cheesecakes.
Individual Cups: Prices start at £4.50, available in Classic, Pistachio, Biscoff, Brownie and Rum flavours.
Large Glass Trays: Prices start at £39.50, each tray serves 12 and is available in Classic, Pistachio, Biscoff, Brownie and Rum. Mini trays are also available, starting from £12.80.
Homemade Sponge Cakes: For a more celebratory centrepiece, choose from a selection of cakes, including the Tiramisu Naked Cake, Brownie Tiramisu Naked Cake, The Square and Tiramisu Cake. Prices start from £46.
Other Treats: Made-to-order items include Basque Cheesecake, Basque Cheesecake Slices and Canapé Boxes. Prices range from £4.00 to £24.00.
For full delivery and collection details, visit the website. Ele’s Tiramisù can be ordered online and found in renowned London delis, including Bayley & Sage, Prezzemolo & Vitale, Panzer’s Delicatessen and Daylesford Organic.