Layered mascarpone cream, rum-spiked coffee, and cocoa-dusted ladyfingers
Prep Time: 45 mins | Chill Time: 6+ hours | Total Time: 6 hrs 45 mins | Serves: 12
Imagine a chilled glass dish layered with airy mascarpone cream, coffee-kissed ladyfingers, and a snowfall of cocoa powder—each spoonful a delicate dance of bitter espresso, rum warmth, and velvety sweetness. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the rich tang of mascarpone, while the cocoa dusting melts into the cream like a whisper of dark chocolate. The first bite dissolves on the tongue: crisp yet yielding ladyfingers, cloud-like whipped cream, and the custard’s luscious silkiness, all balanced by the bold bite of coffee and a hint of boozy depth.
This tiramisu is Italian indulgence perfected. The custard, whisked to golden creaminess, melds with mascarpone into a decadent filling, while rum-spiked coffee transforms humble ladyfingers into ethereal layers. Overnight chilling lets the flavors harmonize, turning each slice into a cool, cohesive masterpiece—sweet but never cloying, rich yet impossibly light.
Serve it in elegant squares or rustic spoonfuls, garnished with espresso beans or chocolate shavings. Pair with a shot of hot espresso to amplify the coffee notes or a glass of Vin Santo for a dessert-wine flourish. Ideal for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or solo indulgence when only la dolce vita will do.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Customizable: Skip the rum and boost vanilla for a kid-friendly version, or swap ladyfingers with lightly toasted sponge cake.
✅ Make-ahead magic: Prep a day ahead for effortless entertaining.
✅ Decadent upgrades: Layer with grated dark chocolate or drizzle with caramel for extra luxury.
✅ Texture heaven: Contrasts crisp cocoa, creamy custard, and tender ladyfingers.
This Tiramisu isn’t just dessert—it’s a culinary sonnet, a love letter to Italian tradition that turns every bite into a moment of pure, caffeinated bliss. Mangia! 🥄🇮🇹
| Nutrition Information (Per serving) | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | |————–|——————-|————-|———| | 380 kcal | 25g | 7g | 28g | Estimates vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. |
Ingredients
Custard Base
- 6 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ⅔ cup milk
Cream & Cheese
- 1 lb mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Coffee Soak
- ¼ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 2 tbsp rum
Assembly
- 2 (3 oz) packages ladyfinger cookies
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions:
- Silky Custard Base:
In a medium saucepan, whisk 6 egg yolks and ¾ cup sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually whisk in ⅔ cup milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it gently boils. Let bubble 1 minute, then cool slightly. Cover tightly and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Cloud-Like Cream:
In a bowl, beat 1 ¼ cups heavy cream and ½ tsp vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Mascarpone Magic:
Remove the chilled custard from the fridge. Whisk in 1 lb mascarpone until smooth and lump-free—this is your velvety tiramisu heart!
- Coffee-Rum Soak:
Mix ¼ cup coffee and 2 tbsp rum in a small bowl. Quickly dip 20 ladyfingers (split lengthwise) into the mixture—don’t oversoak, or they’ll turn mushy!
- Layered Luxe:
In a 7×11-inch dish, arrange half the soaked ladyfingers in a snug layer. Spread half the mascarpone custard over them, then half the whipped cream. Repeat with remaining layers.
- Cocoa-Dusted Perfection:
Sift 1 tbsp cocoa powder over the top. Refrigerate 5+ hours (overnight is best!) to let flavors meld into creamy, coffee-kissed bliss.
Pro Tips:
- For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum and add ½ tsp extra vanilla to the coffee.
- Swap ladyfingers for sponge cake slices if needed (lightly toast them first!).
- Dust with grated dark chocolate alongside cocoa for extra decadence.
Serve chilled, straight from the fridge. This tiramisu is silky, boozy, and balanced—the ultimate Italian dessert to impress or indulge. Pair with espresso! ☕️✨
| 🍷 Pair With: Freshly brewed espresso Vin Santo or sweet Marsala wine Mixed berry compote |
