If you’re looking for a dessert that melts in your mouth and transports you to a cozy café in Italy, look no further than this rich espresso tiramisu! With a delightful combination of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, light and fluffy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa powder, this dessert is the quintessential example of Italian indulgence. Perfect for any occasion, it’s incredibly simple to prepare and absolutely unforgettable!
Why This Tiramisu is Special
The beauty of tiramisu lies not just in its rich layers but also in the joy it brings to gatherings. This classic Italian dessert, with its earthy espresso flavor, embodies comfort and sophistication. As you dig into its creamy texture, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it brings people together—perfect for dinner parties or family celebrations.
This recipe is both inspirational and incredibly easy, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time and a chilling phase of 4-6 hours. It yields 8-10 servings, making it an ideal dessert for sharing. Plus, with its rich flavors, every spoonful provides a little moment of bliss!
Taste and Texture
Every bite of this rich espresso tiramisu tantalizes the taste buds with a contrasting symphony of textures. The ladyfingers absorb the coffee and alcohol, becoming soft yet slightly resilient, while the mascarpone cream brings a luxurious creaminess that envelops each layer beautifully. Dusting it with cocoa powder not only adds a touch of elegance but also a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness, making it a luxurious dessert experience.
This dessert is incredibly versatile. If you’re looking for a variation, try swapping the Marsala wine with your favorite liqueur or even experimenting with flavored coffees for an exciting twist!
Let’s Make Tiramisu!
Now, let’s get into the recipe that’s bound to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 c. heavy whipping cream
- 12 oz. mascarpone cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 c. powdered sugar
- 1/4 t. salt
- 1 c. espresso, freshly-brewed
- 1/4 c. Marsala wine (optional, you can also substitute rum)
- 2 T. granulated sugar
- 10 oz. Italian ladyfingers
- 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
Directions
- Place the heavy cream in a large bowl and whip until it doubles in volume and becomes light and airy.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the mascarpone with the powdered sugar and salt until it becomes light and fluffy. Slowly begin adding the whipped cream to the mascarpone mixture, one-fourth at a time, gently folding with a spatula to ensure the cream doesn’t deflate. Place the mascarpone cream in the fridge.
- Add the espresso, marsala, and sugar to a shallow bowl and mix well.
- Briefly dunk half of the Italian ladyfingers in the espresso mixture, just for 1-2 seconds on each side, and arrange them in a casserole dish, covering the bottom.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone cream.
- Place the tiramisu in the fridge to set for a minimum of 4-6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder.
This rich espresso tiramisu is a celebration of flavor and texture, sure to impress your loved ones. Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
