Ingredients
Serves 6 (in 6-oz jars or cups)
The Soul of the Layers
For the Coffee Soak:
→ 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled to room temp (not instant!)
→ 1 tbsp granulated sugar
→ 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa) or ½ tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
For the Cream:
→ 1 cup (240ml) cold heavy cream
→ 1 cup (8 oz) mascarpone cheese, room temperature (crucial for smoothness!)
→ ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
→ 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For Assembly:
→ 12 ladyfingers, broken into 1-inch pieces (Savoiardi style—crisp, not cakey!)
→ Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting (Dutch-process for richness!)
✅ Joye’s Pro Tips
Room-temp mascarpone beats like silk. Cold = lumps.
Brew coffee strong (2x strength) so flavor shines through cream.
Break ladyfingers by hand—no knife needed. Rustic = charming!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brew & Cool the Coffee (The Quiet Foundation)
→ Brew 1 cup strong coffee; cool completely.
→ Stir in sugar and liqueur (if using). Set aside.
✅ Tip: Pour coffee into a wide bowl—it cools faster.
2. Whip the Cloud Cream (With Gentle Hands)
→ In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream to stiff peaks (2–3 mins). Set aside.
→ In another bowl, beat mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy (1–2 mins).
→ Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone—no stirring! Use a spatula in slow figure-eights until just combined.
✅ Why it works: Folding keeps air in the cream—no dense, gluey tiramisu.
3. Assemble with Love (The Ritual)
→ Bottom layer: Divide ½ the ladyfinger pieces among 6 glass cups (4 oz each).
→ Coffee soak: Spoon 2 tbsp coffee mixture over ladyfingers in each cup (don’t oversoak—they should be moist, not soggy).
→ Cream layer: Divide ½ the mascarpone cream over soaked ladyfingers.
→ Repeat: Top with remaining ladyfingers → coffee soak → cream.
→ Finish: Smooth tops; cover with plastic wrap (press wrap onto cream to prevent drying).
4. Chill to Perfection
→ Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal).
→ 15 minutes before serving: Dust tops generously with cocoa powder through a fine sieve.
Tips for Perfect Cups (Joye-Approved!)
🔸 Mascarpone must be room-temp. Cold cheese = lumpy filling. Leave out 1 hour.
🔸 Don’t skip chilling. 4 hours = flavors meld; overnight = dreamy texture.
🔸 Use glass cups. Clear jars show off the layers—instant elegance.
🔸 Dust cocoa last. It sinks if added too early.
🔸 Say “Ready?” before serving. It’s not superstition—it’s ritual. And rituals make desserts sweeter.
Delicious Variations to Try
Grandma’s Rum Tiramisu
Swap coffee liqueur for dark rum + 1 tsp orange zest
Warm, complex,
so
Kentucky
Berry Bliss
Layer fresh raspberries between cream and ladyfingers
Sweet-tart contrast—stunning color
Chocolate Dream
Dust with cocoa
between
layers + top with chocolate shavings
For the chocoholics who still love coffee
Dairy-Free Joy
Use coconut cream + DF mascarpone (Kite Hill)
Rich, creamy, still deeply satisfying
Serving Suggestions (Joye’s Favorites!)
☕ Classic pairing: Serve with espresso shots or cappuccino
🍷 Adult indulgence: Pair with sweet Marsala wine or amaretto
🍓 Summer twist: Top with fresh berries and mint
🎁 Gift idea: Pack cups in a basket with a tiny bottle of coffee liqueur—tag: “Tiramisu Love—From Joye’s Kitchen”
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge (covered): Up to 3 days. Cocoa will darken slightly—still beautiful!
Freezer? Not recommended—cream separates upon thawing.
Make components ahead:
→ Coffee soak: 3 days in fridge
→ Cream: 1 day in fridge (stir gently before using)
→ Assemble day-of for freshest texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant coffee?
A: Yes—but use espresso powder (like Medaglia d’Oro) dissolved in hot water. Instant coffee lacks depth.
Q: Why is my cream grainy?
A: Likely cold mascarpone or overmixing. Next time: room-temp cheese + fold gently.
Q: Can I make it nut-free?
A: Yes! Skip amaretto; use vanilla. Verify ladyfinger labels (some contain almond flour).
Q: Are ladyfingers gluten-free?
A: Not typically—but GF versions exist (like Schar). Or use GF sponge cake cubes.
Q: Can I skip the liqueur?
A: Absolutely! Use ½ tsp vanilla + 1 tsp strong coffee concentrate.
Allergy Information
Contains: Dairy (cream, mascarpone), eggs (in ladyfingers), wheat (in ladyfingers)
Gluten-free option: Yes—with GF ladyfingers
Nut-free option: Yes—if avoiding nut-based liqueurs
⚠️ Always verify labels.
Nutrition Facts (Per Cup — 6 servings)
| Calories | 380 |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 32g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 22g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sodium | 85mg |
Values are estimates. Varies by brands and liqueur.
Final Thought
These cups don’t arrive with fanfare.
They chill quietly in the fridge—layers deepening, flavors marrying—until the kitchen smells like Italy and memory.
You lift one. The cocoa dusts your spoon. The cream yields like a sigh.
And someone at the table closes their eyes and says:
“Now that’s how you turn ordinary into holy.”
