An indulgent Valentine’s Day tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a bold double pour of liquor.
Perfect finish to your Valentine’s Day dinner.
Prep: 25 Minutes
Cook: 0 Minutes
Serves: 1-4
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed espresso or very strong coffee, cooled
- 60 ml (¼ cup) coffee liqueur
- 60 ml (¼ cup) dark rum or brandy
- 3 large egg yolks
- 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 250 g (9 oz) mascarpone cheese
- 180 g (6–7 oz) ladyfingers
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
- Optional: dark chocolate shavings for finishing
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine the cooled espresso with the coffee liqueur and rum or brandy. The mixture should smell strong and aromatic without tasting harsh. Set aside.
- In a heatproof bowl set over gently simmering water, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, slightly thickened, and warm to the touch, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Whisk the mascarpone into the warm egg mixture until smooth and cohesive. The cream should be loose and silky, not whipped or stiff.
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture. They should absorb flavor but still hold their shape. Arrange them in a single layer in a small baking dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat with a second layer of dipped ladyfingers, then finish with the remaining cream.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, until the tiramisu is set and sliceable.
- Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder and finish with dark chocolate shavings if using.
Why This Recipe Works
Using liquor in both the coffee soak and the mascarpone cream builds depth without overwhelming sweetness. Brief dipping preserves the structure of the ladyfingers, while resting time allows the layers to soften and merge naturally. No baking is required, and restraint in mixing keeps the texture smooth rather than dense.
Pairing Suggestion
Serve with espresso, black coffee, or a small pour of the same coffee liqueur used in the dessert. Fresh berries on the side provide contrast without competing with the richness of the tiramisu itself.
Leftovers
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor deepens over time as the coffee and liquor continue to permeate the layers. This dessert does not freeze well, but it holds its texture and structure comfortably for several days when chilled.
Make It Yours
- Spirit variation: Replace the rum with amaretto for a softer, nutty profile.
- Acid swap: Add a thin layer of lightly macerated berries between layers for brightness.
- Heat adjustment: Stir a small pinch of cinnamon or cayenne into the coffee soak for warmth.
- Texture tweak: Finish with crushed amaretti or toasted hazelnuts for contrast.
Kitchen Connections
Foundation:
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Next Dish:
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