Description
A timeless Italian no-bake dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone, finished with cocoa powder and optionally dark chocolate shavings. Elegant, indulgent, and perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
6 large egg yolks
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 pound mascarpone cheese, room temperature
2 cups strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
1/4 cup coffee liqueur (optional)
2 packs (about 7 oz or 200g total) Savoiardi (ladyfinger cookies)
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk the egg yolks and sugar together in a heatproof bowl.
- Place the bowl over simmering water (double boiler) and whisk constantly for 8–10 minutes until the mixture is thick and pale. Let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the mascarpone cheese into the cooled egg mixture until smooth.
- Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, mixing gently to keep the mixture light.
- In a shallow dish, combine the espresso with the coffee liqueur (if using).
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture for 1–2 seconds.
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in a 9x13 inch dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat with another layer of soaked ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with dark chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Skip the coffee liqueur for a non-alcoholic version.
Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond liqueur for extra flavor.
Layer with sliced berries for a fruity variation.
Make individual portions using cups or jars for serving ease.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
