Ingredients
Beverages
- 2 cups brewed espresso (or coffee, cooled)
Filling
- 5 large egg yolks (pasteurized)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese (chilled)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (chilled)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Assembly
- 36 hard ladyfinger cookies
- 1/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
Instructions
- Brew the espresso: Prepare 2 cups of strong espresso or coffee and allow it to cool completely before using it to soak the ladyfingers.
- Make the filling: Beat the 5 egg yolks with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and thick, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mascarpone cheese and 1/2 teaspoon salt, beating until smooth and creamy. Pour in the chilled heavy cream and whip until the mixture becomes light and airy with soft peaks, being careful not to overmix.
- Dip the ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso for about 1 to 2 seconds per side. The ladyfingers should be soaked but not soggy to maintain texture.
- Layer it up: Arrange a layer of the soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of the serving dish. Spread one-quarter of the mascarpone filling over the top and dust with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Repeat this layering process 3 to 4 times, finishing with a generous dusting of cocoa powder on the top layer.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
Notes
- Use pasteurized egg yolks or cook your egg yolks gently if you are concerned about raw eggs.
- Ensure the espresso or coffee is completely cooled before dipping the ladyfingers to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
- The dessert is best enjoyed after chilling overnight for maximum flavor and firmness.
- For an alcohol variation, you can add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa to the espresso.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best quality.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian