Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups brewed coffee, cooled
– 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional)
– 24-30 ladyfinger cookies
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 4 ounces dark chocolate, grated or finely chopped
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add half a cup of powdered sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the softened mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the brewed coffee and coffee liqueur (if using). Dip each ladyfinger cookie briefly into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not overly saturated.
3. Line the bottom of a serving dish (an 8×8-inch dish or a similar-sized trifle dish works well) with a layer of the soaked ladyfinger cookies. Spread half of the whipped cream and mascarpone mixture over the cookies, creating an even layer.
4. Sift a generous amount of cocoa powder over the cream layer, using about half of the cocoa.
5. Sprinkle half of the grated or chopped dark chocolate over the cocoa powder.
6. Repeat the layers: another layer of soaked ladyfingers, the remaining cream mixture, another dusting of cocoa powder, and the remaining grated or chopped chocolate.
7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
8. Before serving, sift a final layer of cocoa powder over the top. Optionally, garnish with chocolate curls, additional grated chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy this sumptuous Chocolate Tiramisu as a delightful conclusion to any meal or as an exquisite treat for special occasions!