Black Rum and Coffee Tiramisu Parfait
Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers infused with black rum, mascarpone cream, and cocoa for an adult twist on classic tiramisu. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers cooled strong brewed espresso, black rum, ladyfinger cookies into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, cooled strong brewed espresso
- 3 tbsp black rum
- 12 ladyfinger cookies
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup cooled strong brewed espresso with 3 tbsp black rum. Dip each of the 12 ladyfinger cookies briefly (1-2 seconds) into the mixture, ensuring they absorb but do not become soggy.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz mascarpone cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Step 4: In serving glasses, layer dipped ladyfingers first, then a layer of mascarpone cream. Repeat layers to fill the glasses, ending with a mascarpone layer.
- Step 5: Dust the tops generously with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Black Rum and Coffee Tiramisu Parfait take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Black Rum and Coffee Tiramisu Parfait?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Black Rum and Coffee Tiramisu Parfait?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Black Rum and Coffee Tiramisu Parfait for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Black Rum and Coffee Tiramisu Parfait?
Italian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
