Cardamom-Date Coffee Tiramisu with Cognac

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A decadent tiramisu infused with aromatic cardamom and sweet date syrup, enhanced by Cognac for a rich, layered coffee dessert. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers cooled strong brewed coffee, VS Cognac, date syrup 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 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup cooled strong brewed coffee, 2 tbsp VS Cognac, 3 tbsp date syrup, and 0.5 tsp ground cardamom, stirring to blend the flavors.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz mascarpone cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, and 0.5 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form and the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
  3. Step 3: Quickly dip each of the 24 ladyfinger cookies into the coffee-cognac mixture for 1-2 seconds, ensuring they soak but do not become soggy.
  4. Step 4: Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9x9-inch dish. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers.
  5. Step 5: Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Step 6: Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  7. Step 7: Before serving, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardamom-Date Coffee Tiramisu with Cognac 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 Cardamom-Date Coffee Tiramisu with Cognac?

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 Cardamom-Date Coffee Tiramisu with Cognac?

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 Cardamom-Date Coffee Tiramisu with Cognac for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Cardamom-Date Coffee Tiramisu with Cognac?

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.

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