Coffee-Infused Tiramisu Parfaits
Layered Italian dessert parfaits with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and dusted with cocoa powder for a rich finish. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers strong brewed espresso, cooled, coffee liqueur (optional), 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
- 20 pieces ladyfinger cookies
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp for dusting unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup cooled strong brewed espresso and 2 tbsp coffee liqueur if using.
- Step 2: Quickly dip each of the 20 ladyfinger cookies into the espresso mixture for 1-2 seconds to soak without becoming soggy.
- Step 3: Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers evenly in the bottom of 6 serving glasses.
- Step 4: In a chilled bowl, beat 8 oz mascarpone cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract on medium-high speed until smooth and thick, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 5: Spoon half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfinger layer in each glass.
- Step 6: Repeat dipping and layering with the remaining soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
- Step 7: Cover and refrigerate the parfaits for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 8: Before serving, dust the top of each parfait with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coffee-Infused Tiramisu Parfaits 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 Coffee-Infused Tiramisu Parfaits?
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 Coffee-Infused Tiramisu Parfaits?
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 Coffee-Infused Tiramisu Parfaits 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 Coffee-Infused Tiramisu Parfaits?
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.
