Espresso-Infused Tiramisu Parfaits
Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream come together in easy-to-assemble individual parfaits with a dusting of cocoa. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers cooled strong brewed espresso, granulated sugar, mascarpone cheese 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, cooled strong brewed espresso
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup, cold heavy whipping cream
- 20 ladyfinger cookies
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp dark rum
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup cooled strong brewed espresso with 2 tbsp dark rum and 2 tbsp granulated sugar; stir until sugar dissolves.
- Step 2: Dip each of the 20 ladyfinger cookies briefly (1-2 seconds) into the espresso mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz mascarpone cheese with 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream with 2 tbsp granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Step 5: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
- Step 6: In 6 serving glasses, layer soaked ladyfingers at the bottom, then spoon a layer of mascarpone cream over them.
- Step 7: Repeat layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with mascarpone cream on top.
- Step 8: Sift 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder evenly over each parfait.
- Step 9: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and cream to set before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Espresso-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 Espresso-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 Espresso-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 Espresso-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 Espresso-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.
