Espresso-Infused Tiramisu Trifle
Layered Italian-inspired trifle featuring espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers ladyfinger cookies, cooled strong brewed espresso, granulated sugar 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 320 calories and feeds 8, 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
- 24 pieces ladyfinger cookies
- 1 cup, cooled strong brewed espresso
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp, for dusting unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew 1 cup strong espresso and let it cool completely. Pour the espresso into a shallow dish.
- Step 2: Quickly dip each of the 24 ladyfinger cookies into the cooled espresso for 1-2 seconds, ensuring they soak but do not become soggy.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 cup heavy whipping cream together on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, creating a smooth cream.
- Step 4: In a trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer half of the soaked ladyfingers, then half of the mascarpone cream. Repeat the layers with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
- Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6: Just before serving, dust the top evenly with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Espresso-Infused Tiramisu Trifle 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 Trifle?
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 Trifle?
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 Trifle for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Trifle?
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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