Layered Coffee Tiramisu Parfaits with Mascarpone Cream
Individual coffee-soaked ladyfinger parfaits layered with a smooth mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder for an elegant Italian dessert. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers ladyfinger cookies, cooled strong brewed coffee, 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 420 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
- 12 pieces ladyfinger cookies
- 1 cup, cooled strong brewed coffee
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp dark rum (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brew 1 cup strong coffee and let cool to room temperature; stir in 2 tbsp dark rum if using.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 8 oz mascarpone cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 cup heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form and the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Step 3: Quickly dip 12 ladyfinger cookies, one at a time, into the coffee mixture for about 1 second each, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy.
- Step 4: In four serving glasses, layer 3 soaked ladyfingers per glass, then spoon one-third of the mascarpone cream over the cookies.
- Step 5: Repeat the layers two more times until glasses are filled, finishing with mascarpone cream on top.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 7: Just before serving, dust the tops with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve for a classic finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Coffee Tiramisu Parfaits with Mascarpone Cream 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 Layered Coffee Tiramisu Parfaits with Mascarpone Cream?
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 Layered Coffee Tiramisu Parfaits with Mascarpone Cream?
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 Layered Coffee Tiramisu Parfaits with Mascarpone Cream 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 Layered Coffee Tiramisu Parfaits with Mascarpone Cream?
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.
