Layered Tiramisu Trifle with Espresso Soak
A multi-layered Italian dessert featuring espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa powder, served in a trifle bowl. This Italian-inspired recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, layers ladyfinger cookies, strong brewed espresso, 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 450 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 1/2 cups, cooled strong brewed espresso
- 16 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp for dusting unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional)
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, combine 1 1/2 cups cooled strong brewed espresso with 2 tbsp coffee liqueur (if using).
- Step 2: Quickly dip each of the 24 ladyfinger cookies into the espresso mixture for about 1 second per side to soak without becoming soggy.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz mascarpone cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Step 4: In a clear trifle bowl, layer half of the soaked ladyfingers evenly on the bottom.
- Step 5: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing the top.
- Step 6: Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
- Step 7: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let flavors meld.
- Step 8: Just before serving, dust the top with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve.








