Mascarpone Coffee Tiramisu

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Italian dessert layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa for a perfect balance of flavors. This Italian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs ladyfingers, strong coffee, mascarpone cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 270 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 25 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 270 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, mix 1 1/2 cups cooled strong coffee. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee for 1 second, then arrange a single layer in a 9x13 inch dish.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup mascarpone, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the ladyfingers in the dish.
  5. Step 5: Layer another set of dipped ladyfingers on top, then spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over them.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mascarpone Coffee Tiramisu take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mascarpone Coffee Tiramisu?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ladyfingers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mascarpone Coffee Tiramisu?

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 Mascarpone Coffee Tiramisu 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 Mascarpone Coffee Tiramisu?

Italian italian 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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