Tiramisu with Cardamom-Infused Mascarpone Cream

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

An elegant tiramisu featuring a lightly cardamom-spiced mascarpone cream layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers for a fragrant twist on a classic dessert. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, 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 350 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.

Prep: 20 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 tsp cardamom powder until soft peaks form.
  2. Step 2: Gently fold 8 oz mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream until smooth and well combined, maintaining a light texture.
  3. Step 3: Combine 1 1/2 cups cooled strong brewed espresso with 3 tbsp coffee liqueur in a shallow dish.
  4. Step 4: Quickly dip each of the 24 ladyfinger biscuits into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy, and arrange a layer in an 8x8 inch dish.
  5. Step 5: Spread half of the cardamom mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked ladyfingers.
  6. Step 6: Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone cream.
  7. Step 7: Cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 6 hours or overnight to set.
  8. Step 8: Before serving, dust the top evenly with 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder and garnish with 2 tbsp dark chocolate shavings for added texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiramisu with Cardamom-Infused 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 Tiramisu with Cardamom-Infused 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 Tiramisu with Cardamom-Infused 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 Tiramisu with Cardamom-Infused Mascarpone Cream 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 Tiramisu with Cardamom-Infused 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.

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