Espresso Martini Tiramisu
Hey there! What happens when two Italian classics—tiramisu and espresso martini—collide in the most delicious way possible? Pure magic, that’s what! This dessert is perfect for dinner parties or those nights when you want to treat yourself to something a little indulgent. Combining velvety mascarpone, the bold kick of espresso, and a splash of coffee liqueur, this recipe reimagines a classic dessert with a sophisticated twist. Ready to dive into decadence?
If you’re ready to sip and spoon your dessert, this is *it*.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best parts of a dessert and a cocktail in one.
- No baking required—perfect for those who shy away from the oven.
- A crowd-pleaser: impressive yet surprisingly simple to make.
- Customizable—adjust the coffee or alcohol to suit your taste.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Ladyfingers: The foundation of our tiramisu, these spongey biscuits soak up all the coffee goodness.
- Espresso: Use freshly brewed espresso for that bold, authentic flavor. Can’t get fresh? A strong shot of instant will work in a pinch.
- Mascarpone: This creamy Italian cheese makes for the silkiest filling. Avoid substitutes like cream cheese if possible.
- Heavy cream: Whipping cream adds a light, airy texture to the filling.
- Coffee liqueur: Think Kahlúa or your favorite boozy coffee companion—adds depth and a grown-up twist.
- Vodka: Optional, but this martini staple takes the cocktail theme up a notch!
- Cocoa powder: For that final dusting of chocolatey goodness.
Pro Tip: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream to achieve the perfect texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the coffee mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the espresso and coffee liqueur. If you’re feeling bold, add that splash of vodka here too. Set aside to cool.
- Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the mascarpone into the whipped cream until smooth and velvety.
- Dip the ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture. Don’t let them soak—just a brisk dunk to keep them from getting overly soggy.
- Layer it up: In your serving dish, start with a layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers. Top with a generous layer of mascarpone cream. Repeat until you reach the top, ending with the cream layer.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results) to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder for a polished presentation. Voilà!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- For an extra touch of fancy, garnish with chocolate-covered espresso beans or a sprinkle of grated chocolate.
- If you prefer a stronger kick of coffee, swap regular espresso for a ristretto shot.
- No coffee liqueur? Substitute with a splash of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of sugar for a non-alcoholic version.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based cream and mascarpone alternatives, and swap ladyfingers with a vegan cookie.
- Kid-friendly version: Replace coffee liqueur with chocolate milk and omit the vodka for a tiramisu everyone can enjoy.
- Serving idea: Pair this with a freshly brewed espresso or a glass of amaretto on the side for a truly decadent experience.
FAQs
Q: How long does tiramisu last in the fridge?
A: Tiramisu will stay delicious for up to 2-3 days if kept covered in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze this dessert?
A: Yes! Tiramisu freezes well. Wrap it tightly and enjoy within a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead ensures all those flavors meld beautifully.
Espresso Martini Tiramisu
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 18-20 ladyfingers
- 1 cup espresso (cooled)
- 3 tablespoons coffee liqueur
- 2 tablespoons vodka (optional)
- 1 ½ cups mascarpone
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine espresso, coffee liqueur, and vodka (if using). Set aside.
- Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold in mascarpone until smooth.
- Dip ladyfingers quickly into the coffee mixture and layer in a dish. Alternate with mascarpone cream layers.
- Repeat until the dish is full, ending with a cream layer. Chill 4 hours or overnight.
- Dust with cocoa powder before serving. Enjoy!
I hope you’ll love bringing a touch of Italian elegance (and a hint of caffeine) to your next dessert adventure. Let me know how yours turns out by commenting below or tagging your Instagram photos with #TheKitchensAid. I can’t wait to see your creations!
