Creamy Espresso Delight Tiramisu
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert with this Creamy Espresso Delight Tiramisu. Featuring a rich and luscious filling made from cream cheese and whipped cream, this easy-to-make dessert replaces traditional mascarpone, making it accessible for all. With layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a light dusting of cocoa powder, each bite transports you to a café in Rome. This recipe, inspired by Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine, has been a beloved favorite in our family, perfect for gatherings or a sweet ending to any meal.
6
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Instant espresso powder
3 tablespoons (Dissolved)
Boiling water
3 tablespoons (To hydrate espresso powder)
Cold water
1 1/2 cups
Cream cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Heavy cream
3/4 cup
Sugar
1/3 cup
Ladyfingers
2 (3-ounce) packages (Prepared for dipping)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
To taste (For dusting)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the instant espresso powder with boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Then, stir in the cold water and set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
2
In a separate medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer at medium speed to beat together the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture onto the bottom of a 2-quart serving dish. Dip a third of the ladyfingers into the espresso mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy, and arrange them in a single layer over the cream cheese mixture.
4
Spread one-third of the remaining cream cheese mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layering process twice more, finishing with a layer of the cream cheese mixture on top.
5
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
6
Before serving, dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder to add a beautiful finish and an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Information
19.3g
Fat
25g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Espresso Delight Tiramisu?
It is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dessert featuring a rich filling of cream cheese and whipped cream layered with espresso-soaked ladyfingers.
What makes this recipe different from traditional tiramisu?
This version replaces traditional mascarpone with a combination of cream cheese and heavy cream, making it more accessible and easy to prepare.
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, you can use very strong brewed coffee, but instant espresso powder is recommended for its concentrated flavor.
How do I soften the cream cheese?
Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes until it is soft enough to beat easily.
What type of ladyfingers should I use?
Crisp, dry Italian ladyfingers, also known as savoiardi, are best for this recipe as they absorb the espresso without falling apart.
How long should I soak the ladyfingers?
Perform a quick dip of each ladyfinger into the espresso mixture to ensure they are soaked through but not overly soggy.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, making this dessert in advance is highly recommended as it allows the flavors to meld together and the ladyfingers to soften perfectly.
How long does this tiramisu need to refrigerate?
It needs to refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight provides the best results.
Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese 1:1 with mascarpone if you prefer a more traditional Italian flavor profile.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this recipe no-bake?
Yes, this is a completely no-bake dessert, making it perfect for warm weather or when your oven is occupied.
Can I freeze this tiramisu?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the cream cheese and whipped cream may change slightly once thawed.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You could use a stabilized whipped topping, though the flavor and texture will differ from the original recipe.
How do I prevent the ladyfingers from getting soggy?
Ensure the espresso mixture is cool before dipping and do not let the ladyfingers linger in the liquid.
Is there a substitute for sugar in this recipe?
You can use a granulated sugar substitute; ensure you use the equivalent amount required to match 1/3 cup of sugar.
Can I add alcohol to the espresso soak?
Yes, a splash of coffee liqueur, dark rum, or brandy can be added to the espresso mixture for a more traditional kick.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use for dusting?
Unsweetened cocoa powder is best to provide a dark, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cream filling.
How many layers does this recipe have?
The recipe calls for three layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and cream cheese mixture.
Can I double the recipe for a larger party?
Yes, the ingredients can easily be doubled and prepared in a larger 9x13 inch dish.
What dish size is recommended for this recipe?
A 2-quart serving dish is the ideal size for the quantities listed.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
It contains caffeine from the espresso; you may want to use decaf espresso powder if serving it to children.
Can I use decaf espresso powder?
Yes, decaf espresso powder works perfectly for those who want to avoid caffeine without sacrificing flavor.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Covered leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the texture of the filling?
The texture is light, luscious, and fluffy, similar to a whipped mousse.
Do I need an electric mixer?
An electric mixer is recommended to beat the cream cheese and cream to the correct fluffy consistency.
Why do I need boiling water?
Boiling water is necessary to fully dissolve the instant espresso powder for a smooth mixture.
Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but omit the extra sugar if the whipped topping is already sweetened.
How many main ingredients are required?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this tiramisu recipe.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine.