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Creamy Tiramisu Icebox Cake Recipe with Espresso-Soaked Ladyfingers

tiramisu icebox cake - featured image

A quick and easy no-bake tiramisu icebox cake featuring espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with creamy mascarpone and whipped cream, perfect for a simple yet indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • About 24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi), roughly 7 ounces (200 grams)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) strong, freshly brewed espresso, cooled
  • 16 ounces (450 grams) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, cold
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Optional: splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or Marsala wine

Instructions

  1. Brew 1 cup (240 ml) of strong espresso and set aside to cool completely, about 15 minutes. Stir in coffee liqueur if using.
  2. In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream with ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form (3-4 minutes with an electric mixer).
  3. Gently fold the room-temperature mascarpone (16 ounces/450 grams) into the whipped cream until smooth and airy, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso for 1-2 seconds, just enough to absorb flavor without becoming soggy.
  5. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers evenly in a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) dish.
  6. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing gently.
  7. Add another layer of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, then spread the remaining mascarpone mixture on top.
  8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld and ladyfingers soften.
  9. Just before serving, sift a generous layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top. Optionally add chocolate shavings or a dusting of cinnamon.

Notes

[‘Do not over-soak ladyfingers; 1-2 seconds dip is enough to keep them moist but not soggy.’, ‘Use room temperature mascarpone for smooth folding and avoid lumps.’, ‘Whip cream to soft peaks only to maintain light texture.’, ‘Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.’, ‘If mascarpone mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream; if too loose, add more mascarpone.’, ‘Glass pans show pretty layers; metal pans chill faster.’, ‘Optional variations include adding chocolate ganache, fresh berries, or Nutella layers.’, ‘For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and mascarpone with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.’, ‘For gluten-free, use gluten-free ladyfingers or almond meringue cookies.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: tiramisu, icebox cake, espresso, mascarpone, ladyfingers, no-bake dessert, easy dessert, Italian dessert, creamy dessert