This Bakery's "Free Tiramisu" Challenge Is a Delicious Trap

Ingredients

• 24 pieces Ladyfingers (store‑bought, about 2‑inch length)
• 500 g Mascarpone Cheese (full‑fat, chilled)
• 4 large Egg Yolks (fresh, room temperature)
• 100 g Granulated Sugar (fine)
• 4 large Egg Whites (fresh, room temperature)
• 240 ml Espresso Coffee (strongly brewed, cooled)
• 30 ml Coffee Liqueur (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, for dusting)
• 30 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, finely grated for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. Prepare Espresso Mixture

   Brew 240 ml of strong espresso, add coffee liqueur if using, and let it cool to room temperature.

   Time: PT10M

2. Separate Eggs

   Separate the yolks from the whites, placing yolks in a large mixing bowl and whites in a clean, dry bowl.

   Time: PT5M

3. Whisk Yolks and Sugar

   Whisk the egg yolks with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and ribbons fall off the whisk (about 5 minutes).

   Time: PT5M

4. Add Mascarpone

   Add the chilled mascarpone cheese to the yolk‑sugar mixture and fold gently until smooth and fully incorporated.

   Time: PT3M

5. Whip Egg Whites

   Using a clean whisk or electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 4 minutes).

   Time: PT4M

6. Combine Creams

   Fold one third of the whipped whites into the mascarpone mixture to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whites until just combined.

   Time: PT3M

7. Assemble First Layer

   Dip each ladyfinger quickly (1‑2 seconds) into the cooled espresso, allowing just a surface soak, and arrange a single layer in the bottom of the 8×8 inch dish.

   Time: PT5M

8. Add First Cream Layer

   Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the soaked ladyfingers.

   Time: PT2M

9. Second Layer

   Repeat the dipping process with the remaining ladyfingers and place them over the cream, then spread the remaining mascarpone mixture on top.

   Time: PT5M

10. Dust with Cocoa

    Using a fine mesh sieve, dust the top generously with unsweetened cocoa powder and optionally sprinkle grated dark chocolate.

    Time: PT2M

11. Chill

    Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set.

    Time: PT4H

    Temperature: 4°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories

420

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

1 g