Classic Italian dessert recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 2 cups (480ml) strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) coffee liqueur (optional)
  • 1 pack (about 7 oz) ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Place over a double boiler (or gently over a saucepan of simmering water) and whisk constantly until the mixture becomes thick and pale, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the mascarpone until smooth. Gently fold in the egg yolk mixture, then fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.
  4. In a shallow dish, combine the cooled espresso and coffee liqueur.
  5. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture (do not soak), and line the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish.
  6. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and add dark chocolate shavings if desired.

Buon appetito! Let me know if you’d like a version without raw eggs or alcohol.

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