Easy Tiramisu

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 8 ounce container mascarpone cheese ,room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups cold espresso
• 3 Tablespoons coffee flavored liqueur ,optional (Kahlua or DaVinci brands)
• 1 package Lady Fingers
• Cocoa powder for dusting the top

Instructions

• Add whipping cream to a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed with electric mixers (or use a stand mixer). Slowly add sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until stiff peaks. Add mascarpone cheese and mix just until combined. Set aside.
• Add coffee and liqueur to a shallow bowl. Dip the lady fingers in the coffee (Don't soak them--just quickly dip them on both sides to get them wet) and lay them in a single layer on the bottom of an 8x8'' or similar size pan. 
• Smooth half of the mascarpone mixture over the top. Add another layer of dipped lady fingers. Smooth remaining mascarpone cream over the top.
• Dust cocoa powder generously over the top (I use a fine mesh strainer to do this). Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or up to overnight before serving.

Notes

Alcohol:

Tiramisu can be made with or without alcohol. This recipe calls for coffee flavored liqueur because I like that it enhances the coffee flavor, but other options are marsala wine or brandy. 

Make ahead and Freezing Instructions: 

Tiramisu is even better when made in advance, allowing the flavors to blend! It will keep in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.To freeze, make completely, but don't dust with cocoa powder. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then tinfoil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and dust with cocoa powder a few hours before serving.