Tiramisu Espresso: A Delicious Twist on the Classic Italian Dessert
Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert, rich in flavor and history, but this version adds an extra kick with a beautiful espresso infusion. Perfect for dessert lovers and coffee aficionados alike, the Tiramisu Espresso brings together layers of coffee-soaked cookies, mascarpone cream, and a delicate dusting of cocoa powder, all finished with a satisfying espresso twist.
Ingredients for Tiramisu Espresso (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 250g |
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 250g |
| Corn flour (Farina di mais fioretto) | 125g |
| Lemon zest | 1 |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Egg yolks | 1 |
| Sugar | 125g |
| Vanilla bean (ยฝ pod) | ยฝ |
| Mascarpone cheese | 250g |
| Freshly brewed espresso coffee | 160ml |
| Powdered sugar (Zucchero a velo) | 60g |
| Fresh cream (Panna fresca liquida) | 90ml |
| Whole milk (Latte intero) | 40ml |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | To taste |
| Vanilla bean (ยฝ pod) | ยฝ |
Directions for Tiramisu Espresso
Step 1: Prepare the Mascarpone Cream
Start by preparing the mascarpone cream. In a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer, combine mascarpone, cold whole milk, and chilled fresh cream. Mix until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Step 2: Prepare the Meliga Cookies (Paste di Meliga)
Now, move on to the meliga cookies. Begin by softening the butter and cutting it into small pieces. Add it to a bowl and mix it together with a wooden spoon until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Slowly incorporate all-purpose flour, corn flour, and a pinch of salt. You should end up with a soft, uniform dough. Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle.
Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly butter the sides and center of the tray. Pipe the dough into small, round ring shapes (ciambelline) on the tray, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and crisp. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
Step 3: Brew the Espresso Coffee
Next, brew the espresso using a traditional stovetop espresso maker. Fill the bottom chamber with water, ensuring not to surpass the safety valve. Carefully place the coffee grounds into the filter without pressing them down. Assemble the espresso maker and heat it on the stovetop. Be sure to allow the coffee to fully brew before removing it from the heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Tiramisu Espresso
To assemble the Tiramisu Espresso, start by placing a generous dollop of mascarpone cream at the bottom of each glass. Gently place one of the baked meliga cookies (with the flat side facing up) on top of the cream. Next, spoon another dollop of the mascarpone cream over the cookie, covering it completely.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Now comes the fun partโfinishing touches! Drizzle the freshly brewed espresso over the cream and cookies, allowing it to soak in slightly. Finally, lightly dust the top with unsweetened cocoa powder for that traditional Tiramisu flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Chill the Tiramisu Espresso for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to firm up. When you’re ready to enjoy, serve it cold, and savor the delicious layers of rich coffee, smooth mascarpone, and the slight crunch of meliga cookies. This elegant and indulgent dessert is perfect for a special dinner or as a comforting treat after a long day.
Tips for Perfecting Tiramisu Espresso
- Espresso Choice: Make sure to brew strong, high-quality espresso. The flavor of the coffee is key in this recipe, as it adds depth to the layers of the dessert.
- Chill the Dessert: Let the assembled tiramisu sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together and the textures to set.
- Cookie Substitutions: If you canโt find meliga cookies, you can substitute with traditional ladyfingers, but the meliga cookies provide a unique texture and flavor that complements the espresso beautifully.
- Customization: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the mascarpone cream or drizzle a little more powdered sugar on top before serving.
Tiramisu Espresso offers a delightful balance of creamy mascarpone, coffee-soaked cookies, and a touch of cocoa, making it a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. The added espresso twist elevates the flavor profile, making it the perfect dessert for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Enjoy this sweet, rich indulgence as a special treat that will leave your guests begging for more!
