Tiramisu for Two

Tiramisu in a trifle dish topped with a dusting of cocoa powder

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 670kcal

Author: Leslie Kiszka

A classic tiramisu recipe, but made just for two people! Espresso and liqueur-soaked ladyfingers are layered with creamy whipped mascarpone custard and grated chocolate, and topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. The perfect romantic Valentine's Day dessert!

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Ingredients

6 ladyfingers
2 eggs room temperature and separated
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 ounces mascarpone cheese
3 ounces brandy or orange liqueur or mix of both, my personal preference
3 ounces brewed espresso
1 ounce chocolate grated
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon espresso powder
Heart sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Slice each ladyfinger into three equally-sized pieces - this is to help them fit in your individual serving bowls. Set aside.
6 ladyfingers
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat egg whites to stiff peaks. Set aside.
2 eggs
In a large bowl, beat together egg yolks and sugar together until combined. Add mascarpone and beat again to combine.
2 eggs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Fold egg whites into egg yolk mixture until just combined and no white streaks remain. Set aside.
4 ounces mascarpone cheese
Arrange one of the sliced ladyfingers (the 3 pieces you sliced earlier) in a single layer in the bottom of trifle dish.
6 ladyfingers
Sift together cocoa powder and espresso powder in a small bowl. Set aside.
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
Pour 1 tablespoon of liqueur over ladyfingers (you want to coat them so they soak it up). Now pour 1 tablespoon espresso over them as well.
3 ounces brandy or orange liqueur, 3 ounces brewed espresso
Cover the ladyfingers with 1/3 of the custard mixture.
Top with 1/2 tablespoon grated chocolate and 1/2 tablespoon cocoa/espresso powder mixture.
1 ounce chocolate, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Repeat these steps twice more to form three layers in total.
Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 5 days (covered with plastic wrap) before serving. Enjoy!
Heart sprinkles

Video

Notes

Serving bowls: I use 10 ounce trifle bowls similar to these, so you may need to adjust the number of layers depending on the size of the serving bowls you're using.

What if I don't have espresso? You can substitute the same amount of strong coffee.

Where can I find ladyfingers at the store? It depends on the grocery store, but I typically find them in the baking aisle or the cookie aisle.

What if I can't find ladyfingers? If you can't find ladyfingers, you can substitute margherite cookies in your tiramisu. But you may want to soak the cookies in your espresso and liqueur in a bowl ahead of time.

Storage: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition