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Creamy Espresso Tiramisu Trifle in Mason Jars

creamy espresso tiramisu trifle - featured image

A quick and easy tiramisu trifle layered in mason jars featuring light mascarpone cream, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a dusting of cocoa powder for a comforting, coffee-kissed dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) strong brewed espresso, cooled
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur (optional, e.g., Kahlúa)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • About 20 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi), fresh and crisp
  • Cocoa powder, for dusting
  • Dark chocolate shavings or espresso beans (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brew about 1 cup (240 ml) of strong espresso. Let it cool to room temperature, then stir in coffee liqueur if using.
  2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (240 ml) of chilled heavy cream with 1/3 cup (65 g) sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  3. Gently fold the mascarpone (8 ounces / 225 g) into the whipped cream until smooth and airy, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Quickly dunk each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso mixture for about 1 second per side. Lay them flat in a shallow dish for easy dipping.
  5. Start with a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of each mason jar (about 2-3 finger halves). Spoon a generous layer of the mascarpone cream over them. Repeat layering until the jars are nearly full, finishing with a creamy layer on top.
  6. Cover the jars and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.
  7. Just before serving, dust the tops with cocoa powder and sprinkle optional chocolate shavings or espresso beans.

Notes

Do not over-soak ladyfingers to avoid sogginess; whip cream to soft peaks; fold mascarpone gently; chill at least 3 hours for best texture. For gluten-free, use almond flour ladyfingers. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: tiramisu, espresso, trifle, mason jars, easy dessert, coffee dessert, mascarpone, ladyfingers, quick tiramisu