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Decadent Irish Cream Tiramisu with Dark Chocolate Shavings

Irish Cream Tiramisu - featured image

A rich and creamy tiramisu infused with Irish cream liqueur and topped with bittersweet dark chocolate shavings. This easy homemade dessert is perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Irish cream liqueur (e.g., Baileys)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) espresso or strong coffee, cooled
  • About 24 ladyfinger cookies
  • 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 oz (55 g) dark chocolate, shaved (70% cocoa recommended)
  • Optional: 1 tsp espresso powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coffee and Irish Cream Soak: Brew 1 cup (240 ml) of strong espresso or coffee and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of Irish cream liqueur. Set aside.
  2. Whip the Heavy Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip; the cream should be fluffy but still smooth.
  3. Mix the Mascarpone Base: In a separate bowl, combine 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese, 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and optional 1 tsp espresso powder. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated and smooth.
  4. Assemble the First Layer: Quickly dip each ladyfinger cookie into the coffee-Irish cream mixture for about 1 second; avoid soaking them too long or they’ll fall apart. Place a single layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of your 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) dish, covering it evenly.
  5. Spread Mascarpone Mixture: Spoon half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly and evenly.
  6. Repeat Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture. Smooth the top carefully.
  7. Chill and Garnish: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Before serving, generously shave 2 oz (55 g) of dark chocolate over the top.
  8. Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Dip ladyfingers quickly to avoid sogginess. Whip cream to soft peaks only. Chill overnight for best flavor melding. Use quality mascarpone for best texture. Shave chocolate just before serving to maintain texture. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use lactose-free mascarpone alternative. For kid-friendly, omit Irish cream and use vanilla or almond extract instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish cream tiramisu, easy tiramisu recipe, homemade tiramisu, Irish cream dessert, dark chocolate tiramisu, no-bake dessert