
This recipe makes 8 to 10 servings.
Ingredients
Espresso SyrupDirectionsMascarpone Filling
- WATER, 1/3 cup
- SUGAR, 1/2 cup
- ESPRESSO, 2/3 cup strong brewed
- ITALIAN OR DOMESTIC BRANDY, 1/4 cup, optional
- HEAVY WHIPPING CREAM, 1-1/2 cups
- SUGAR, 1/3 cup
- VANILLA EXTRACT, 2 teaspoons
- MASCARPONE CHEESE, 1 pound, softened to room temperature
- SAVOIARDI, 1/2 pound, imported or domestic ladyfingers, or sliced sponge cake
- COCOA POWDER
SyrupAssemblyFilling
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.
- Remove from heat, cool.
- Add coffee and optional brandy.
- Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Fold cream into softened mascarpone.
- Place a layer of the savoiardi, ladyfingers or sponge cake slices in the bottom of a shallow 2-quart baking dish or gratin dish.
- Sprinkle with half the syrup.
- Spread with half the filling.
- Repeat with remaining savoiardi, syrup and filling, spreading the top smooth, using a metal spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
- Immediately before serving place cocoa in a fine strainer and shake a light coating on surface.

