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Coffee-Free Tiramisu Parfaits

These Coffee-Free Tiramisu Parfaits are a luscious, caffeine-free twist on the classic dessert, combining mascarpone cream and soaked ladyfingers for an easy, elegant treat.
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup brewed and cooled decaffeinated coffee or strong herbal tea
  • 24 ladyfinger cookies
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • grated dark chocolate for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Soaking Liquid

  • Start by brewing 1 cup of decaffeinated coffee or a strong herbal tea of your choice. Let it cool completely before using.

Make the Mascarpone Cream

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mascarpone cheese, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.

Soak the Ladyfingers

  • Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled decaf coffee or herbal tea one at a time. Be careful not to soak them for too long; just a quick dip will soften the cookie without making it soggy.

Assemble the Parfaits

  • In clear serving glasses or jars, start by placing a layer of soaked ladyfingers at the bottom. Spoon a generous layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Repeat the layering process until you reach the top of the glass, finishing with a layer of mascarpone cream.

Garnish and Chill

  • Dust the top layer generously with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Sprinkle grated dark chocolate over the cocoa for an extra touch of richness and texture. Cover the parfaits with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Notes

  • Use chilled heavy cream and mascarpone cheese for the best whipping results and cream texture.
  • Dip ladyfingers quickly; they soak up liquid fast and can become mushy if left too long.
  • For a stronger flavor without caffeine, try using a robust herbal tea like rooibos or chai.
  • Make these parfaits a day ahead – they taste even better after resting overnight.
  • Use a fine-mesh sieve to dust cocoa powder evenly on top for a professional look.