Layers of mascarpone cream, fresh strawberries, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers come together for an elegant chilled dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Strawberry Layer
01 - Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 2 cups (300g)
02 - Granulated sugar - 2 tablespoons
03 - Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
→ Mascarpone Cream
04 - Mascarpone cheese, room temperature - 1 cup (240g)
05 - Heavy cream, cold - 1/2 cup (4 fluid ounces)
06 - Powdered sugar - 1/4 cup (30g)
07 - Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
→ Assembly
08 - Ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi) - 12 pieces
09 - Brewed coffee, cooled - 1/2 cup (4 fluid ounces)
10 - Coffee liqueur - 1 tablespoon (optional)
11 - Fresh strawberries, for garnish - as needed
12 - Fresh mint leaves, for garnish - as needed
13 - Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting - as needed
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly and allow to rest for 10 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices.
02 - In a large bowl, beat mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated.
03 - Pour cooled brewed coffee into a shallow dish. If using coffee liqueur, stir it into the coffee until well combined.
04 - Break ladyfingers in half if necessary to fit within your serving vessels. Briefly dip each piece into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are moistened but not oversaturated.
05 - In each of four serving glasses, arrange 2-3 coffee-dipped ladyfingers along the bottom. Spread a layer of mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, then add a layer of macerated strawberries. Repeat the layering sequence, concluding with mascarpone cream as the final top layer.
06 - Cover the prepared cups and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to overnight, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together.
07 - Before serving, garnish each cup with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder.