White Russian Tiramisu: A Dreamy Dessert with a Kick

There’s something magical about a dessert that evokes a memory, a feeling, or even a favorite cocktail. For me, the White Russian Tiramisu is one such creation. It’s a dessert that whispers of cozy nights and sophisticated sips, a delightful marriage of textures and flavors that never fails to impress. The first time I encountered a variation of this, it was a revelation, a perfect balance of creamy, coffee-kissed mascarpone and delicate ladyfingers, elevated by the subtle warmth of a White Russian. It’s a testament to how familiar elements can be reimagined to create something truly special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Servings: 8-10
• Yield: 1 Tiramisu
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Ingredients

• For the Coffee Soak:
  • 3/4 cup freshly ground coffee beans (use the best you can find, as its flavor will be prominent)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/4 cup coffee liqueur (Starbucks brand is recommended)
  • 1/4 cup vodka
• For the Mascarpone Cream:
  • 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup coffee liqueur
  • 1/4 cup vodka
• For Assembly:
  • 48 ladyfingers (number may vary depending on pan size and how you arrange them)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, divided
  • 1 tablespoon finely ground coffee, divided

Equipment Needed

• Coffee maker or method of choice for brewing coffee
• Medium saucepan (if brewing coffee on stovetop)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Spatula
• Baking dish (8-inch square recommended, but other shapes and sizes work)
• Fine-mesh sieve or sifter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Coffee Soak: Begin by making a strong pot of coffee using your preferred brewing method. You’ll need 1/2 cup of ground coffee and 3 cups of water for this step. Once brewed, pour the hot coffee into a bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur and 2 tablespoons of vodka. Set this mixture aside to cool completely. It’s best if the liquid is no longer hot to the touch, ideally slightly cool, before you start assembling the tiramisu.

2. Create the Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the 16 ounces of mascarpone cheese with 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of coffee liqueur and 1/4 cup of vodka. Beat these ingredients together on medium speed using an electric mixer until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. This mixture will be incredibly delicious, but it’s crucial to resist the temptation to eat it all, as you’ll need every bit for your tiramisu.

3. Consider Ladyfinger Preparation (Optional): At this stage, you have the option to split your ladyfingers in half lengthwise. This method can create a more refined texture and potentially more layers. However, for a quicker and equally delicious result, you can leave them whole, which is the method I often opt for due to its simplicity.

4. Select Your Baking Dish: Choose your baking dish. An 8-inch square dish is an excellent choice as it allows the ladyfingers to fit perfectly and neatly. However, you can certainly use various other shapes and sizes. The pan you select will influence how many layers you can construct in your tiramisu.

5. Assemble the First Layer of Ladyfingers: Assuming you are using an 8-inch square dish, begin the assembly by quickly dipping your ladyfingers into the cooled coffee soak, one at a time. Be swift; you want them to absorb some of the liquid but not become overly saturated and fall apart. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer to completely cover the bottom of your baking dish. My husband prefers his ladyfingers to be fully immersed during their quick dip, while I enjoy them dipped just shy of complete submersion. Use your hands for this step! Don’t attempt to use tongs or any other utensil, as these delicate cookies will disintegrate under too much pressure.

6. Add the First Layer of Mascarpone Cream: Once you have a solid layer of ladyfingers, take approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of your mascarpone mixture (this amount will depend on whether you plan to make two or three layers in total). Spread this creamy mixture thinly and evenly over the layer of ladyfingers. I find using the flat side of a spatula is most effective for this. You might need to gently scoop some of the cheese mixture from thicker areas and distribute it to spots that have less coverage. If you accidentally scrape up a few crumbs from the ladyfingers, don’t fret; they will be completely hidden in the finished dessert.

7. Dust with Cocoa Powder: Obtain a clean sifter or a fine-mesh colander. Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the sifter. Sift the cocoa powder evenly over the entire layer of mascarpone cream. It’s best to do this directly over the pan, as a little powder might spill out.

8. Sprinkle with Coffee: Following the cocoa dusting, use the sifter to evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon of finely ground coffee over the cocoa-dusted layer.

9. Repeat the Layers: Continue repeating steps 5 through 8 until you have used up all of the mascarpone mixture. This means you will build another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the mascarpone cream, and then dustings of cocoa powder and finely ground coffee.

10. Finish the Top Layer: Your final layer will be the mascarpone mixture, which you will then generously sprinkle with the remaining unsweetened cocoa powder and finely ground coffee.

11. Chill for Flavors to Meld: Cover your tiramisu and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes before serving. However, for the most wonderful development of flavors, allowing it to chill for a full day is absolutely ideal. This resting period is crucial for the mascarpone to set and for the coffee and liqueur to infuse into the ladyfingers and cream, creating a harmonious taste.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Coffee Quality is Key: Since coffee is a dominant flavor here, using high-quality, freshly ground beans will make a significant difference in the final taste. Don’t compromise on this!
• Ladyfinger Saturation: The quick dip is paramount. Over-soaking leads to a soggy tiramisu, while under-soaking leaves them too dry. It’s a delicate balance that comes with practice, but erring on the side of slightly less soaked is often safer.
• Mascarpone Temperature: Ensure your mascarpone cheese is at room temperature or slightly softened. This will make it much easier to whip into a smooth, creamy consistency without lumps.
• Even Spreading: For a beautiful, even distribution of the mascarpone, a flexible offset spatula is your best friend. It allows you to glide the cream smoothly without disturbing the ladyfingers beneath.
• Make Ahead Marvel: Tiramisu truly benefits from chilling time. It’s an excellent dessert to prepare a day in advance, allowing all the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

To serve, simply cut the tiramisu into portions using a sharp knife. The layers should hold their shape beautifully. A dusting of extra cocoa powder or a delicate coffee bean can be a charming garnish. This White Russian Tiramisu is best served chilled. Leftovers can be stored, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious on the second day. It is not recommended for freezing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	345.6 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	170 kcal	–
Total Fat	19 g	24%
Saturated Fat	12 g	60%
Cholesterol	90 mg	30%
Sodium	55 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	30 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	20 g	40%
Protein	5 g	10%

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Decaf Delight: For a less caffeinated version, use decaffeinated coffee for the soak.
• Booze-Free: Omit the coffee liqueur and vodka for an alcohol-free tiramisu. You can increase the coffee or add a touch of vanilla extract to the soak and mascarpone mixture to compensate for the lost flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of cocoa powder, you could melt some good quality dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top layer for an extra touch of decadence.
• Espresso Kick: Use espresso instead of regular coffee for an even more intense coffee flavor in the soak.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Tiramisu is best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Q: What kind of coffee should I use?
A: Use your favorite freshly ground coffee. A medium to dark roast with good flavor notes will work best.

Q: How do I prevent my ladyfingers from getting too soggy?
A: Dip them very quickly, one at a time, just enough to moisten them. Avoid letting them soak for too long.

Q: Can I substitute the mascarpone cheese?
A: While mascarpone is traditional, a good quality cream cheese can be used in a pinch, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

Q: How long will the tiramisu keep in the refrigerator?
A: Tightly covered, it will keep for 2-3 days.

Final Thoughts

This White Russian Tiramisu is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect finale to a special meal, a delightful treat for a celebration, or simply a way to indulge in a moment of pure bliss. The interplay of creamy, coffee-infused, and subtly boozy layers is truly captivating. I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and savor the delicious results. And if you do make it, I’d love to hear about your experience – perhaps you’ll find your own personal connection with this wonderfully decadent dessert.