Baileys and Vanilla Tiramisu December 30
It’s become an unofficial tradition for me to make tiramisu for New Year’s Eve. I’m not sure how it came about, but it’s definitely not a bad thing. Tiramisu has always struck me as a kind of elegant dessert, with its layers of ladyfingers and mascarpone cream. That said, it is also very easy to put together and can be made well in advance - huge plusses for just about every dessert. It also uses a bit of alcohol, which makes it fit in nicely with the usual festivities of a New Year’s Eve gathering (or even just a nice dinner), and a bit of coffee, which might give you an edge in staying up until midnight.
It’s pretty easy to vary the flavors of a tiramisu by using different liquors. Rum and marsala wine are often featured in it. For this version, I used Baileys Irish Cream with coffee to dip the ladyfingers and I infused a vanilla bean into the cream I used to make the mascarpone cream layers. Because it is easier, I included instructions for using both vanilla extract and vanilla-infused cream with this recipe. It is also worth noting the the size of ladyfingers varies by brand, so don’t be concerned if you need more or less than I’ve called for here, as long as your dish is fully covered as you construct the dessert.
The finished dish is delicious. It is ultra creamy and very light. I really liked the hint of Baileys in with the coffee, too. It’s easy to eat a big piece, but since it is rich it is best served in slightly smaller portions.
Baileys and Vanilla Tiramisu
8-oz mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 cup heavy cream, cold*
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature
1/4 cup Baileys or other coffee liqueur
approx 30-36 ladyfingers
unsweetened cocoa powder, for finishing
In a large mixing bowl, beat mascarpone, confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream and vanilla at high speed until mixture is fluffy and very smooth.
In a small, shallow bowl, combine coffee and Baileys. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture to let it soak up some of the liquid (2-3 seconds) and place in the bottom of a 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish. The bottom of the pan should be completely covered with the ladyfingers in a single layer. Do not completely soak the ladyfingers in the coffee mixture.
When there is a full layer of ladyfingers, spread half of the cream mixture on top of them.Repeat with remaining ladyfingers and cream mixture.
Dust with cocoa powder
Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours.
Serves 9-12
*Note: While this works fine with vanilla extract, and that is certainly the easiest way to make the recipe, you can also infuse the heavy cream with a vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the cream before using it. Combine the cream and a split bean in a small saucepan, bring almost to a boil and remove from heat. Let stand for about 10 minutes, then scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the cream and chill cream until it is very cold. This can be done a few days in advance. Then you can proceed with the recipe as written.
Steph Dec 30
This looks great and easy to make. I have some Bailey’s I need to use - I might try this tomorrow! Thanks!
The Local Cook Dec 30
Baileys in the tiramisu? Brilliant!
Amy Dec 30
Nice! I bet you could use Kahlua too…I’ve always thought brandy was a little boring for tiramisu.
Carrie Z Dec 30
I just died and went to dessert heaven! This sounds delicious.
Julie Dec 30
Oh my goodness yes! Looks just amazing….some of my favorite flavors all together in creamy goodness!
Sweets at Vicky’s Dec 31
Bailey’s seems to be everywhere! Just two days ago I had the most divine Baileys Cheesecake topped with a chocolate ganache and a oreo base. MMMM. now you’ve shared this with us, I think I need me some Bailey’s for the new year!
Elyse Dec 31
Love love this dessert! Great idea for the holiday
Tim Jan 1
You’ve never yet turned me in the wrong direction. I had a New Year’s Eve party last night and was told NOT to bring anything, but after reading your post had to give this a try - turned out great! Thanks for another great recipe.
Incidently, I used the “Bailey’s with a hint of Coffee” and recommend it highly!
Grace and Peace,
`tim
Mike Jan 2
I was given a huge bottle on Baileys at Christmas and wondered if I would be able to drink it all. I will most certainly try out this recipe, however I will omit the coffee because I can’t stand the stuff
Hanna Jan 5
It’s a very delicious recipe!
instead of Baileys I’ve insert caramel.
For the Kids =) The Adults got Baileys.
It also taste nice and our kids were keen.
Gayle Jan 19
is their a substitute for mascarpone cheese? can i also use cream cheese with all purpose cream instead?
Anna Mazur Jan 25
Mhmm I will try to bake this cake today. It looks delicious.
Gayle Jan 30
i have made this today & made somw adjusments
my friends loved it! not too sweet, just d right taste