Perfect for holiday celebrations, this no-bake dessert is smooth, flavorful, and melts in your mouth. It combines layers of coffee-moistened cookies with a rich mascarpone cream, finished with a delicate topping of coconut and cocoa powder. A quick-prep delight that tastes luxurious without being complicated!
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. The smooth cream, lightly soaked cookies, and rich topping create a balance of textures and flavors that resemble a mix between tiramisu and a custard cake. It’s light, refreshing, and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect stress-free dessert for holidays, birthdays, or dinner parties.
Unlike heavy cakes or pies, this dessert feels airy yet indulgent. Every bite melts in your mouth, leaving behind subtle notes of coffee, mascarpone, and vanilla.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Layer
- Champagne cookies (ladyfingers): Enough to line your dish (about 7–10 oz / 200–300 g, depending on size).
- Coffee: Freshly strained, cooled to room temperature, for moistening the cookies.
For the Cream
- 4 ¼ cups (1 liter) whole milk
- 10.5 ounces (300 g) mascarpone cheese
- ½ cup (2.5 oz / 70 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (2.5 oz / 70 g) cornstarch
- ⅔ cup (5 oz / 140 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or liquid vanilla extract)
For the Topping
- Shredded coconut
- Cocoa powder
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cookies
- Brew and strain fresh coffee, then let it cool to room temperature.
- Lightly moisten the champagne cookies in the coffee. Do not soak them too much, or they will fall apart.
- Line the cookies neatly around the sides of a glass or ceramic dish. A round dish works beautifully, but rectangular ones are fine too.
Step 2: Make the Cream
- In a medium saucepan, pour the milk.
- Add the flour, cornstarch, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk.
- Whisk well until smooth and free of lumps.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook while stirring constantly. The cream will slowly thicken.
- Once thick and glossy, remove from heat.
- Add mascarpone cheese and stir until completely smooth and combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Spread half of the cream mixture over the lined cookies. Smooth the surface.
- Break more cookies in half, dip lightly in coffee, and arrange them on top of the cream layer.
- Pour the remaining cream over the cookies, smoothing again.
- Finish with a final layer of coffee-moistened cookies.
Step 4: Chill the Dessert
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for best results. The chilling time allows the cream to set and the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Decorate and Serve
- Gently unmold the dessert by flipping it onto a serving plate (the bottom becomes the top).
- Sprinkle generously with shredded coconut.
- Dust lightly with cocoa powder for a professional finish.
Slice, serve, and enjoy the creamy, refreshing delight!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh coffee: The flavor of the coffee is essential. If you want a lighter version, you can use decaf.
- Don’t over-soak cookies: A quick dip is enough. Oversoaking makes them soggy and hard to handle.
- Texture control: If you prefer a lighter cream, you can fold in some whipped cream after the mascarpone is added.
- Chill longer for firmness: Overnight chilling ensures the layers set properly, making slicing easier.
- Customize the topping: Instead of coconut and cocoa, you can use shaved chocolate, toasted almonds, or even fresh berries for a fruity twist.
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder into the cream for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or pistachios between layers.
- Holiday Version: Add a splash of rum or coffee liqueur to the coffee for extra depth.
- Summer Freshness: Top with sliced strawberries, raspberries, or mango before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for 3–4 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the cream loses its smooth texture once thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I replace mascarpone with another cheese?
Yes. Cream cheese or ricotta can be used as substitutes, though mascarpone gives the richest and smoothest result.
2. What can I use instead of champagne cookies?
You can use digestive biscuits, sponge cake slices, or graham crackers. Just make sure they can hold their shape when moistened.
3. Do I need an electric mixer for the cream?
No, a whisk works perfectly since the cream is cooked until thick before adding mascarpone.
4. Can I make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better when prepared the day before, as the flavors have time to blend.
5. Is this dessert suitable for kids?
Yes, if you use decaffeinated coffee. For a kid-friendly version, you can even moisten the cookies with milk or hot chocolate.
6. How do I serve it for a holiday party?
You can prepare it in a large trifle dish for a centerpiece or assemble it in small cups for individual portions.
This creamy and refreshing dessert is elegant, easy, and versatile. Whether you prepare it for Christmas, Easter, birthdays, or casual dinners, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests while keeping your kitchen time stress-free.