Kahlua Tiramisu For Two

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: Italian

Indulge in a rich, coffee-flavored tiramisu designed for two, featuring layers of mascarpone, Kahlua, and cocoa, perfect for a romantic dessert or a special treat.

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Ingredients

  • 12 small packaged ladyfingers
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup Kahlua
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant Espresso powder
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Arrange ladyfingers in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  3. Toast ladyfingers in the oven for 10 minutes and set aside.
  4. Whisk egg yolks with powdered sugar until smooth and thick in a medium bowl.
  5. Whisk in cream cheese until well combined.
  6. Fold in whipped cream gently until fully incorporated.
  7. Stir Kahlua into the dissolved espresso mixture.
  8. Combine chopped semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder in a cup.
  9. Place 2 tablespoons of cream cheese mixture in the bottom of two 12 oz. wine goblets or dessert dishes.
  10. Top each with 3 ladyfingers, 3 to 4 teaspoons of Kahlua mixture, and 1/3 cup of cream cheese mixture.
  11. Cover each with 1/4 of the chocolate mixture, then add 3 ladyfingers and another 3 to 4 teaspoons of Kahlua mixture.
  12. Finish by topping each dessert with half of the remaining cream cheese mixture, smoothing the top.
  13. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate mixture and refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. If you don’t have Kahlua, a coffee liqueur or even a non-alcoholic coffee syrup can work as a substitute. Ensure the ladyfingers are adequately toasted, as this helps them hold up against the creamy layers. To enhance the coffee flavor, try using freshly brewed espresso instead of instant espresso powder.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Kahlua Tiramisu chilled, garnished with a dusting of cocoa powder or additional shaved chocolate for an elegant touch. Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or a dessert wine for a delightful ending to your meal. This dessert is perfect for intimate dinners and would pair beautifully with Italian Christmas Bread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the taste. Avoid freezing, as the cream mixture may separate upon thawing. If you need to reheat, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, as tiramisu is best enjoyed chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Kahlua Tiramisu For Two contains roughly 4549 calories, with 210g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 379g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (420% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (314% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1081mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

4549 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 210.2g 100% DV
Total Fat 378.6g 100% DV
Carbs 78g 28% DV
Fiber 10.2g 36% DV
Sugar 59.4g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1081.2mg 47% DV
Potassium 2397.5mg 51% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 62.8mcg 100% DV
Calcium 1809.5mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?

Absolutely! Kahlua Tiramisu can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop. Just be sure to cover it well to avoid any odors from the refrigerator. It's best served after chilling for at least a few hours, making it a great option for entertaining.

What if I don't have ladyfingers?

If ladyfingers aren’t available, you can use sponge cake or pound cake cut into strips. Just ensure they are lightly soaked in the Kahlua mixture to absorb the flavors. This substitution will still give you a delicious layered dessert reminiscent of traditional tiramisu.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of this dessert?

Yes! You can replace Kahlua with a mixture of strong brewed coffee and a splash of vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version. This will maintain the coffee flavor while making it suitable for all ages. Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding sugar or a sweetener.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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