Tiramisu with a Twist (Gluten-Free option)

I wanted to take the classic dessert tiramisu, that is usually dusted with cocoa powder, and give it a Chocolate Monday boost, so I added cocoa powder to the mascarpone and used bourbon with the espresso. The result is a wonderfully light and tender dessert that is delightful. The combination of espresso, bourbon and chocolate is irresistible!

📝 Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• Grated semisweet chocolate, for garnish, optional
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, well chilled
• 2 large eggs (use pasteurized eggs if you are concerned about consuming raw eggs), separated
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup (8 oz) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp bourbon, Marsala wine, rum, coffee liqueur, espresso, or heavy cream
• Pinch of cream of tartar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
• 1 (5 to 7 oz) package of crunchy ladyfinger cookies (use gluten-free if needed)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Lightly butter an 8-inch square glass or ceramic...: Lightly butter an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish. Set aside.
2. 2Prepare the Cream for Layers: In a well-chilled...: Prepare the Cream for Layers: In a well-chilled bowl, using the whisk attachment, whip the cream until you reach firm peaks. Set aside. Wash the whisk attachment in hot soapy water and dry.
3. 3In the clean bowl, using the paddle attachment,...: In the clean bowl, using the paddle attachment, beat the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy and the sugar has dissolved. Pinch a little of the mixture between your fingers to see if you can still feel the sugar granules; if you feel them, keep beating. Add the mascarpone, 3 tbsp of cocoa powder, and bourbon. Beat until light and smooth.
4. 4Using a flexible spatula, fold half of the...: Using a flexible spatula, fold half of the whipped cream into the beaten egg yolk mixture, lightening it. Add remaining whipped cream and fold in until completely blended and no streaks remain. Set aside.
5. 5In a very clean bowl, using the whisk...: In a very clean bowl, using the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium-high until foamy and peaks are just starting to develop. Add the pinch of cream of tartar, pinch of salt, and remaining 2 tbsp of granulated sugar. Continue beating on high speed until you reach firm peaks (the whites will stand up when the beaters are lifted and the tips of the peaks will bend over).
6. 6Using a spatula, fold half of the beaten...: Using a spatula, fold half of the beaten egg whites into the mascarpone-cream mixture until combined but a few streaks still remain. Fold in remaining egg whites and keep folding until fully incorporated and there are no streaks remaining.
7. 7Assemble the Tiramisu: Pour the espresso into a...: Assemble the Tiramisu: Pour the espresso into a shallow bowl. Dip half of the cookies into the espresso on both sides and arrange in prepared baking dish, covering the bottom. Spread half of the mascarpone-cream mixture over the top, smoothing into an even layer with an offset spatula. Dip the remaining cookies in the espresso on both sides and arrange them over the top of the mascarpone-cream mixture. Spread the remaining cream over the top and smooth.
8. 8Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and...: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
9. 9Remove the plastic and sift the remaining 1/4-cup...: Remove the plastic and sift the remaining 1/4-cup of cocoa powder evenly over the top of the dish. Add a sprinkling of grated chocolate if desired. Cut into squares and serve immediately.
10. 10Make Ahead: The Tiramisu can be held in...: Make Ahead: The Tiramisu can be held in the refrigerator, covered, up to 1 day ahead. It is best when it has been chilled overnight.
11. 11NOTE: If you want to avoid using bourbon,...: NOTE: If you want to avoid using bourbon, you can substitute an equal amount of vodka and add 1 tsp brown sugar. If you want to avoid alcohol altogether, you can substitute one of the other listed options.