Tiramisu Recipe

Stir together the espresso and 1/2 cup of dark rum in a medium bowl and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone and the remaining 1/4 cup of dark rum. Whisk together or beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until well combined. Set aside.

If you have a double-boiler, combine the egg yolks and sugar in the top. Otherwise, combine them in a medium heat-proof mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined. Bring 2 inches of water to a simmer in a small pot or the bottom of a double boiler. Place the egg yolk mixture over the simmering water making sure the water does not touch the bowl. Whisk constantly until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is light yellow in color and thickened a bit, about 5 to 8 minutes.

Pour the egg yolk mixture into the mascarpone and whisk until combined. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to cool.

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form, 3 to 5 minutes.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. You can run a whisk through it at the end to mix in any remaining unmixed bits.

Working with one at a time, dip the top and bottom of a ladyfinger briefly in the coffee mixture (about 1-2 seconds per side). Arrange enough ladyfingers in a single layer to cover the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish, trying not to leave any gaps.

Add half of the mascarpone mixture on top of the ladyfingers and smooth out to the edges using an offset spatula.

Dip more ladyfingers and arrange them in a single layer on top of the filling.

Add the remaining mascarpone mixture and smooth out into an even layer.

Dust the top evenly with the unsweetened cocoa powder.

Cover the tiramisu and chill in the refrigerator overnight (at least 6 hours) to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.