Ingredients
For the pudding:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 2 large egg yolks
For the coffee syrup:
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, or you can use rum or omit it entirely)
- 12-15 ladyfingers (depending on the size of your cups)
For the topping:
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
:
1.
Prepare the Pudding
:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is just simmering. Do not let it boil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper the eggs. Whisk constantly to prevent curdling.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly. Continue to cook over medium heat until the pudding thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and mascarpone cheese until fully combined and smooth.
2.
Prepare the Coffee Syrup
:
- In a shallow dish, combine the cooled brewed coffee, sugar, and coffee liqueur (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3.
Assemble the Tiramisu Pudding Cups
:
- Break the ladyfingers into smaller pieces that will fit into the bottom of your serving cups.
- Dip each piece of ladyfinger briefly into the coffee syrup, making sure not to soak them too much. Layer the soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of each serving cup.
- Spoon a layer of the mascarpone pudding on top of the ladyfingers, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Repeat the layers (ladyfingers, pudding) until the cups are filled, finishing with a layer of pudding on top.
4.
Chill the Dessert
:
- Cover the pudding cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the pudding set.
5.
Serve
:
- Just before serving, dust the tops with cocoa powder and garnish with a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
- Enjoy your creamy and delicious Tiramisu Pudding Cups!
Tips
:
- Make-Ahead: This dessert can be made the day before serving, which helps the flavors develop even more.