Ingredients

• EGG YOLKS, 6
• SUGAR, 3/4 cup
• MASCARPONE CHEESE, 1 pound, softened
• HEAVY CREAM, 2 cups chilled
• RUM, 2 tablespoons
• VANILLA EXTRACT, 1 teaspoon
• ESPRESSO, 2 tablespoons, plus 2 to 3 cups brewed
• EGG WHITES, 5
• LADYFINGERS, 40 to 50
• COCOA POWDER

Directions

• In a mixing bowl set over but not touching a pan of simmering water, beat the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and thick ribbons fall from the whisk (4 to 5 minutes).
• Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer.
• Add the mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth and creamy (2 to 3 minutes).
• In a chilled large mixing bowl, beat the cream to stiff peaks.
• Add the rum, vanilla and the 2 tablespoons of espresso and beat until smooth.
• In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks (when the whisk is lifted straight out of the bowl and inverted, the whites should hold their shape).
• With a rubber spatula, gently fold the mascarpone mixture into the cream until blended and smooth.
• Add about 1 cup of the beaten egg whites and fold gently until blended.
• Add the remaining egg whites and fold gently until the mixture is smooth and blended.
• One at a time, submerge each ladyfinger into the remaining espresso, then it on the bottom of a 6-quart glass or ceramic baking or serving dish (about 2 inches deep).
• Continue to form a complete layer.
• Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers until evenly covered.
• Arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers over the mascarpone cream, then spread the remaining mascarpone cream evenly over the top.
• Dust the Tiramisù with cocoa powder to create a rich, dark topping.
• Refrigerate at least 4 hours or up to 1 day before serving.