Traveling through the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, I found myself enchanted by the vibrant flavors and textures of tropical fruits. This inspiration led me to create a unique twist on the classic Italian tiramisu, infusing it with coconut and luscious tropical fruits. The result is a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s just as indulgent as the original but with a refreshing, island flair.
### Ingredients
For the Coffee Mixture:
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
– 3 tablespoons coconut rum (or vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Mascarpone Filling:
– 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 lime
For Assembly:
– 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted
– 1 medium ripe mango, diced
– 1 small ripe banana, sliced
– Cocoa powder for dusting
### Instructions
Begin by preparing the coffee mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine the brewed coffee, coconut rum, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool completely.
While the coffee mixture is cooling, whip the heavy cream in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract, and lime zest. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
Now it’s time to assemble the tiramisu. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Lay half of the soaked ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a rectangular dish or individual serving glasses.
Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers, then sprinkle half of the diced mango, sliced banana, and toasted shredded coconut on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone filling, and fruits.
To finish, cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with additional toasted coconut and a slice of fresh mango or banana for an extra tropical touch.
Indulge in this Coconut-Tropical Tiramisu, and let the flavors transport you to a sun-drenched paradise, where every bite feels like a vacation! Enjoy!