Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Make the Pastry Cream

   In a saucepan, whisk together milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the cold butter pieces until melted and smooth. Add 1 tbsp vanilla extract and stir until combined. The mixture should be thick and pale yellow.

2. 2.Chill the Pastry Cream

   Transfer the pastry cream to a glass bowl. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Place the bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice and water to cool rapidly, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours until completely chilled.

3. 3.Make the Cheese Mixture

   In a large bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, 1.5 cups granulated sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. 4.Make the Whipped Cream

   In a separate metal bowl, combine heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.

5. 5.Combine Cheese Mixture and Pastry Cream

   Add the chilled pastry cream to the mascarpone mixture. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.

6. 6.Fold in Whipped Cream

   Gently fold half of the prepared whipped cream into the cheese and pastry cream mixture using a spatula until just combined. Reserve the other half of the whipped cream for topping.

7. 7.Prepare Coffee Soak

   In a shallow bowl, dissolve instant espresso powder in hot water. Let cool slightly.

8. 8.Assemble Tiramisu - First Layer

   Line a loaf pan (or desired dish) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Dip ladyfingers briefly into the coffee soak (do not over-soak, they should not be soggy). Arrange a single layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of the pan.

9. 9.Layer with Cheese Mixture

   Pipe or spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of ladyfingers.

10. 10.Assemble Tiramisu - Second Layer

    Cut additional ladyfingers if needed to fit any gaps. Dip these ladyfingers briefly in the coffee soak and arrange them over the cheese mixture to form a second layer.

11. 11.Top with Whipped Cream

    Pipe or spread the remaining cheese mixture over the second layer of ladyfingers. Then, top with the reserved whipped cream, spreading it evenly across the surface.

12. 12.Dust with Cocoa Powder

    Using a fine-mesh sieve, dust the top of the tiramisu heavily with unsweetened cocoa powder.

13. 13.Chill

    Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

14. 14.Serve

    Carefully lift the tiramisu out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice and serve chilled.