Parfait is pretty simple to make, given it involves layering foods like fruit, yogurt, whipped cream, chocolate and/or biscuits in a glass. Deceptively, however, things can seem complex when foodies decide to get more creative with their parfait recipes. Take those variations that borrow concepts from other layered desserts like tortes and bombes, for example. Yet these aren't so tough, as long as cooks know some hacks they could use to simplify the components. If all else, they could just get by with pre-made desserts sold at their local store.

Personally, I have already shared a couple of unconventional, yet simple, parfaits here on this site. If you like cheesecake, you can try this simple recipe for cheesecake parfait. Or perhaps if you're into ice cream, try this recipe for chocolate and ice cream parfait. This time around, I will be showing you how to turn a tiramisu into a parfait. I've already gone to lengths on how to make a simple tiramisu, and have even converted it into other desserts like an icebox cake.

The great thing about tiramisu, is that it can be served in a glass, much like parfait, even with the ladyfingers intact. So, it's already looking simple, at this point, but things get even simpler. Like those previous recipes I covered, there's no need to bake up some ladyfingers for the crust layer, or whip up some egg whites for the mascarpone mousse layer.

The former will be bought from the store, while the latter will be lightened simply with heavy cream instead. Just follow along and enjoy your simple tiramisu parfait.

The recipe

Mascarpone layer ingredients

  • 8 oz mascarpone, softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz castor sugar
  • 1 tbsp coffee liqueur
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of heavy cream

Ladyfingers layer ingredients

  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • 2 packs (12 cookies each) ladyfinger cookies

Whipped cream topping ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

The directions

  1. Beat the mascarpone, cream cheese, sugar, coffee liqueur, and vanilla extract together in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer over a bowl until smooth. Whisk the heavy cream in a chilled bowl and beat together until it forms stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone in portions until all ingredients are combined. Seal and refrigerate the mousse for an hour.
  2. Prepare the coffee as instructed. Pour into a bowl and set aside to cool.
  3. Break the ladyfingers in half and blitz them once or twice in a food processor or blender. Separate the bits from the grains. Soak the bits in the coffee for 2 minutes, then transfer to a clean bowl.
  4. Layer the bottom of 8 parfait glasses with one ounce of the ladyfinger bits, then spoon or pipe two ounces of the mascarpone mousse batter over the ladyfinger bit layer to form another layer. Repeat this layering order two more times.
  5. Finish the parfait by topping the last layers with the whipped cream and sprinkling the cocoa powder on top. Optionally, you could use pre-made whip cream bought from the store instead of making it.
  6. Serve or refrigerate.

Serves eight parfaits.
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