Tiramisu (v) Recipe

Brew 1 1/4 cups strong espresso (You&Me Cafe recommended). Let cool to room temperature. Stir in 1 teaspoon granulated sugar until dissolved, then stir in 2 tablespoons dark rum or coffee liqueur if using. Transfer to a shallow bowl for dipping ladyfingers.

Prepare aquafaba

Pour aquafaba (6 tablespoons) into a clean, grease-free mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium-high until soft peaks form, about 4–7 minutes. When peaks hold but are still glossy, reduce speed to low and reserve.

Blend base

In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine drained silken tofu (12 oz), vegan cream cheese (6 oz), powdered sugar (3 tbsp), vanilla (1 tsp) and lemon juice (1 tsp). Blend until completely smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides once.

Fold aquafaba into tofu mixture: Transfer whipped aquafaba to the bowl with the tofu mixture in 2 additions, folding gently with a rubber spatula to preserve air. Fold until uniform and light in texture. Taste and adjust sweetness with up to 1 additional tablespoon powdered sugar if desired.

Choose an 8x8 inch (or similar capacity) dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger (about 24 pieces) into the cooled espresso mixture for 1–2 seconds per side — do not soak; they should be moistened but not falling apart. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of the dish, trimming to fit as necessary.

Spread half of the vegan mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers with an offset spatula, smoothing the surface.

Add a second layer of dipped ladyfingers over the cream in the same manner, covering the surface.

Spread the remaining cream over the second layer, smoothing the top. Tap the dish gently on the counter to settle layers and remove air pockets.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight (8–12 hours) to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Just before serving, dust the top generously with 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder through a fine-mesh sieve. Finish with 1 tablespoon finely grated dark chocolate if using.