There's something magical about combining the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu, with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. This Decadent Peanut Butter Tiramisu is a unique twist on a beloved treat, perfect for those looking to indulge in a creamy, dreamy dessert.
The heavy cream is whipped to create a light and airy texture essential for the filling, making the dessert luscious and smooth. Peanut butter adds a rich, nutty depth to the traditional tiramisu, transforming it into something delightfully new. Mascarpone cheese is the creamy, slightly tangy base that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter. A touch of granulated sugar sweetens the mix without overpowering the other flavors. Vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth and rounds out the filling's flavor profile. Brewed espresso is used to soak the ladyfinger cookies, infusing them with a rich coffee taste that cuts through the creaminess of the filling. Ladyfinger cookies provide structure, absorbing the espresso and forming the layers of the tiramisu. Finally, a dusting of cocoa powder and a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts add texture and an extra layer of flavor to the finished dessert.
This tiramisu is a showstopper on its own, but consider serving it with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. A few fresh berries on the side can also complement the rich, nutty flavors beautifully.
Start by whipping the heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk or beaters, the peaks should stand up firmly without drooping. Set this aside for now. In another bowl, blend together the peanut butter, mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, uniform mixture. This creates the delicious filling that will sit between the layers of ladyfingers.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. Folding is a gentle mixing method designed to combine two mixtures without deflating the whipped cream, keeping the filling light and fluffy. Once that's done, it's time to prepare the ladyfingers. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso. You want them to be soaked through with coffee but not so saturated that they fall apart — a quick dip should do the trick.
Lay half of the soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a 9x9-inch dish. Spread half of the peanut butter filling over these ladyfingers, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Repeat this process with the remaining ladyfingers and filling, ensuring everything is layered nicely.
Dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder for that classic finish. Then, sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts over the cocoa. Cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying dessert.