Simple Tiramisu

After reading and going over many recipes on how to make the perfect Tiramisu cake, I ran into many variations of this decadent italian sweet. Theres the italian use of raw eggs, the time consuming baking and the simple tiramisu. This recipe is ultimately good for those moments when you crave something sweet, yet easy, without pain staking labor.

Heres the recipe, (simplified for convenince)
*The recipe has no exact measurements so eyeballing and mixing to your right consistency is best.

1-2 packs of Italian lady fingers (I had trouble finding them in the regular grocery store, but I found them in the Russian store or try a European store)

1 container of Mascarpone cheese

About 1 container of thawed whipping cream

Powdered sugar

Vanilla extract

Rum imitation or Rum for bolder flavor

Brewed good quality coffee or expresso

Cocoa powder or Belgium good quality chocolate

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1. Mix cheese with a hand mixer until smooth

2. Add whipping cream, the more you add the runnier, mix so there will be no clumps

3. Add powdered sugar through a sifter to desired taste and sweetness level

4. Add about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and rum, mix

5. Pour some of the coffee in a flat container add about 1 teaspoon of vanilla and rum, mix

6. Dip lady fingers in coffee mixture, without fully soaking the cookie, line the bottom of a cake pan with dipped cookies

7. Add a layer of cream mixture on top of cookies, repeat until you have filled the cake pan

8. To top add a layer of cocoa powder through a sifter or grate some chocolate on top to finish!

9. Cover cake with plastic wrap or a cover and set in the refrigerator over night

10. Open up and enjoy!

Sweet Tooth Maybe?

Cappuccino Cake Square Variation

For the batter

3/4 cup milk
3 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder, divided
1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon plus 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 ounces (about 1/2 cup) finely chopped bittersweet chocolate

For the frosting

6 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To prepare the batter

In a microwave safe bowl, add milk and 2 teaspoon espresso powder - heat in the microwave until the milk is warm and the powder has dissolved. Set aside to cool completely.

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons espresso powder - set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, salt and remaining tablespoon of cinnamon.

In a medium bowl, whisk together cooled milk, eggs and vanilla. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Pour in melted butter and fold batter together just until incorporated.

Scoop about one-half of the batter into an 8" square baking pan coated with nonstick spray and spread to an even level. Evenly scatter reserved sugar mixture and finely chopped bittersweet chocolate over the top. Place dollops of the remaining batter over the top and spread to cover.

Place into the oven and bake until a toothpick placed into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, about 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes - invert cake onto a rack, place another rack on top and invert again so the top is right side up. Let cool completely.

To prepare the frosting

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate and butter - heat in the microwave, using 50% power, stopping every 30 seconds to mix, until the chocolate can be stirred smooth. If the frosting looks too thin to spread, let sit for a few minutes to thicken. Scoop frosting on top and spread with an off-set spatula to coat the top. Or using a water bath method melt slowly on medium-low heat, until combined.

Makes about 9 to 12 servings.

Source Complements to: http://desertculinary.blogspot.com/2005/05/cappuccino-squares.html, I have altered some of the recipe.