Tiramisu Charlotte Cake

I remember when I ate my very first tiramisu I was like "So this is the famous italian tiramisu? soggy, soggy and most of all soggy!" after that I never ate tiramisu again.

I have seen and read so many versions of tiramisu. Some of them used marsala wine, other used amaretto, while me? well I dont have them but as what I have read if unavailable, substitute with another sweet wine like Port or Madeira...still I dont have them so I used Pieter's cloyingly, overly sweet Estrella wine. Come on! I need to improvise here.

Ok, how will you describe tiramisu? Me, I would say...light, mocha flavored whipped cream on ladyfinger biscuits soaked in strong coffee. Yes! that's how my tiramisu charlotte cake taste like. :-D and one thing I like in this recipe is that the egg yolks are cooked. Did I mention that I am not a big fan of dessert with raw egg? The thought of eating cold, sweet raw egg makes me feel...rrrr goosebumps.

tiramisu charlotte cake
2 cups strong black coffee
1/2 cup marsala (i used estrella wine)
3 egg yolks
1/3 cup caster sugar
250 g mascarpone
250 ml thickened cream, lightly whipped
1 to 2 large packet of ladyfingers (depending on the size)
cocoa, for dusting

• Pour coffee and marsala into a shallow dish. Set aside.
• Beat the egg yolks and sugar in a heat proof bowl and whisk together until pale yellow.
• Transfer the bowl over a pan of simmering water, and whisk until thickens.
• Cool down a little and then add the mascarpone and whipped cream to the mixture, mixing gently until just combined.

to assemble

• Cut off one end of the ladyfinger. Save the leftover small pieces. Line the sides of a 8" round springform pan with the ladyfingers (do not dip them in the coffee mixture).
• One at a time, gently dip the biscuits into the coffee mixture and use them to line the base of the pan. Use the leftover pieces to fill the gaps.
• Repeat layers, ending with the cream. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (mine was 24 hours). Dust generously with cocoa and serve.