6 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur, optional
1 package ladyfinger cookies
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
Dark chocolate shavings, optional
Whisk egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale
Fold in mascarpone until smooth
Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks
Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture
Mix espresso and coffee liqueur in a shallow dish
Dip ladyfingers quickly into coffee mixture
Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in a dish
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers
Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers
Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture on top
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours
Dust with cocoa powder before serving
Top with chocolate shavings if desired