Step 1: Make the Ladyfingers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly dust it with powdered sugar.

2. Separate the eggs—yolks in one bowl, whites in another.

3. Beat the yolks with half the sugar until thick, pale, and doubled in volume. Stir in the vanilla.

4. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add the rest of the sugar and keep beating until stiff peaks show up.

5. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the whites using a spatula. Don’t deflate it—be gentle.

6. Sift together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold into the egg mixture, just until combined.

7. Scoop into a piping bag and pipe 3-inch strips onto your baking sheet. Dust lightly with powdered sugar.

8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until firm but still soft. Let them cool on the tray.

These ladyfingers are so light and fluffy, you’ll want to snack on a few before they even make it to the cups. Totally allowed. That’s the cook’s tax.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Layer

1. Beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.

2. In another bowl, mix the mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla just until smooth. Don’t overbeat—mascarpone can break if you go too far.

3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mix. That’s your creamy heaven right there.

Step 3: Coffee Dip

1. Mix the cooled coffee, coffee liqueur (if using), and maple syrup.

2. Taste it. It should be strong and slightly sweet. Adjust as needed.

You want this mixture cold—if it’s hot, it’ll melt the ladyfingers and ruin the texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cups

Pick any small glasses, mason jars, or even little plastic dessert cups if you’re feeding a crowd.

1. Break ladyfingers to fit the bottom of each cup.

2. Quickly dip each piece in the coffee mixture and layer into the cup.

3. Add a thick layer of mascarpone cream.

4. Repeat with another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers.

5. Finish with more cream. Smooth the tops with a spoon.

Cover and chill in the fridge at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better. The flavors melt together and the texture gets extra dreamy.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Right before serving, sift unsweetened cocoa powder over the top of each cup. Add chocolate shavings if you’re feeling extra. I sometimes toss on a chocolate-covered espresso bean just for drama.