An unexpected combination of ingredients updates the classic Italian dessert. It is presented in individual servings here, but the ladyfingers, espresso and filling can be layered in a large dish and offered with the sauce on the side if you prefer.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 6
Ingredients
Ladyfinger Rounds
Filling
Raspberry Sauce
Preparation
For Ladyfinger Round:
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment. Mix flour and ground coffee beans in small bowl. Using electric mixer, beat egg yolks and 4 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl until thick and slowly dissolving ribbon forms when beaters are lifted, about 4 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients (batter will be thick). Using electric mixer fitted with clean dry beaters, beat egg whites until thick and foamy. Add remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and beat until whites are stiff but not dry. Fold into yolk mixture in 2 additions.
Step 2
Drop batter by rounded tablespoons (8 per sheet) onto prepared sheets, spacing evenly. Sift powdered sugar thickly over rounds. Bake until rounds are golden brown on edges, about 16 minutes. Cool in pan on rack. Remove ladyfinger rounds from parchment (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Store in single layer in airtight container).
For filling:
Step 3
Combine framboise and instant espresso in small bowl. Stir until espresso dissolves. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and 2/3 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in coffee mixture. Fold in 1 cup raspberries. Let stand at room temperature.
Step 4
Combine coffee and 3 tablespoons sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Spoon 1 scant tablespoon coffee mixture over flat side of 1 ladyfinger round Place coffee side up on plate. Spread 1/3 cup filling atop round. Place flat side down atop filling. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Spoon raspberry sauce around desserts. Garnish with remaining raspberries and fresh mint and serve.
For Raspberry Sauce:
Step 5
Puree raspberries and syrup in processor. Strain into small bowl to remove seeds. Stir in eau-de-vie. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
