These Bailey’s tiramisu parfaits combine three rich layers of soft ladyfingers, Irish cream spiked mascarpone filling, and an espresso mixture into mini indulgent dishes to share.
Why this recipe works
Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. Combining the rich flavors of tiramisu with the smooth, creamy taste of Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur, these parfaits are the perfect decadent treat for any occasion.
Parfaits are great for dessert because they are the perfect size for one person. A parfait in this form, with cake and liquid, is basically a trifle in miniature form.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
LADYFINGERS – There are two types of ladyfingers available on the market. Traditional Italian ladyfingers are hard and crunchy and there’s also a soft and spongy variety that you usually find in your grocer’s bakery department. Soft ladyfingers are more readily available, however, you may be able to find the crunchy variety at specialty markets and Italian grocers. I used the soft, spongy variety for this recipe.
FILLING – The filling is a combination of Bailey’s Irish Cream, mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, and heavy whipping cream that is beaten and combined with the other ingredients. It’s fluffy, light, and beautifully rich.
How to Make Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Combine mascarpone, 2 tablespoons of the Bailey’s Irish Cream, and the sugar. Whisk or stir together gently until combined.
- In a mixer bowl with the whisk attachment, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium-high until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- Line up six dessert dishes (I used mini trifle dishes).
- Stir the vanilla and the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of Baileys into the cooled espresso coffee.
- You will need a total of 4 ladyfingers for each parfait, 2 for each layer. Cut ladyfingers into cubes. Place 6 cubes into the bottom of the dessert dish (5 around the edge and 1 in the center), arranging so that the cut side faces out and touches the side of the dish. Dribble 2 scant tablespoons of espresso over the cubes. Repeat for the other 5 dishes.
- Add a layer of mascarpone cheese mixture to each dish, a heaping 1/4 cup or so. Gently press down and spread to an even layer.
- Sprinkle with shaved chocolate, reserving enough for the second layer.
- Repeat the process, cubed ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cheese, then shaved chocolate.
- Use a clean, dampened cloth to wipe the edges of the dessert dishes. Cover the top of each one with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 8 hours, overnight is best to allow the flavors to mingle.
- To serve, remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes ahead of time for best flavor and texture. When the filling is too cold the flavors are not as prominent.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Yes, these Bailey’s tiramisu parfaits are actually best when made the night before, or early the day you plan on serving them. The sweet spot is making them around 6-8 hours ahead to allow the flavors to mingle in the refrigerator. Remove the parfaits from the refrigerator an hour before serving as the flavor is more pronounced at or slightly above room temperature.
Store the parfaits, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, a few of our readers have had success doing so! Follow the same layering method as you would when making them in a parfait dish. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. As mentioned above, allowing 6-8 hours of chill time before serving will yield the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bailey’s tiramisu parfaits topped with shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder. The parfaits are best either at or slightly above room temperature, so be sure to remove them from the refrigerator about an hour before you plan on serving. Enjoy!
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Bailey’s Tiramisu Parfaits
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 lb mascarpone cheese
- 3 ½ tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream divided
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 24 soft ladyfingers 1 package*
- 1 ¼ cups strong brewed espresso cooled
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate shaved for garnish
Things You’ll Need
- 6 mini trifle dishes or parfait dishes
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
Before You Begin
- There are two types of ladyfingers available on the market. Traditional Italian ladyfingers are hard and crunchy and there’s also a soft and spongy variety that you usually find in your grocer’s bakery department. Soft ladyfingers are more readily available, however you may be able to find the crunchy variety at specialty markets and Italian grocers. I used the soft, spongy variety for this recipe.
- If using crunchy ladyfingers, your method of dipping will be to place the cookie into the espresso (lay it in the liquid), then turn it over and lift it out. If you attempt this method with the soft variety, your ladyfingers will fall apart.
Instructions
- Combine mascarpone, 2 tablespoons of the Bailey’s Irish Cream, and the sugar. Whisk or stir together gently until combined.
- In mixer bowl with whisk attachment, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium high until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
- Line up six dessert dishes (I used mini trifle dishes).
- Stir the vanilla and the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of Baileys into the cooled espresso coffee.
- You will need a total of 4 ladyfingers for each parfait, 2 for each layer. Cut ladyfingers into cubes. Place 6 cubes into the bottom of the dessert dish (5 around the edge and 1 in the center), arranging so that the cut side faces out and touches the side of the dish. Dribble 2 scant tablespoons of espresso over the cubes. Repeat for the other 5 dishes.
- Add a layer of mascarpone cheese mixture to each dish, a heaping 1/4 cup or so. Gently press down and spread to an even layer.
- Sprinkle with shaved chocolate, reserving enough for the second layer.
- Repeat the process, cubed ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cheese, then shaved chocolate.
- Use a clean, dampened cloth to wipe the edges of the dessert dishes. Cover the top of each one with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 8 hours, overnight is best to allow the flavors to mingle.
- To serve, remove from refrigerator about 30 minutes ahead of time for best flavor and texture. When the filling is too cold the flavors are not as prominent.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Bailey’s tiramisu parfaits are actually best when made the night before, or early the day you plan on serving them. The sweet spot is making them around 6-8 hours ahead to allow the flavors to mingle in the refrigerator. Remove the parfaits from the refrigerator an hour before serving as the flavor is more pronounced at or slightly above room temperature.
- Store the parfaits, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
This post originally appeared here on November 29, 2011 and has since been updated with new photos and expert tips.
Amanda Davis
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Kevin Hughes says
This is the BOMBSHELL
Roberta McCarthy says
I doubled the recipe & it’s fine & delicious!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much for letting me know Roberta, perfect!
Kristen Delaney says
Looks delicious! I was wondering, I have a large trifle dish that I want to use for this recipe. Do you think the amount of ingredients listed here is enough to fit one large trifle dish? Or should I double it? Thanks in advance!
Amanda Formaro says
Gosh that’s a tough one. I think the safer bet would be to double it. Then if you have extra, you could always use a bowl for the excess!
Mississippi girl says
My brother in law and I love tiramisu! I’ve never made it but I’m kinda torn between this recipe and another. This looks great but is it really close to the real deal? ? Or should I do a traditional one for a first time? I’m going to make a true Italian dinner with stuffed manicotti a salad and tiramisu – I say him but I’m gonna enjoy all of this delicious goodness myself and our spouses :)
Amanda Formaro says
While this is certainly delicious, the ingredients are not the same as traditional tiramisu. Basically the different is the liquer.
Sandy says
Great dessert, I use 15 years Old Rum, instead of baileys.
Trisha says
I’m making this for my ladies cocktail party tomorrow night…..I doubled the recipe and used a footed trifle bowl. Can’t wait to see what my girlfriends think!
Amanda says
OOOhhhhh! I hope they enjoyed it!
Melinda says
Definitely trying this one! I don’t drink, but when I bake or cook, Bailey’s is one of my favorite alcohols to use. Great photos too!
Dana @hotpinkapron says
Wow! Here I thought you couldn’t improve upon an already excellent dessert like Tiramisu and you go and add Bailey’s to it. Bravo, darling, bravo! Thanks for the great post!
judee @ Gluten Free A-Z says
What a wonderful dessert! They look amazing
Avanika {Yumsilicious Bakes} says
These look amazing. I love Tiramisu, and love Bailey’s too!
Debbie says
Amanda, These look like heaven to me. Delicious. I love this…..
Sue says
What a beautiful presentation! I love the individual trifle bowls! :)
Delishhh says
This is my type of dessert – looks so good!
peabody says
Yum…I love Baileys and Tiramisu so this calls my name!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Peabody! nice to see you stranger :)
Sumee says
That looks insanely delicious!. Must have been heavenly tasting.!
Angie @ Bigbearswife says
Great little parfaits!