A Caffeinated Kiss from Italy
Indulge in the best of two worlds with this inventive Tiramisu Rice Pudding. We’ve captured the soul of Italy’s favorite ‘pick-me-up’ dessert in a comforting, creamy pudding. A base of rich Arborio rice is cooked down and then steeped with bold espresso. This is then layered in a glass with a light, sweet mascarpone cream, creating a stunning parfait that delivers that signature coffee-and-cream flavor in a completely new and satisfying way.
Prep Time
20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
Cook Time
35 minutes
Servings
4
Cuisine: Italian Fusion | Diet: Gluten-Free | Skill Level: Intermediate | Cost: Moderate
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Arborio rice
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
- High-quality unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting
👨🍳 Chef’s Tips
- Using Arborio rice is crucial for this recipe. Its high starch content creates the signature creaminess that mimics the texture of soaked ladyfingers.
- For safety, you can use pasteurized eggs for the mascarpone cream, as the yolks are not cooked.
- The chilling time is important not just for setting the parfait, but for allowing the coffee flavor to deeply infuse the pudding and meld with the cream.
Preparation
- Brew your espresso and set it aside to cool completely. Using hot coffee will cause issues when you add it to the pudding and when you layer it with the cream.
- Ensure your mascarpone cheese is at room temperature. This is key for a smooth, lump-free cream. Cold mascarpone is stiff and will not incorporate well.
- Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a medium mixing bowl. You can save the whites for another recipe.
Cooking
- First, make the coffee rice pudding. In a saucepan, combine the Arborio rice, milk, and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is very tender and the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Remove the pudding from the heat and stir in the cooled espresso and optional rum. The mixture will seem thin at first but will thicken as it cools. Transfer to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator until completely cold, at least 1 hour.
- While the pudding chills, make the mascarpone cream. In your mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar until the mixture is pale yellow, thick, and ribbony. This process aerates the yolks and dissolves the sugar.
- Add the room-temperature mascarpone and vanilla to the yolk mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until it is just combined and smooth. Over-mixing can cause the mascarpone to break and become grainy.
- To assemble, take four clear glasses or jars. Create alternating layers, starting with the coffee rice pudding, followed by a layer of the mascarpone cream. Repeat until the glasses are full, ending with a layer of mascarpone cream.
- Cover the parfaits with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the parfait to set properly.
Serving
Serve the parfaits chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Just before serving, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust a thick, even layer of unsweetened cocoa powder over the top of each glass. This final touch is essential for the classic Tiramisu look and taste.
Storage
Store the assembled parfaits covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best presentation, dust with cocoa powder just before serving, as it can absorb moisture and darken over time.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 60g |
| Fat | 28g |
An Italian Classic, Reimagined
This parfait offers all the beloved flavors of Tiramisu—bold coffee, creamy mascarpone, rich cocoa—with the comforting texture of rice pudding. It’s an elegant, impressive, and utterly delicious twist that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tags: Tiramisu, Italian Dessert, Coffee Rice Pudding, Mascarpone, Parfait Recipe
Hungry for more?
For more delicious northern recipes, check out our Melgund: Come Eat With Me Cookbook! Serving the communities of Dyment and Borups Corners in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario. This digital literacy and food security program is supported by Art Borups Corners and Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture.
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