Homemade Disney Treats: Graveyard Tiramisu

Homemade Disney treats are so much fun to make. This graveyard Tiramisu is made with coffee soaked lady fingers, a creamy mascarpone filling with just a hint of sweet Brandy.

Finish it off with a light dusting of cocoa powder and this classic dessert is ready to enjoy!

What is Tiramisu

The word Tiramisu in Italian means "pick me up" and that's exactly what it will do once you take a bite of this delicious treat. Tiramisu consists of two layers; espresso soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone filling, spiked with just the right amount of liquor.

It's no wonder why this flavor combination is such a favorite among dessert lovers and coffee drinkers. The best part is there's no baking involved and it's the perfect make ahead dessert.

Ingredients for Tiramisu

• Egg Yolks: Make sure to use large eggs when making this recipe. Simply separate the egg yolks and reserve the egg whites for an omelette.
• Granulated Sugar: This dessert is not overly sweet, which is why I love it so much. Just a little bit of sugar helps balance the strong espresso.
• Brandy: There are many different types of liquor you can use. I especially love Brandy for it's subtle, sweet taste.
• Espresso: Nothing beats good ol' espresso but if you do not have an espresso maker, just use instant or a really strong coffee.
• Mascarpone Cheese: If you aren't familiar with this ingredient, it's usually located in the specialty cheese area. It's an Italian cheese and is essential when making a traditional Tiramisu.
• Cream Cheese: I love the added texture cream cheese brings to this dessert, as well as it's tangy flavor.
• Ladyfingers: These are sponge-like cookies that resemble the shape of fingers.
• Gelatin Powder: I use 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in this dessert to help stabilize the filling.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: I fold in some sweetened whipped cream which lightens everything up.
• Cocoa Powder: Use an unsweetened cocoa powder, like Ghirardelli Dutch Process Cocoa or Cacao Barry Cocoa Powder.

How To Make Tiramisu

This graveyard Tiramisu starts off by making an egg custard by combining the egg yolks, sugar, Brandy, gelatin and a little bit of water in a medium-size bowl. I place this mixture over a pot of simmering water, also known as a double boiler to cook the eggs.

Make sure to constantly whisk the egg yolk mixture.

Once the mixture reaches 165 degrees (use a digital thermometer) and becomes thick and pale yellow, remove it from the heat and set aside while you whip up the heavy cream.

Once your whipped cream is finished, place it inside a separate bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

Next, add egg the custard to electric mixer with a whisk attachment and whip for 3-4 minutes on medium speed. Once the mixture is cool to the touch, begin adding small amounts of cream cheese.

Make sure to incorporate completely before adding your next addition. Next, add mascarpone cheese and whip until smooth and lump free.

Lastly, remove whipped cream from refrigerator and gently fold into mascarpone mixture. Make sure there are no streaks of whipped cream and everything is completely incorporated.

Graveyard Decoration

Homemade Disney treats during Halloween time is not complete without the famous Pumpkin King. All you need is a couple store bought ingredients and voila, you have the most adorable skeleton topper and graveyard setting. Here's what you need.

• Jet Puffed Marshmallows (for Jack's head)
• Chocolate chips, melted in the microwave until smooth. Make sure it's completely melted or else it will clog up your piping tip.
• White fudge pretzels (3 whole pretzels for the torso and two end pieces for the shoulders).
• Disposable piping bag
• Wilton fine tip #3 to create the eyes and mouth of Jack Skellington.
• Ladyfingers for tombstone. I would suggest using a whole one for decoration. Pipe chocolate "RIP" onto the top of each ladyfinger and let set before applying to sliced Tiramisu.

Tips For A Successful Tiramisu

• I like to use a squeeze bottle to soak my ladyfingers. I start with one side, flip them over and repeat. Also, you can opt to dip each one individually.
• Make sure both the cream cheese and mascarpone cheese are at room temperature. This will make it easier to combine to the custard and avoid having lumps in your filling.
• When whipping up your heavy cream, beat until medium peaks form. Do not over whip or else the heavy cream will curdle and become grainy.
• Chill your graveyard Tiramisu for at least 6 hours. I prefer to let it set up overnight. This allows the flavors to blend together and makes slicing a breeze.
• This Tiramisu can be made a couple days in advance and kept inside the refrigerator. I prefer to dust with cocoa powder upon serving.
• Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days.
• That's it! Aren't homemade Disney treats the best!

Other Spookishly Delicious Disney Eats

Print