No-Bake Gingerbread Tiramisu in a Glass

Instructions

1. Brew the coffee: Prepare 1 cup of strong brewed coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature. For deeper flavor, you can use espresso or a bold dark roast. Stir in the dark rum or coffee liqueur if using. This mixture will serve as the soaking liquid for the cookies, infusing each bite with rich, aromatic depth.
2. Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for ease. Soft peaks will hold their shape but still gently fold over at the tips — perfect for creating a light, airy mascarpone layer.
3. Make the mascarpone mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing, which can cause the mascarpone to become too loose.
4. Fold the cream into the mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture in two batches. Use a spatula and a light hand to preserve the airiness. The final texture should be smooth, fluffy, and spoonable.
5. Prepare the glasses: Choose 4–6 small glasses or dessert cups for serving. Clear glass works best to show off the beautiful layers.