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In a mixing bowl, add the whipping cream and use a hand mixer and beat at medium speed for about 1 minute (or in the bowl of a stand mixer). Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix together until almost stiff peaks form. Add the mascarpone cheese and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
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Use a fine mesh sieve or sifter to lightly dust the bottom of an 8x8-inch dish with 1 Tbsp of the cocoa powder.
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In a wide shallow bowl (large enough to fit one ladyfinger), add the coffee and the optional liqueur (if using). Quickly dunk one ladyfinger at a time, turning it so that all the sides are just moistened evenly but not soaked (just a quick dunk otherwise the ladyfingers start to fall apart). Arrange the dunked ladyfinger, rounded side up, on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Repeat with half of the ladyfingers, or until you’ve got an even single layer to fill up the bottom of the baking dish, breaking the ladyfingers in half as needed to fill in any large gaps.
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Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly onto the ladyfingers (an offset spatula works well).
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Dip and layer the remaining ladyfingers over the mascarpone layer in the baking dish.
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Pipe the top layer with the mascarpone mixture using a piping bag (you can also just spread and make a smooth even layer) over the top.
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Cover and chill in the fridge until set, for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
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When ready to serve, use a fine mesh sieve or sifter to dust the top layer with the remaining cocoa powder, then sprinkle very lightly with a little bit of shaved chocolate. Chill again for 30 minutes.
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Cut into slices or scoop and serve.