Step 1

Place the double cream in a roomy bowl and beat to the soft peak stage.

Step 2

Using the same beaters, beat the sugar and mascarpone lightly, for about 20 seconds, just to loosen the cheese.

Step 3

Fold the cream into the mascarpone in 3 additions. That's it for the filling.

Step 4

Pour the coffee and alcohol, if using, into a shallow dish.

Step 5

Dip the biscuits into the coffee mix for 5 seconds, no more, shake off excess, and arrange on the base of your chosen dish in a single layer. Or in glasses as in the image here. If using glasses, you'll have to break the biscuits to fit, and push them down.

Step 6

Top the damp biscuits with half the mascarpone mixture for the big dish. In glasses, about 1-2 heaped tablespoons, depending on the size of your glasses.

Step 7

Grate half the chocolate all over the mascarpone layer.

Step 8

Repeat this with another layer of the coffee dipped savoiardi biscuits, the mascarpone mix and the second half of the grated chocolate.

Step 9

Cover with clingfilm and place in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours to set, even overnight, for the ideal party dessert.

Step 10

Just before you serve, top the grated chocolate with a fine layer of cocoa powder using a sieve.