In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until thickened. The mixture should be thick enough to "write a letter" with the cream.
5 yolks, 10 tablespoons sugar
Gradually fold in the mascarpone, one spoonful at a time, mixing until the consistency resembles mayonnaise.
2 cups mascarpone
Whip the cream with a pinch of salt until it thickens.
1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 pinch salt
Gently fold the whipped cream and vanilla into the mascarpone-egg mixture, stirring from the bottom to the top with a spatula to keep the cream smooth.
1 tablespoons vanilla extract
In a bowl, combine the coffee and coffee liqueur.
½ cup Espresso, 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
Briefly dip each side of the biscuits (do not soak completely) in the coffee mixture, then layer them at the bottom of your serving dish (or individual cups for single servings). Tip: Dip the lady fingers just on one side, and then place them in the serving dish with the dipped side up (once time passes, the liquid will start to fall, so all the Lady Fingers will be soaked, not just the top - if you dip them too much, the tiramisu will be too mushy and soft, the regular version requires just a bit more structure).
24-28 Lady finger cookies
Add a layer of the mascarpone mixture, then repeat for a second layer. Top with the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Sprinkle cocoa powder on top before serving. Legend has it that tiramisu can last up to 4 days in the fridge (though no one has ever waited that long). You can also freeze it.
Cocoa powder
Serve and enjoy!