Olivia Muniak, a self-taught chef, event designer, and founder of Muniak Studio, knows her way around a dinner table. She coined the term “lazy fancy” to describe her entertaining philosophy—elevated, effortless, and with an instinctive ease. From hosting our latest Gathering Capsule to serving her Lazy-Fancy Tiramisu, Olivia makes it look easy. Take a cue from her playbook and get the recipe for her fool-proof dessert below.
Lazy Fancy Tiramisu
Holiday hosting season is here, and you’ve got better things to do than babysit a soufflé. Enter Lazy-Fancy Tiramisu, the no-bake dessert that looks (and tastes) like you spent that extra hour or two in the kitchen (we won't tell). Coffee-kissed, creamy, and quietly impressive—you're gonna wanna save this one for later.
Ingredients
For the Cream:
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar, divided
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup (227 g / 8 oz) mascarpone
For Assembly
- 1¾ cups espresso or very strong coffee
- 2 Tbsp rum or cognac (or leave out, but why?)
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- ~24 ladyfingers (1 package, 7 oz / 200 g)
- Bittersweet chocolate, for shaving (optional but glamorous)
How It Comes Together
- In a large bowl with an electric mixer, whip the egg yolks and half the sugar until they’re pale, thick, and fall in soft ribbons.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream with the remaining sugar to soft peaks. Add the mascarpone and continue whipping until you have a cloud-like, spreadable texture.
- Fold this gently into the egg mixture until smooth and utterly tempting. Set aside. (Try not to eat it all with a spoon).
- Mix the espresso and rum in a shallow bowl, this is your dip station.
- Dust the base of your serving dish with a snowfall of cocoa powder (I recommend either individual cups or an interesting shaped bowl)
- Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture—a fast plunge, not a soak—and lay them rounded-side up in the dish. Fill in gaps as best you can.
- Swipe half of your mascarpone cream over the layer in a smooth, luscious blanket.
- Repeat: dip, layer, and spread the remaining cream on top.
- Dust the final layer with cocoa powder, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours– overnight is even better.
- Just before serving, shave dark chocolate or cocoa powder over the top for that fancy finish. Scoop onto plates–no perfection required.
From coffee-kissed layers to jacquard silk silhouettes, complete the look (and feel) of effortlessness with The Gathering Capsule. Shop the full collection here.
