Sundaes not just for kids

This sophisticated sundae from Hannah Miles' Sundaes and Splits has serious adult appeal. It takes its inspiration from the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu.

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Larry Crowe/Associated Press

TIRAMISU SUNDAE

Start to finish: 2 hours (time will vary depending on speed of ice cream machine)

Servings: 4

For the syrup:

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

1/3 cup boiling water

1/4 cup coffee or chocolate liqueur (such as Tia Maria or creme de cacao)

For the mascarpone ice cream:

9 ounces mascarpone cheese

3/4 cup creme fraiche or sour cream

3/4 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted

8 sponge finger cookies

1/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips

Cocoa powder, for dusting

In a small bowl, dissolve the coffee granules in the boiling water. Add the liqueur and set aside to cool.

To make the ice cream, in a medium bowl mix together the mascarpone cheese, creme fraiche and heavy cream. Stir in the powdered sugar. Churn in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer's instructions.

To assemble, break 4 of the sponge finger cookies into pieces and arrange some in the bottom of each of the sundae dishes. Drizzle with coffee liquid until moist. Sprinkle chocolate chips over each, then dust with cocoa.

Place a spoonful of the mascarpone ice cream into each dish and level the surface. Arrange the remaining sponge fingers on top and drizzle over a little more of the coffee liquid. Sprinkle with a few more chocolate chips, add a further dusting of cocoa powder, then top with the remaining ice cream. Dust the top of each sundae with cocoa powder and serve immediately.