Decadent Italian Tiramisu Breakfast Pancakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

• 1 cup cocoa powder, for dusting
• 1 cup dark chocolate shavings

Method

1. 01
   In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. 02
   In a separate bowl, dissolve the instant espresso powder in the whole milk. Add the beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, then mix well.
3. 03
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.
4. 04
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
5. 05
   Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. 06
   For the mascarpone cream, beat the mascarpone cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream.
7. 07
   To serve, stack pancakes on a plate, generously spread with mascarpone cream, and dust with cocoa powder. Top with dark chocolate shavings.