For the homemade mascarpone:
- 8 ounces cream cheese or sour cream, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons confectioner's sugar
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
For the whipped cream layer:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
For the ladyfinger layer:
- 2 cups very strong coffee
- 1 tablespoon dark rum
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- Cocoa powder for dusting