Brew a strong pot of coffee and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.

In a shallow dish, combine the cooled coffee with coffee liqueur if using.

Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until smooth and fluffy.

Spread half of the creamy mascarpone mixture over the layer of dipped ladyfingers.

Add another layer of soaked ladyfingers on top, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Before serving, dust the top layer generously with cocoa powder.