What dessert is described as a custard with lady fingers soaked in espresso?

Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that features layers of custard and coffee-soaked lady fingers. The name "tiramisu" translates to "pick me up," which is quite fitting due to the use of espresso that adds a rich coffee flavor to the dessert. The dish typically consists of a blend of mascarpone cheese, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder, creating a creamy texture complemented by the soft, coffee-infused lady fingers. This combination of flavors and textures makes tiramisu a popular choice on dessert menus, especially in Italian cuisine.

Understanding this helps clarify why it stands out from the other options listed. Chocolate mousse cake, while rich and creamy, typically does not involve coffee or lady fingers. Panna cotta is a smooth, creamy dessert that is set with gelatin and doesn’t have the characteristic layers or coffee flavor of tiramisu. Cannoli are pastry shells filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, distinctly different in composition and presentation. This context reinforces the distinctiveness of tiramisu and confirms it as the appropriate answer to the question.