Tiramisu Recipe (easy and inexpensive!)

Some of you tiramisu purists or culinary experts might not care for this recipe, but if you'd like to make an easy tiramisu without raw eggs or alcohol, this is a great option.

1 large frozen pound cake (or two packages of ladyfingers, which I couldn't find)
1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee
1/4 cup sugar, divided
2 tsp vanilla, divided
1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
3 cups cool whip topping
2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Slice the still-frozen pound cake into thin strips, and arrange on the bottom of a 12x8 baking dish. Mix coffee, 2 tbps of the sugar, and 1 tsp of the vanilla. Brush half the mixture onto the pound cake in the dish.

Beat ricotta cheese, remaining 2 tbsp of sugar, and remaining 1 tsp of vanilla in a medium bowl with electric mixer until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spoon half the cheese mixture onto pound cake in the dish.

Add another layer of pound cake, and brush with remaining coffee mixture. Top with remaining cheese mixture. Sift cocoa over the top of the dessert, and refrigerate for several hours, or overnight. I garnished with chocolate syrup and strawberries; you can finish it off however you like!