Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe

Indulge in Heavenly Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Crafting a decadent chocolate tiramisu promises pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts seeking an Italian classic with a rich twist.

Layers of velvety mascarpone and cocoa-infused ladyfingers create a sensational treat that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Coffee-soaked cookies add depth and complexity to this luxurious confection.

Silky textures blend perfectly with intense chocolate notes, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece.

Each spoonful reveals intricate flavors that dance between sweet and bold.

You’ll want to savor every luxurious bite of this irresistible chocolate tiramisu.

Why Chocolate Tiramisu Is a Must-Try Dessert

  • Craft Indulgent Dessert: Perfect for special occasions like dinner parties, date nights, or when you want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality treat.
  • Minimal Prep Delight: Requires no baking, making it an ideal dessert for those who want a sophisticated sweet without complex cooking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic Italian flavors with rich chocolate and coffee notes that appeal to both adults and dessert lovers.
  • Quick Assembly Magic: Comes together in mere minutes, with most time spent chilling, allowing you to prepare ahead and enjoy stress-free entertaining.

All the Goodies for Chocolate Tiramisu

Liquid Base:
  • Coffee: A rich and aromatic base that provides deep flavor to the dessert.
  • Brandy or Rum: An optional ingredient that adds a sophisticated alcoholic touch to the tiramisu.
Cream Mixture:
  • Mascarpone Cheese: A smooth, creamy Italian cheese that creates the luxurious base of the dessert.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a light, airy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the cream mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet notes.
Cookie and Topping:
  • Ladyfingers: Light, delicate sponge cookies that form the classic base of tiramisu.
  • Cocoa Powder: Used for dusting and adding a rich chocolate flavor to the top of the dessert.
  • Chocolate Chips: An optional garnish that adds extra chocolate texture and sweetness.

Building the Perfect Chocolate Tiramisu

Step 1: Whip Creamy Mascarpone Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 2: Create First Ladyfinger Layer

  • Briefly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture
  • Avoid soaking them completely
  • Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish

Step 3: Spread First Mascarpone Layer

Carefully spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, using a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 4: Add Second Ladyfinger Layer

  • Dip additional ladyfingers in the coffee mixture
  • Place them on top of the first mascarpone layer

Step 5: Final Mascarpone Topping

Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture evenly over the second layer of ladyfingers.

Step 6: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle chocolate chips for an elegant and delicious finish.

Handy Tips for Chocolate Tiramisu Perfection

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother, creamier mascarpone mixture that blends easily.
  • Choose high-quality espresso or strong coffee for a more robust flavor profile in the tiramisu.
  • Dip ladyfingers quickly to prevent them from becoming soggy and maintaining their delicate texture.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace brandy or rum with additional coffee or vanilla extract.
  • Store tiramisu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve its fresh taste and creamy consistency.

Twists to Elevate Chocolate Tiramisu

  • Citrus Kick Tiramisu: Replace coffee with orange liqueur and add zesty orange zest to the mascarpone mixture for a bright, refreshing flavor profile.
  • Berry Bliss Tiramisu: Swap coffee with mixed berry compote and layer fresh berries between mascarpone layers for a fruity summer version.
  • Nutty Chocolate Tiramisu: Incorporate crushed hazelnuts or almonds between layers and sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added crunch and rich nutty undertones.
  • Espresso Mocha Tiramisu: Intensify coffee flavor by using strong espresso and adding a touch of dark chocolate shavings between layers for deeper chocolate notes.

Best Pairings for Chocolate Tiramisu

  • Pair Robust Espresso: Serve a freshly brewed, strong Italian espresso alongside the chocolate tiramisu to enhance the coffee notes and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Complement with Sweet Red Wine: Choose a dessert wine like Vin Santo or Port, which will harmonize with the chocolate and creamy mascarpone, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Match Chocolate-Infused Digestif: Offer a chocolate liqueur or amaretto as an after-dinner drink that mirrors the dessert's rich, decadent flavors and provides a warming finish to the meal.
  • Enhance with Dark Chocolate Shavings: Garnish the tiramisu with high-quality dark chocolate shavings from 70% cocoa chocolate to intensify the chocolate undertones and add textural contrast.

Storing Chocolate Tiramisu the Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the tiramisu away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating: Do not reheat tiramisu, as it is a chilled dessert. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavors.
  • Best Consumption: Enjoy within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. The dessert will become softer and more saturated with moisture as it sits in the refrigerator.

Common Questions About Chocolate Tiramisu

  • Can I use espresso instead of regular coffee?

Yes, espresso works perfectly and adds a richer, more intense coffee flavor to the tiramisu.

  • What if I don't have brandy or rum?

You can substitute with coffee liqueur like Kahlúa, or simply skip the alcohol and use pure coffee for dipping.

  • Is mascarpone cheese necessary, or can I replace it?

Mascarpone is crucial for authentic tiramisu texture. Substitutes like cream cheese will change the traditional taste and consistency.

  • How do I know if I'm dipping ladyfingers correctly?

Quickly dip each ladyfinger for 1-2 seconds on each side. They should be moistened but not soggy or falling apart.

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Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe

Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (or overnight)
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luxurious chocolate tiramisu blends rich Italian dessert traditions with deep cocoa elegance. Coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with velvety mascarpone cream promise delightful indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Mascarpone and Cheese:

  • 1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese

Cookies and Ladyfingers:

  • 24 to 30 ladyfingers

Coffee and Liqueur:

  • 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1/2 cup brandy or rum

Cream and Sugar:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate and Garnish:

  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Brew espresso or strong coffee and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  2. Combine cooled coffee with brandy or rum in a shallow, wide container for easy ladyfinger dipping.
  3. Whisk mascarpone cheese with heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into coffee mixture, ensuring a light coating without oversaturating, and arrange in a single layer across the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish.
  5. Carefully spread half of the creamy mascarpone mixture over the first ladyfinger layer, using a spatula to create an even surface.
  6. Create a second layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers directly on top of the initial mascarpone layer.
  7. Generously cover the second ladyfinger layer with remaining mascarpone mixture, smoothing the surface for a pristine appearance.
  8. Refrigerate the tiramisu for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to harmonize and texture to set.
  9. Just before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder and optionally sprinkle chocolate chips for additional texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Enhance coffee flavor by using freshly brewed espresso or strong dark roast coffee for a more intense taste profile.
  • Prevent soggy ladyfingers by quickly dipping them into the coffee mixture, ensuring they absorb liquid without becoming mushy.
  • Elevate texture by using room temperature mascarpone cheese, which blends more smoothly and creates a creamier consistency.
  • Customize for dietary needs by substituting ladyfingers with gluten-free alternatives or using dairy-free mascarpone for a vegan version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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