Name: BEST Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: PT-485374H24M21S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled; 1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional); 1 package ladyfingers; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 4 oz dark chocolate, melted

A decadent twist on the classic Italian dessert, this Chocolate Tiramisu combines the traditional coffee-soaked ladyfingers with rich chocolate elements for an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Tiramisu takes the beloved classic to new heights with the addition of melted dark chocolate. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet looks and tastes like something from a high-end restaurant. The perfect no-bake dessert for chocolate lovers, it combines creamy layers with coffee-soaked cookies and a dusting of cocoa powder. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this elegant dessert strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Heavy cream provides the light, airy texture that makes tiramisu so luxurious. When whipped to soft peaks, it creates a cloud-like layer that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Mascarpone cheese is the heart of any authentic tiramisu. This Italian cream cheese has a subtle sweetness and buttery texture that creates the signature velvety smoothness of the dessert.

Powdered sugar sweetens the cream mixture while dissolving perfectly, ensuring no grittiness in your finished dessert. Its fine texture blends seamlessly into the mascarpone and cream.

Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic dimension that enhances both the coffee and chocolate flavors without overwhelming them.

Strong brewed coffee is essential for authentic tiramisu flavor and for softening the ladyfingers. Make it stronger than you would drink it, as the flavor will be distributed throughout the dessert.

Ladyfingers are light, sweet sponge cookies that form the foundation of tiramisu. They absorb the coffee mixture perfectly while maintaining enough structure to support the creamy layers.

Cocoa powder provides the classic dusting on top that gives tiramisu its distinctive appearance and adds a pleasant bitter note that balances the sweetness.

Dark chocolate transforms traditional tiramisu into this chocolate variation. When melted and incorporated into the cream mixture, it adds rich, complex flavor and a silky mouthfeel.

Directions

In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Add half of the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract, then continue whipping until soft peaks form. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese with the remaining powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
Gently fold the melted dark chocolate into the mascarpone mixture, being careful not to overmix.
Fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone-chocolate mixture until just combined and no streaks remain.
In a shallow dish, put the cooled coffee.
Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled coffee (about 1-2 seconds per side) and arrange in a single layer in the bottom of a serving dish.
Spread half of the mascarpone-chocolate mixture over the soaked ladyfingers.
Create a second layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, then top with the remaining mascarpone-chocolate mixture.
Dust the top generously with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Serve chilled, with chocolate shavings on top if desired.

Servings and Timing

This Chocolate Tiramisu recipe yields 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, but you’ll need at least 4 hours of chilling time (preferably overnight) for the best flavor and texture. Total time from start to serving is 4.5 hours minimum.

Variations

Berries and Chocolate: Add layers of fresh raspberries or strawberries between the cream layers for a fruity contrast.

White Chocolate Tiramisu: Substitute white chocolate for the dark chocolate for a sweeter, more mellow flavor profile.

Nutella Tiramisu: Replace the melted dark chocolate with Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate twist.

Mocha Tiramisu: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for an intensified coffee flavor.

Orange-Infused: Add orange zest to the mascarpone mixture and a splash of orange liqueur to the coffee dipping mixture.

Spiced Chocolate: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or chili powder to the chocolate for a warming spice note.

Storage/Reheating

Chocolate Tiramisu is best stored covered in the refrigerator where it will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after the first day as they have more time to meld together. For the best texture and taste, consume within 72 hours.

This dessert is not suitable for freezing as the cream and mascarpone mixture will separate upon thawing, resulting in a watery consistency.

As this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. Always serve cold, directly from the refrigerator.

If you’re planning to make this dessert ahead for a special occasion, it’s ideal to prepare it 24 hours in advance to allow the flavors to develop fully while ensuring optimal freshness.

FAQs

My ladyfingers got too soggy. What did I do wrong?

The key is a quick dip – no more than 1-2 seconds per side. If you soak the ladyfingers too long, they’ll become soggy and may collapse. Also, make sure your coffee has cooled completely before dipping.

Can I use a different type of cookie if I can’t find ladyfingers?

While traditional ladyfingers (savoiardi) are ideal, you can substitute with sponge cake slices, plain biscotti, or even butter cookies in a pinch. Just adjust the dipping time based on the density of the cookie.

Is it safe to eat tiramisu since it contains raw eggs?

This particular Chocolate Tiramisu recipe doesn’t contain raw eggs, making it safer than traditional recipes. If you’re adapting another recipe that does include eggs, consider using pasteurized eggs or a cooked zabaglione base.

How far in advance can I make Chocolate Tiramisu?

For best results, prepare this dessert 12-24 hours before serving. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the texture is optimal within the first 48 hours.

Can I make individual servings instead of one large dish?

Absolutely! Individual servings in glasses or ramekins make for an elegant presentation. The assembly process is the same, just scaled down to fit your serving vessels.

My mascarpone cheese is lumpy. How can I fix this?

Ensure your mascarpone is at room temperature before mixing. If it’s still lumpy, try gently warming the bowl by placing it over another bowl with warm (not hot) water, then whisk slowly until smooth.

What type of dark chocolate works best for this recipe?

A semi-sweet dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content provides the best balance of rich flavor without overwhelming bitterness. Avoid chocolate chips as they contain stabilizers that can affect the melting quality.

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, instant coffee can be used. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee in 1/2 cup of hot water, then cool completely before using. Make it stronger than you would normally drink for the best flavor infusion.

My cream mixture isn’t thickening properly. What should I do?

Make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping. If it’s still not thickening, try chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping. Avoid over-mixing after adding the mascarpone, as this can cause the mixture to become runny.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Tiramisu brings together the best of both worlds – the sophisticated, coffee-infused layers of traditional tiramisu with the deep satisfaction of rich chocolate. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to elevate your dessert game, it strikes an ideal balance between impressive and achievable. The make-ahead nature of this dessert makes it perfect for entertaining, allowing you to focus on your guests rather than last-minute preparation. Whether you’re a longtime tiramisu enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this chocolate version is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

BEST Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe