Chocolate Tiramisu is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers and fans of traditional tiramisu. This luscious dessert layers velvety mascarpone cream with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and rich chocolate ganache or cocoa. It’s a no-bake recipe, perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving something decadent yet elegant.
Whether you’re a fan of the classic or just want a little more chocolate in your life, this version delivers indulgence in every bite — and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Tiramisu
- Rich and indulgent chocolate flavor
- No baking required
- Can be made ahead for convenience
- Elegant dessert for holidays and gatherings
- Easily adaptable to personal preferences (boozy or alcohol-free)
🍴 Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- 9×9-inch square dish or individual glasses for serving
- Saucepan (for chocolate ganache)
- Rubber spatula
- Sifter (for cocoa powder)
📝 Ingredients
For the Chocolate Ganache Layer:
- 200g (7 oz) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 500g (17 oz) mascarpone cheese
- ¾ cup (90g) powdered sugar
- 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Coffee Dip:
- 1 cup (240 ml) strong brewed coffee or espresso (cooled)
- 2–3 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional) – Kahlua or Tia Maria
- 24–30 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
Garnish:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
👩🍳 How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu
Step 1: Prepare the Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Remove from heat, add chopped chocolate, and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool and thicken slightly before using.
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream
- In a large bowl, whisk mascarpone cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Chill while you prepare other elements.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the cooled coffee (with liqueur if using). Do not soak — a quick dip is enough.
- Arrange a layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of your serving dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.
- Drizzle a generous amount of ganache over the cream layer.
- Repeat the layers — soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, then a final drizzle or full layer of ganache.
- Smooth the top with a spatula and chill for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight).
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder before serving.
- Add chocolate curls or shavings for an extra elegant touch.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use cold cream: Whips better and gives you a stable mascarpone mixture.
- Don’t over-soak ladyfingers: A quick dip ensures they don’t get soggy.
- Chill thoroughly: The dessert needs several hours to set properly.
- Use good-quality chocolate for the ganache – it makes all the difference.
- Optional add-ins: A layer of crushed hazelnuts or a splash of Bailey’s adds a luxurious twist.
🥄 Recipe Variations
- White Chocolate Tiramisu: Substitute the ganache with white chocolate ganache.
- Nutella Chocolate Tiramisu: Add a layer of Nutella between the mascarpone and ladyfingers.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Skip the liqueur and flavor the coffee with vanilla or a bit of cocoa.
- Tiramisu Cups: Serve in individual glasses for a sophisticated presentation.
🥗 Make It Fit Your Diet
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free ladyfingers.
- Low Sugar: Use sugar-free chocolate and sweeteners like stevia or erythritol in the cream.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute mascarpone with a dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of whipping cream.
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-ahead: Chocolate tiramisu is best made a day ahead — flavors deepen overnight.
- Storage: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Tiramisu can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Tiramisu is everything you love about the classic Italian dessert, but with an irresistible chocolate twist. It’s rich, creamy, and makes a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table. Whether served in a big dish or delicate individual glasses, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds. Quick to assemble, deeply satisfying, and endlessly customizable — chocolate tiramisu is your new go-to for indulgence.
