Name: Chocolate Tiramisu
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Heavy Cream; Dark Chocolate; Egg Yolks; Granulated Sugar; Rum; Mascarpone Cheese; Strong Brewed Coffee or Espresso; Cocoa Powder; Soft Ladyfingers

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This Chocolate Tiramisu takes the classic Italian dessert to a whole new level with the rich indulgence of dark chocolate, a silky mascarpone cream, and a touch of rum. The combination of soft ladyfingers soaked in espresso and cocoa powder dusted on top gives it the perfect finish, creating a dessert that’s both luxurious and irresistible. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in.

Chocolate Tiramisu

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate twist on the beloved tiramisu combines the best of both worlds: the smooth and creamy mascarpone filling and the rich, deep flavor of dark chocolate. The hint of rum adds a sophisticated touch to the mascarpone layer, while the dark chocolate ganache adds an indulgent finish. The ladyfingers, soaked in a flavorful mix of strong coffee and cocoa, create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With minimal effort, you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Heavy Cream: Velvety and decadent, it’s the key to creating an irresistible ganache and luxurious mascarpone cream.
Dark Chocolate: The star of the luscious ganache. It’s rich, indulgent, and oh-so-smooth.
Egg Yolks: The secret behind the silky, custardy mascarpone filling.
Granulated Sugar: It adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the rich flavors.
Rum: A splash of boozy goodness elevates the mascarpone cream to new heights of deliciousness.
Mascarpone Cheese: It’s creamy, dreamy, and utterly indulgent. The heart and soul of any authentic tiramisu.
Strong Brewed Coffee or Espresso: Robust and aromatic, it infuses each ladyfinger with a jolt of intense coffee flavor.
Cocoa Powder: It’s dusted on top for a striking finish and a hint of chocolate in every heavenly bite.
Soft Ladyfingers: Delicate sponge biscuits that soak up the coffee and liqueur, creating melt-in-your-mouth layers of bliss.

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

Directions

Prepare the ganache: Heat the cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Pour over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make the mascarpone cream: Whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and rum until pale and fluffy. Beat in the mascarpone until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until combined.
Create the coffee soak: Sift the cocoa powder into a shallow bowl. Stir in the sugar and coffee until dissolved.
Assemble the tiramisu: Spread a thin layer of ganache in an 8×8-inch dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the coffee soak and arrange them in the dish. Spread 1/3 of the mascarpone cream on top. Drizzle with ganache. Repeat the layers, ending with mascarpone. Dust with cocoa powder.
Chill and serve: Chill the tiramisu for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 servings
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chill time: At least 2 hours (overnight recommended)

Variations

Booze-Free: If you’d prefer to make this tiramisu without the rum, you can replace it with a dash of vanilla extract or omit it altogether.
Coffee-Free: For a different flavor profile, use flavored syrups or juice (like orange or raspberry) to soak the ladyfingers.
Different Chocolate: Swap out the dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier ganache.
Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy alternatives such as coconut cream for the ganache and a dairy-free mascarpone alternative to make this dessert vegan.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served cold, and it actually gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld together.

FAQs

1. Can I make chocolate tiramisu in advance?

Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to fully develop and results in a more decadent dessert.

2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor, but the ganache will be less rich.

3. Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?

While mascarpone gives the tiramisu its signature texture, you can substitute it with cream cheese in a pinch. Just keep in mind the flavor will be different.

4. Can I freeze chocolate tiramisu?

It’s not recommended to freeze tiramisu, as the texture of the mascarpone cream and ladyfingers may change when thawed.

5. Can I make this dessert without alcohol?

Yes! You can omit the rum and substitute it with vanilla extract or another non-alcoholic flavoring.

6. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, instant coffee can be used for the soak. Simply dissolve the granules in hot water to create a strong coffee flavor.

7. What’s the best way to store leftover tiramisu?

Store the leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

8. Can I use store-bought ladyfingers?

Yes, store-bought ladyfingers work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure to soak them in the coffee mixture for the right amount of time.

9. How do I know when the mascarpone cream is ready?

When the mascarpone cream is smooth and has a thick, fluffy texture after folding in the whipped cream, it’s ready to be used.

10. Can I add a topping to my tiramisu?

You can top the tiramisu with grated chocolate, chocolate shavings, or even whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Chocolate Tiramisu is the perfect twist on the classic Italian dessert. With its rich layers of mascarpone cream, dark chocolate ganache, and a touch of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, it’s a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, this dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds!