No Bake Chocolate Tiramisu

Chocolate Tiramisu is the even more delicious version of the classic tiramisu, one of the most loved and replicated desserts in the world. Easy to make, even with the help of kids at home, it really has nothing to envy the original and is ideal to serve as the dessert at end of a dinner with friends or as a snack suitable for the whole family.

Compared to the traditional recipe, melted chocolate and dark chocolate flakes are added to a voluptuous cream of mascarpone, cream and condensed milk, whipped with an electric whisk: it is, therefore, a preparation without eggs, suitable for those who do not wish to consume this food raw or suffer from allergies and intolerances.

Once ready, the cream is alternated in layers with ladyfingers, dipped in moka coffee. Once the tiramisu is assembled in a rectangular baking dish, sprinkle the surface with bitter cocoa and let it settle in the fridge for at least a couple of hours: this way, the flavors will have time to blend perfectly. If you prefer, you can also compose it in single-serving cups, for a spectacular and elegant result.

What is Chocolate Tiramisu?

Tiramisu, one of Italy's most iconic desserts, originated in the Veneto region during the 1960s, with some claiming it was first made in Treviso. Its name, meaning “pick-me-up,” reflects its energizing ingredients: coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with a creamy mixture of mascarpone, eggs, and sugar, topped with cocoa powder. Over time, this classic dessert inspired countless variations, including the indulgent chocolate tiramisu. This variant enhances the original recipe by incorporating layers of rich chocolate ganache or melted chocolate into the mascarpone filling, along with chocolate shavings or chips for added texture. The result is a decadent twist that balances the bold flavors of coffee with the richness of chocolate, making it a favorite among chocoholics while staying true to tiramisu’s creamy, layered essence.

Pro Tips for The Best Chocolate Tiramisu

• Brew a strong espresso and let it cool before soaking the ladyfingers. Avoid over-soaking to prevent sogginess.
• Melt the chocolate gently using a double boiler to avoid scorching, and let it cool slightly before mixing into the cream.
• Allow the tiramisu to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the layers set properly.

What is The Best Chocolate for This Tiramisu?

The best chocolate for chocolate tiramisu is high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content. It provides a rich, balanced flavor without being overly sweet, complementing the coffee and mascarpone. Alternatively, semi-sweet chocolate works well for a milder taste. Avoid overly sweet or low-cocoa chocolates, as they can overpower the dessert’s delicate balance.

Can I Omit The Coffee From This Tiramisu?

Yes, you can omit the coffee from chocolate tiramisu. Replace it with milk, hot chocolate, or a flavored syrup like vanilla or hazelnut to soak the ladyfingers. This creates a kid-friendly or non-coffee version while keeping the layers moist and flavorful.

Can I Make My Own Ladyfingers?

Of course you can! They are simple to prepare using a mixture of eggs, sugar, flour, and a touch of vanilla. Pipe the batter into finger shapes and bake until golden and firm. Homemade ladyfingers are fresher and can be customized in sweetness, adding a personal touch to your tiramisu.

Why is My Tiramisu so Soggy and Runny?

Tiramisu can become soggy and runny if the ladyfingers are over-soaked, absorbing too much liquid. Another common reason is under-whipped mascarpone or cream, leading to a loose consistency. To avoid this, briefly dip the ladyfingers in coffee and ensure the mascarpone mixture is thick and stable before layering. Proper chilling also helps the dessert set.

What Size Pan Do I Have to Use?

For this tiramisu, a 9×13-inch pan (or similar) works best, as it provides enough space for even layers and allows the dessert to set properly. If you prefer a thicker tiramisu, you can use a slightly smaller, deeper dish.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make chocolate tiramisu ahead of time! Prepare it 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate it, covered, to let the flavors meld and the layers set. Add final decorations, like cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Does Chocolate Tiramisu Freeze Well?

Yes, tiramisu freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and add fresh decorations like cocoa powder or chocolate shavings after thawing for the best texture and appearance.

How to Store Chocolate Tiramisu

Chocolate tiramisu can be stored in the refrigerator, well covered with a sheet of cling film, for up to 3 days.

How to Make Chocolate Tiramisu

To prepare the chocolate tiramisu, first collect the mascarpone and the cold cream in a large bowl.

Work them with an electric whisk until you obtain a whipped and firm mixture. Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or in a bain-marie, then let it cool completely.

At this point, pour in the condensed milk.

Mix gently with a spatula to incorporate it.

Add the melted chocolate, now very cold, to the cream.

Also incorporate the very fine chocolate chips, then transfer the cream into a piping bag.

Spread a first layer of cream in a 9×13 inches baking dish.

Dip the ladyfingers in the cold espresso coffee, dipping them very quickly.

Place a first layer of ladyfingers.

Cover with the cream, leveling the surface with the back of a spoon.

Place another layer of ladyfingers quickly soaked in coffee.

Complete with the cream and level it.

Sprinkle the surface with bitter cocoa and place the chocolate tiramisu in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours: the longer it rests, the tastier it will be.

Enjoy!