In Italian, Tiramisu means “pick me up” and this dessert does just that. Made with plenty of espresso coffee and chocolate, this one will hit the spot with both your chocolate and coffee cravings. Delicious Italian custard called zabaglione is easier than you think to make, taking just a few minutes to whisk in a pan over water on the cooktop. Blended with mascarpone cheese, it is both fluffy and rich. I like to add tiny chocolate drops to each layer for a bit more texture and crunch. This dessert can be served individually in small dessert glasses, created in a loaf pan (shown in following recipe), or in a larger pan that can be scooped out to feed a crowd. This recipe is easily doubled. Go ahead and double it. You may be sorry if you don't, it's just that good! This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe
Adapted from the book Everyday Italian by Giada De Laurentiis
Zabaglione Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (regular size, use the tiny chips for assembly as seen below)
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup dry Marsala wine
- 8 large egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
Zabaglione Instructions:
- In a small heavy sauce pan, bring the cream to just a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted. Set aside.
- Fill a large saucepan with enough water to come to two inches up the sides of the pan and bring to a simmer.
- In a large metal or heat resistant (Pyrex) bowl, whisk the sugar, Marsala, egg yolks, and salt to blend.
- Set the bowl over the saucepan of simmering water. Do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water.
- Whisk the egg mixture constantly until it is thick and creamy.
- Use a thermometer to insert into the mixture and wait until it reads 160 degrees F (about 4 minutes).
- Remove from heat. Using a large rubber spatula, fold the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
- Cover the bowl using plastic wrap, pressing gently until it just touches the surface of the zabaglione.
- Chill thoroughly for at least 6 hours.
Chocolate Tiramisu Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) container of mascarpone cheese
- 3/4 cup whipping cream
- 2/3 cup sugar
- Chocolate zabaglione (recipe above) cold
- 2 1/2 cups espresso coffee, cold
- 32 Savoiardi (crisp ladyfinger cookies; from two 7 ounce packages)
- 1 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, for sifting
Chocolate Tiramisu Instructions:
- In a large bowl stir the mascarpone cheese two times or just until smooth. Do not overmix or it will become stiff.
- In a medium bowl beat the cream and 1/3 cup of sugar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Fold the sweetened whipped cream into the mascarpone, then fold in the chocolate zabaglione.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate.
- Line a 9 1/4 x 5 x 2 3/4 inch metal loaf pan with plastic wrap, allowing the plastic to extend over the sides.
- In another medium bowl, whisk the espresso and the remaining 1/3 cup sugar to blend.
*note, if you have your own espresso pot, you can make your own. Or, you can use instant espresso powder, sold in most grocery or specialty stores. Either way, I find that it is easiest to incorporate sugar into the espresso while it is still warm. Just make sure the espresso is cold for this next step.
- Working with one cookie at a time, dip 8 cookies into the espresso.
- Arrange in a single layer side by side in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spoon one third of the mascarpone mixture over the cookies to cover.
- Sprinkle a third of the mini chocolate chips on top.
- Repeat the dipping and layering of the cookies, remaining mascarpone mixture and mini chocolate chips two more times.
- Dip the rest of the 8 cookies in the expresso and line up side by side on top of the tiramisu.
- Sprinkle the last third of the mini chocolate chips on top. Press lightly to compact slightly (the last layer will extend above the pan sides).
- Cover the tiramisu with plastic and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to a day.
Unwrap the plastic from the tiramisu. Invert the tiramisu on to a platter and remove plastic. Sift cocoa powder over the top and serve.
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Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
I’m a dessert connoisseur but I will say I haven’t had the chance to try tiramisu before.
From that picture of yours I think I need to change that 😉
Jennifer says
Oh Kayla, if you like coffee, you must try it ASAP!!!
Leslie Janes says
This dessert is delicious! I know because my sister makes it for special family occassions and we all love it. Thanks for posting your recipe and beautiful photos Carla!
Jennifer says
Aunt Carla’s desserts are always the bomb. I make sure to leave room AND take plenty home! 🙂
Sarah L says
That looks yummy. I’ve never had it with chocolate chips before.
daisy says
This combines my two favorite things – chocolate and Tiramisu! I am heading to the store to buy all of the ingredients today because I can’t wait to try it.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
Oh wow, this looks good. Never tried this one with choc chips before but I love the combination of ingredients. Thanks!
Scott says
That looks reasonably easy to make and with great results! Have to try this!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That sounds heavenly. I am BIG on desserts and I could probably sit down and eat that entire thing all by myself.
Lisa says
Now that is a dish full of yum. Made perfect for a family of spoons to dig into!
Ann Bacciaglia says
I had no idea that tiramisu meant pick me up. I love tiramisu so much. Thanks for the recipe.
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
Wow! That looks really good! I bet it is a huge crowd pleaser too!
Dawn McAlexander says
Oh my chocolate tastiness! Your food always looks so good. Can I move in with you? 😛
Mama to 5 Blessings says
Wow that looks great, this is one of my favorite desserts. you make it look so easy to make!
Michal says
This looks so tasty!
is there any chance not to make it with eggs?
Thanks
Anne says
Looks delicious! I love tiramisu and order it frequently at restaurants, but I have never tried to make it. You make it look easy!
Dandi D says
This looks delicious and maybe easy enough that I can try making it.
Maria says
Your tiramisu looks absolutely delicious, one of my favorite desserts! And love the chocolate flavor here!!
Kathy says
This sounds so delicious! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
Kathy
M.Clark says
Yum, this looks very delicious, I definitely need to try this. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Tammy S says
This looks amazing! I love Tiarmisu! I just have never tried to make it. I am going to give your recipe a sjot. Thanks for sharing it with us.
David Fultner says
I love these.We had it at a cafe I used to work at.
Evelyn Goettner says
Oh yum!! Tiramisu is my FAVORITE dessert. I have to try this chocolate version. Thanks for sharing!!
Rosie says
This looks a bit time consuming, but not too hard – one thing I’m always worried about making a special dessert is that I’ll wreck it – yes, I have, and then panic about what to do next. This looks wonderful and special and would make guests feel pampered.
Nicole Dz says
This seriously looks so delicious! I love chocolate tiramisu! One of my weaknesses. Great dessert!!