Dessert

Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe

Name: Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; ½ cup milk; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (or ¼ cup chocolate chips); 2 egg yolks; 1 tablespoon butter; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 42 lady fingers; 2 cups hot chocolate, cooled; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream; 16 ounces mascarpone cheese; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided; ½ cup chocolate curls or shavings; Cocoa powder (optional)

ByElara Stone November 29, 2025November 29, 2025

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Introduction

Chocolate tiramisu is a luscious twist on the classic Italian dessert, combining rich chocolate custard with creamy mascarpone and delicate lady fingers. This no-bake treat is perfect for special occasions or when you want a decadent dessert with minimal effort.

This image shows a close-up of a layered tiramisu dessert on a white rectangular plate, set on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three main layers: the bottom layer is light brown ladyfinger biscuits, followed by a thick creamy white layer of mascarpone cheese, then another layer of soaked ladyfingers with a dark chocolate sauce dripping down the sides, topped with a thick layer of white mascarpone cream dusted with cocoa powder and sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings. The textures range from smooth cream to soft soaked biscuits, with rich chocolate details on top and around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
2 ounces dark chocolate, chopped (or ¼ cup chocolate chips)
2 egg yolks
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
42 lady fingers
2 cups hot chocolate, cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
16 ounces mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
½ cup chocolate curls

Instructions

Step 1: Make the chocolate custard by whisking together sugar, cornstarch, milk, heavy cream, and chopped chocolate in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture bubbles and thickens.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture into the yolks while whisking rapidly to temper them, then return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan. Whisk constantly and cook for another 90 seconds.
Step 3: Remove the custard from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until melted and fully combined. Pour into a glass bowl and refrigerate until completely cooled.
Step 4: Mix the cooled hot chocolate with vanilla extract in a shallow dish. Dip lady fingers one at a time into the mixture and arrange 14 on the bottom of a serving platter or 9×9 pan. Break lady fingers in half if desired for fitting.
Step 5: In a bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and combined.
Step 6: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the bottom layer of lady fingers.
Step 7: Dip another 14 lady fingers in the hot chocolate mixture and place over the mascarpone layer to form the second layer.
Step 8: Spread the chilled chocolate custard over the second lady finger layer.
Step 9: Dip the remaining 14 lady fingers in the hot chocolate and arrange them to form the final layer on top of the custard.
Step 10: Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the top layer. Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 2 hours to set.
Step 11: Before serving, garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate curls using a vegetable peeler for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Variations

Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer custard flavor.
For an adult version, add a splash of coffee liqueur or rum to the hot chocolate mixture.
Make the dessert a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and improve texture.
Substitute lady fingers with sponge cake for an alternative base.

Storage

Store the tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve for the best texture. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or allowed to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Do not freeze as the texture may be compromised.

How to Serve

A slice of layered tiramisu dessert sits on a white plate with a gold rim, showing at least four visible layers: a bottom layer of soft, soaked ladyfinger biscuits with a light brown color, a thick creamy white mascarpone layer above it, followed by another layer of soaked ladyfingers soaked in coffee giving a dark brown shade, topped with another thick white cream layer, and finished with a generous dusting of finely grated dark chocolate shavings covering the top. The texture looks soft and moist, with some crumbs and cocoa powder scattered on the plate, and a silver fork resting on the side. The background is a white marbled texture with a blurred second piece of the dessert in the distance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought chocolate pudding instead of making the custard?

While store-bought pudding can work, homemade chocolate custard provides a fresher, more luxurious texture and flavor that complements the mascarpone layers beautifully.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in this recipe?

The egg yolks are gently cooked in the custard mixture, which reduces the risk associated with raw eggs. For extra safety, you can use pasteurized eggs or an egg substitute designed for cooking.