Description
This decadent Chocolate Tiramisu is a luscious twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of lady fingers soaked in hot chocolate, rich mascarpone cream, and a smooth, homemade chocolate custard. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this no-bake dessert offers a creamy, indulgent experience with a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Custard
- 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
Lady Finger Layer
- 42 lady fingers
- 2 cups hot chocolate, cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mascarpone Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
Garnish
- ½ cup chocolate curls or shavings
- Cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions
- Make chocolate custard: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, milk, heavy cream, and chopped dark chocolate. Stir constantly until the mixture bubbles and thickens. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks, then slowly whisk in a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture to temper the yolks. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan and continue whisking constantly for 90 seconds. Remove from heat, and stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted. Pour into a glass bowl and chill completely in the refrigerator.
- Prepare hot chocolate mixture and bottom lady finger layer: Combine cooled hot chocolate with 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Quickly dip each lady finger individually into this mixture to soak, then arrange 14 lady fingers in a 9×9 inch pan or serving platter to form the bottom layer, breaking them in halves if needed for shape.
- Make mascarpone cream: In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer, beat 1 cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in 16 ounces of mascarpone cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Add first mascarpone layer and second lady finger layer: Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the bottom layer of lady fingers. Dip another 14 lady fingers individually into the hot chocolate mixture and layer them on top of the mascarpone cream.
- Add chocolate custard and third lady finger layer: Spread the chilled chocolate custard over the second lady finger layer. Then dip the remaining 14 lady fingers into the hot chocolate and arrange them as the final lady finger layer over the custard.
- Top with remaining mascarpone cream: Spread the remaining mascarpone cream over the final layer of lady fingers. Cover and refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 2 hours, preferably longer, to set and allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, dust the top generously with cocoa powder or decorate with chocolate curls or shavings for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Be sure to quickly dip lady fingers to avoid them becoming too soggy and falling apart.
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for a richer custard flavor.
- Chilling the custard completely before layering is important to maintain structure.
- This dessert is best served within 24-48 hours of assembling for optimal freshness.
- Egg yolks in the custard are cooked for safety, but if concerned, ensure the custard reaches a safe temperature or consider pasteurized eggs.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: chocolate tiramisu, italian dessert, no bake dessert, mascarpone, chocolate custard, lady fingers, creamy dessert
