Hot Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe

Introduction

This Hot Chocolate Tiramisu is a cozy and creamy dessert that transforms your favorite winter drink into a luscious, no-bake treat. It’s easy to assemble and perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you want a sweet, impressive finish to your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar (for cocoa)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese (cold)
• 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Chocolate shavings or curls (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, whisk together whole milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium until warm and fully combined. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool to room temperature.
2. Step 2: In a large cold mixing bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. Step 3: Add cold mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream and gently fold with a spatula until smooth and fully combined.
4. Step 4: Quickly dip ladyfinger cookies one by one into the cooled hot chocolate mixture. Do not soak, just a fast dunk.
5. Step 5: Place a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of an 8-inch round glass dish or trifle bowl. Spread half the mascarpone mixture over them. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
6. Step 6: Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with chocolate curls if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use cold mascarpone straight from the fridge to hold its shape better.
• Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers to prevent them from falling apart.
• Chill the tiramisu overnight for the best texture and flavor.
• Swap mascarpone with softened cream cheese if needed.
• Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free hot chocolate version.
• Add crushed peppermint for a festive holiday touch.
• Include a layer of mini marshmallows between mascarpone layers for extra fun.
• Try chocolate-flavored ladyfingers to boost the chocolate intensity.

Storage

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors and texture improve after resting a day or two. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the creamy texture negatively. To reheat, serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this without mascarpone?

Yes, you can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese, but expect a slightly tangier and less smooth texture.

Can I use store-bought hot chocolate mix?

Yes, but ensure it’s not overly sweet and skip adding extra sugar to the cocoa mixture to keep the balance right.

Hot Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe

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4.9 from 112 reviews

This Hot Chocolate Tiramisu is a cozy, creamy no-bake dessert that transforms the classic Italian tiramisu into a kid-friendly, winter-inspired treat featuring layers of ladyfingers dipped in rich hot chocolate and filled with fluffy mascarpone cream. Easy to make ahead and perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave comfort in a glass dish.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Hot Chocolate Mixture

• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mascarpone Cream

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz cold mascarpone cheese

Assembly

• 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (for dusting)
• Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the Hot Chocolate Mixture: In a saucepan, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, and 3 tbsp granulated sugar. Heat it over medium heat until warm and the cocoa and sugar are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
2. Whip the Cream: In a large cold mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, indicating the cream is nicely aerated and holds shape.
3. Add Mascarpone: Add 8 oz of cold mascarpone cheese straight from the refrigerator to the whipped cream. Gently fold the mascarpone into the whipped cream with a silicone spatula until fully combined and smooth, retaining the fluffiness.
4. Dip the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each of the 24 ladyfinger cookies into the cooled hot chocolate mixture, dunking just briefly to avoid sogginess. The ladyfingers should be moist but still hold their shape.
5. Layer It Up: Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers at the bottom of an 8-inch round glass dish or trifle bowl. Spread half of the mascarpone cream evenly over the ladyfingers. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and then top with the remaining mascarpone cream.
6. Chill and Finish: Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Before serving, dust the top with 1 tbsp cocoa powder using a fine mesh sieve and garnish with optional chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Use cold mascarpone straight from the fridge so it holds its shape and blends well.
• Do not over-soak ladyfingers; a quick dip is enough to prevent them from falling apart.
• Chill for at least 4 hours; overnight chilling improves flavor and texture.
• Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate taste.
• Gently fold the mascarpone into whipped cream to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
• You can substitute mascarpone with softened cream cheese if necessary, though texture will differ.
• For a dairy-free version, use almond or oat milk in the hot chocolate mixture and a suitable non-dairy cream alternative.
• Make ahead up to two days and store covered in the refrigerator.

Keywords: hot chocolate tiramisu, no-bake tiramisu, winter dessert, holiday dessert, creamy tiramisu, kid-friendly tiramisu, mascarpone dessert, easy tiramisu recipe, cocoa tiramisu