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Indulge your sweet tooth with this chocolate tiramisu recipe – an easy and decadent dessert that’s perfect for every occasion. Egg-free, fuss-free, no-bake, and totally customizable (make it boozy with Bailey’s or alcohol-free), this tiramisu trifle dessert is the ideal treat for anyone!

“I’ve been looking for a dessert for Thanksgiving and I decided to try this ahead of time. Went the no alcohol route since kids will be eating this as well. SO good! This will be a big hit – love how easy it is to make too.”

– GERALD

Featuring layers of rich chocolate mousse, creamy tiramisu filling, and espresso soaked ladyfingers, I recommend topping your dessert lasagna with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and chocolate shavings for a truly special dessert that’s sure to impress.

Straight on photo of a layered chocolate tiramisu in a glass bowl.

Update: This recipe was originally published in October 2018. I made edits to article below to include more information about this layered tiramisu dessert with chocolate. 

Hi, friends! With the Halloween holiday right around the corner I figured it was as good a time as any to share a decadent, delicious dessert recipe. So, let’s get to it, shall we?

Table of Contents

About this tiramisu chocolate 

This easy trifle is all about the luscious layers!

Crispy Baileys and coffee soaked lady fingers layered with airy, light sweet chocolate whipped cream; rich, decadent, thick chocolate laced mascarpone and delicate, freshly shaved shards of bittersweet chocolate.

This chocolate tiramisu is a delicate balance of chocolate lovers dessert meets classic tiramisu!

And, in just two words, this tiramisu recipe is sinfully delicious!!!

Crazy easy to make, egg-free, and either boozy or alcohol-free depending on who you are serving, this easy, chocolatey tiramisu NEEDS to make an appearance on your table!

 And honestly, while this trifle is perfect for potlucks and parties, it isn’t just for entertaining. I mean, Boy would definitely say it serves just one since he ate it all and absolutely refused to share!

A quick note: While this tiramisu does require preparing a few layers, all of the steps are very simple to follow and stress-free to execute!!

Why you’ll love this chocolate trifle dessert!

TL;DR? Here’s the main reasons why this tiramisu recipe works:

  • Delicious taste! With the ideal balance of creamy, sweet and chocolatey, rich, this recipe for tiramisu with chocolate is everything you want in a dessert.
  • Simple Ingredients! This trifle recipe requires easy-to-find ingredients, like cocoa powder, mascarpone, and strong coffee or regular espresso.
  • No Bake! No need to turn on the oven or warm up the house, this chocolate dessert trifle doesn’t require any baking at all.
  • Feeds a Crowd! Made in a trifle bowl and perfect for serving at parties, this tiramisu with chocolate is perfect for a hungry crowd.

If you’re looking for more easy, no-bake desserts, try these fan-favorites next: Key Lime Cheesecake, Pumpkin Pie Mousse, Banana Pudding with Vanilla Wafers, and Cream Cheese Dessert Dip.

Slightly angled, straight on shot of a handheld mixer beating chocolate whipped cream - Photo of the third part of step 1 of the Easy Chocolate Tiramisu Trifle recipe.

What is tiramisu?

Tiramisu is a sweet, coffee-flavored, layered dessert made with ladyfingers dipped in coffee, mascarpone, sugar and cocoa powder. While authentic tiramisu recipes include eggs, this easy chocolate tiramisu is eggless!

As well, tiramisu can be made with or without the addition of alcohol. This tiramisu trifle recipe is no different and can be prepared with alcohol for a boozy adult treat, or without alcohol if serving children.

Where does the dessert tiramisu originate?

While the exact origin of Tiramisu is a debated subject, most accounts point to the sweet dessert originating during the 1960s in the Veneto region of Italy at the restaurant Le Beccherie.

The assumed creator of Tiramisu is an even sketchier topic. While the owner of Le Beccherie, Roberto Linguanotto, claims to have been the first creator of tiramisu, Carminantonio Iannaccone, a baker who sold the dessert to the restaurant, claims he is the creator.

What does tiramisu mean in english?

Tiramisu, pronounced ti.ra.mi-su, means “cheer me up” or “pick me up” in english.

Slightly angled shot of Baileys being poured from a small tumbler into a bowl full of mascarpone - Photo of step 2 of the Easy Chocolate Tiramisu Trifle recipe.

Ingredients for this chocolate trifle dessert

As promised, you’ll need just easy-to-find ingredients to make this trifle dessert recipe:

  • Heavy Cream
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Confectioner’s Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar.
  • Mascarpone: I highly recommend using a high-quality Mascarpone cheese in this tiramisu trifle recipe as generic brands are typically lackluster in flavor and very clumpy in texture. I use the Galbani brand. Also, you’ll want the cheese to be slightly softened. I let mine sit on the kitchen counter for 20-25 minutes and it’s good to go.
  • Chocolate: I like to use a combination of both semi-sweet and dark chocolate as the mascarpone is already sweet; however, you can use all semi-sweet if you prefer.
  • Liqueur: Baileys, Kahlua, or Irish Cream.
    • Substitution: Strong brewed coffee works great; however, you’ll want to sweeten the coffee!
  • Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • Cool Whip: This tiramisu chocolate uses Cool Whip for its stabilizing properties. Feel free to swap in sweetened homemade whipped cream if you prefer; however, please note the trifle won’t hold up as well.
  • Coffee: Use what you love.
  • Granulated Sugar: Just your basic white sugar.
  • Ladyfinger Cookies

Expert tips to ensure the most success!

  1. For the best chocolate whipped cream, use a metal mixing bowl and place both the bowl and the beaters into the freezer for 15 minutes prior to using. Using cold kitchen equipment makes the whipping process a breeze. Heads up, you can make this in advance – just cover the bowl and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  2. Whipping mascarpone cream: When whisking the mascarpone cream mixture together, be very careful not beat until just creamy. Over-beating or over-whisking will cause the mascarpone to curdle.
  3. Dipping lady fingers: Make sure you dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture as you are layering them. Do not dip them all in advance and then try to layer them – it will be very messy!
  4. Chocolate tiramisu recipe keeps well in the fridge! If you’re entertaining and want to knock out a bunch of prep work in advance, you can go ahead and make this trifle dessert up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to wait to garnish the top of the trifle until just before serving.
Overhead collage process shots of the steps to layer and assemble an Easy Chocolate Tiramisu Trifle - Photo of step 4 of the recipe.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What kind of liquor can I use to make tiramisu with chocolate?

While you can make tiramisu without alcohol, if you are looking to make a boozy sweet treat, I highly recommend adding alcohol to your tiramisu!

The most commonly used alcohol in tiramisu are either sweet Marsala or Madeira wine. However, you can use a variety of sweet spirits in tiramisu, from dessert wines, rum, brandy or flavored liquors such as orange or chocolate liquor.

The recipe for this chocolate tiramisu calls for Baileys, but you can substitute Kahlua or Irish Cream if you prefer. Or swap them out and use your favorite chocolate liqueur instead.

Honestly, I encourage you to go rouge and use whatever type of dessert wine or liquor your heart desires in this tiramisu recipe!

Can I make this trifle tiramisu in advance?

Yes, tiramisu can be made in advance! In fact, this chocolate tiramisu trifle tastes better if allowed to sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to give time for the lady fingers to soften.

You can make chocolate tiramisu 1-2 days in advance. Keep the tiramisu tightly covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Overhead photo of a trifle dessert garnished with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings.

Serving chocolate tiramisu

This chocolatey tiramisu trifle is the perfect dessert for feeding a crowd. And chocolate pairs well with everything from… well, more chocolate, coffee, espresso, your favorite dessert cocktails and much more. Below are a few serving suggestions for this trifle dessert:

Angled photo of a tiramisu trifle garnished with cocoa powder and chocolate shavings.

Storing leftovers

Store leftover tiramisu trifle dessert tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will keep for up to 4 days total before going bad.

Close-up photo showing the three different layers in tiramisu with chocolate.

Creamy, chocolatey, easy to make and easily customizable, this tiramisu trifle dessert is perfect for potlucks, entertaining, or simply for serving your family! If you are a fan of the classic Italian Tiramisu, you are going to absolutely love this creamy-dreamy unique tiramisu chocolate!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to a little coffee pick me up in the form of dessert!

Cheyanne

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More delicious chocolate dessert recipes!

Looking to satisfy your chocolate sweet tooth? Try these yummy chocolatey recipes next:

Straight on photo of tiramisu chocolate layered in a trifle bowl.

Easy Chocolate Tiramisu Trifle

4.88 from 8 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Indulge your sweet tooth with this chocolate tiramisu recipe – an easy and decadent dessert that's perfect for every occasion. Egg-free, fuss-free, no-bake, and totally customizable (make it boozy with Bailey's or alcohol-free), this tiramisu trifle dessert is the ideal treat for anyone!

Equipment

  • 1 Metal Mixing Bowl (to make chocolate whipped cream)
  • 1 Handheld Mixer or Stand Mixer (to whip the chocolate cream)
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl (to make mascarpone mixture)
  • 1 Shallow Bowl (for dipping lady fingers)
  • 1 3-Quart Trifle Bowl (for the tiramisu trifle)

Ingredients 

  • 2 Cups Heavy Cream – VERY COLD!
  • 3 TBS Cocoa Powder – DIVIDED + more for dusting top
  • 7 TBS Confectioner’s Sugar – DIVIDED
  • 16 ounces Mascarpone – slightly softened
  • 5 ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate – melted (about a heaping ½ cup morsels)
  • 5 TBS Baileys – DIVIDED (can substitute Kahlua, Irish Cream, or Chocolate Liqueur)
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup Cool Whip – thawed if frozen
  • 1 ¼ Cup Strong Brewed Coffee – at room temperature
  • 1 TBS Granulated Sugar
  • 7 ounces Ladyfinger Cookie or Savoiardi (about 24 cookies)
  • 4 ounces Dark Chocolate – shaved or grated; DIVIDED
  • Optional Garnishes: Cool Whip Frosting Cocoa Powder, Shaved Chocolate, Fresh Strawberries or Raspberries

Instructions

  • Make the chocolate whipped cream: In a metal mixing bowl (SEE NOTES), add the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar. Beat with a electric mixer for 4 minutes, or until medium-stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator.
  • Make the mascarpone layer: In a large bowl, gently fold the mascarpone with melted chocolate, 3 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar, 1 tablespoon Baileys (or coffee if non-alcoholic), and vanilla extract until JUST combined (SEE NOTES). Next, use a spatula to gently fold the cool whip into the mascarpone. Set aside.
  • Make the coffee soaking liquid for the ladyfingers: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the coffee, granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and ¼ cup Baileys. Set aside.
  • Dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture: Working with a third of the ladyfingers at a time (about 7-8 depending on the size of your bowl), dip the ladyfinger cookies into the coffee mixture, soaking both sides (SEE NOTES).
  • Layer chocolate tiramisu into trifle bowl:
    First layer the soaked lady fingers onto the bottom of a 3 quart trifle bowl or glass bowl, arranging the cookies in a single layer and breaking the lady fingers in half if necessary to fit them into the bowl.
    Next, dollop a third of the mascarpone cream mixture onto the ladyfingers and use an offset spatula to spread and smooth out the mascarpone mixture.
    Then, dollop a third of the chocolate whipped cream over the mascarpone mixture and use your spatula to spread out and smooth the whipped cream.
    Repeat all the layers two more times – starting with dipping the lady fingers into coffee and ending with the whipped cream.
  • Chill chocolate tiramisu trifle: Cover the tiramisu trifle with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Let the tiramisu sit and set up in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
    (Why? The ladyfinger cookies need time to soften. If you like a spongy tiramisu, I recommend letting the trifle sit overnight in the fridge.)
  • Garnish and serve: Dust the top of your tiramisu trifle dessert with cocoa powder, dollop with cool whip frosting, and then sprinkle with chocolate shavings, if using. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  1. For the best chocolate whipped cream, use a metal mixing bowl and place the bowl and the beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes prior to using. Chocolate whipped cream can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Mascarpone: When whisking the mascarpone, be careful not to over-whisk, or the mixture will curdle.
  3. No-Alcohol: To make this chocolate tiramisu non-alcoholic, remove the Baileys and increase the strong brewed coffee to 1 1/2 cup. Make sure you sweeten the coffee before using. 
  4. Make sure you dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture as you are layering them. Do not dip them in advance!
  5. Tiramisu can will keep in the fridge, and can be made up to 2 days in advance and can be kept for up to 4. Do not garnish until ready to serve.
Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 12 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 547kcal    Carbohydrates: 33g    Protein: 6g    Fat: 41g    Saturated Fat: 25g    Cholesterol: 130mg    Sodium: 67mg    Potassium: 196mg    Fiber: 2g    Sugar: 17g    Vitamin A: 1225IU    Vitamin C: 0.2mg    Calcium: 108mg    Iron: 2.1mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Italian

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Straight on shot of cocoa powder being dumped from a ramekin into a bowl full of heavy cream and confectioner's sugar - Photo of the second part of step 1 of the Easy Chocolate Tiramisu Trifle recipe.