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For the Coffee Mixture:
- 1 cup of strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/4 cup of coffee liqueur (optional)
For the Layers:
- 24-30 ladyfingers (savoiardi)
- 4 ounces of semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- Dark chocolate shavings (optional)
Directions for Chocolate Tiramisu
Preparing the Mascarpone Filling:
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Mix Mascarpone: In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Fold Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Preparing the Coffee Mixture:
- Brew Coffee: Brew a cup of strong coffee and let it cool to room temperature.
- Add Liqueur: If using, stir in the coffee liqueur to the cooled coffee.
Assembling the Tiramisu:
- Dip Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Place a single layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar.
- Add Filling: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the layer of ladyfingers. Sprinkle half of the chopped chocolate over the mascarpone.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of coffee-soaked ladyfingers on top of the mascarpone mixture. Spread the remaining mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and sprinkle with the remaining chopped chocolate.
- Chill: Cover the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Finishing the Tiramisu:
- Dust with Cocoa: Just before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder.
- Add Chocolate Shavings: Garnish with dark chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance (optional).
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter or fine-mesh strainer
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover tiramisu in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the mascarpone filling may change.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Make-Ahead: Tiramisu is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the day before serving to give the flavors time to meld.
- Alcohol-Free Option: If you prefer to skip the coffee liqueur, simply use all coffee for soaking the ladyfingers.
- Chocolate Variations: For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can add a layer of chocolate ganache between the layers of mascarpone filling and ladyfingers.