Decadent Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Recipe

Indulge in Our Dreamy Decadent Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Recipe

Chocolate transforms this classic tiramisu into a luxurious dessert that whispers pure indulgence.

Rich layers of creamy ricotta dance between delicate coffee-soaked ladyfingers.

Mascarpone cheese adds a silky smoothness that melts on your tongue.

Italy’s beloved coffee-infused treat gets a velvety upgrade with dark chocolate’s intense depth.

Each spoonful promises a symphony of robust espresso and smooth chocolate notes.

Cocoa powder dusted across the top brings a dramatic finish that beckons you closer.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible twist on a traditional favorite.

How to Put Together a Decadent Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu

Step 1: Create Chocolate Ricotta Cream

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Vanilla extract

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a silky, velvety mixture. For an intensified chocolate experience, gently fold in grated or melted dark chocolate.

Step 2: Brew Aromatic Coffee Soak

In a wide, shallow container, blend:
  • Freshly brewed coffee
  • Coffee liqueur
  • Granulated sugar

Stir thoroughly until sugar completely dissolves, creating a rich, fragrant liquid.

Step 3: Build Delectable Layers

Quickly dunk each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they’re moistened but not waterlogged.

Arrange the first layer of soaked ladyfingers across the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.

Spread half of the chocolate ricotta cream evenly across the ladyfingers.

Repeat the process with another layer of coffee-kissed ladyfingers and remaining cream.

Step 4: Chill And Embellish

Drape the tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.

Before serving, generously dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle shaved dark chocolate for an elegant finish.

Step 5: Indulge And Serve

Slice into perfect squares or scoop into individual portions.

Complement this decadent dessert with a steaming espresso or a glass of dessert wine for a truly luxurious experience.

Tiramisu Tips for a Smooth and Creamy Dessert

  • Prevent Soggy Ladyfingers: Dip ladyfingers quickly in coffee mixture, ensuring they absorb liquid without becoming mushy. Literally count 1-2 seconds per side to maintain perfect texture.
  • Control Cream Consistency: Whip ricotta and mascarpone at room temperature for smoother, lump-free chocolate cream. Use electric mixer on medium speed for best results.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Incorporate freshly grated dark chocolate into cream mixture for richer chocolate notes. Choose high-quality chocolate with 70% cocoa content for intense taste.
  • Maximize Chill Time: Refrigerate tiramisu for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly, creating more sophisticated dessert experience.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ladyfingers with gluten-free alternatives or use vegan ricotta and mascarpone for inclusive dessert option. Adjust coffee liqueur with non-alcoholic espresso for family-friendly version.

Best Storage and Reheating Methods for Tiramisu

  • Store the tiramisu covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.
  • Place a paper towel over the tiramisu before wrapping to absorb excess condensation and prevent soggy layers.
  • Do not freeze this dessert, as the delicate ladyfingers and creamy texture will become watery and lose their original consistency.
  • Remove the tiramisu from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to soften and become more pronounced.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu

  • Serve a freshly brewed, dark roasted espresso that complements the deep chocolate and coffee notes in the tiramisu, enhancing the dessert's rich flavor profile.
  • Select a sweet Porto or Vin Santo wine that balances the creamy texture and intensifies the chocolate's complexity, providing a luxurious after-dinner experience.
  • Drizzle a small glass of smooth amaretto alongside the tiramisu, allowing its almond sweetness to harmonize with the chocolate and coffee undertones, creating a delightful sensory pairing.
  • Add a side of high-quality dark chocolate truffles to amplify the dessert's chocolate essence, offering an extra layer of indulgence and textural contrast.

Fun Twists on the Classic Ricotta Tiramisu

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Ricotta Delight: Replace traditional ladyfingers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour cookies or gluten-free sponge cake to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cream Version: Swap ricotta and mascarpone with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream, and substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a plant-based friendly dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Tiramisu: Utilize stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar, and opt for sugar-free coffee liqueur to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch Variation: Incorporate chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts between layers for added texture and nutty complexity, enhancing the traditional tiramisu structure with a delightful crunch.

Questions About Ricotta Tiramisu? Start Here

  • What are ladyfingers and can I substitute them?

Ladyfingers are light, sweet sponge biscuits used in tiramisu. You can substitute with pound cake, sponge cake, or savoiardi cookies if unavailable.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this tiramisu?

No special equipment is needed. A mixing bowl, whisk, 8×8-inch baking dish, and basic kitchen tools will work perfectly.

  • Can I make this tiramisu without alcohol?

Absolutely! Simply replace coffee liqueur with additional brewed coffee or skip it entirely. The recipe will still taste delicious and rich.

  • How do I know if my ricotta mixture is properly mixed?

The ricotta cream should look smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. Use an electric mixer or whisk thoroughly to achieve a consistent texture without any visible cheese chunks.

Why Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Feels Indulgent

  • Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Delight
  • Whip up this luxurious dessert in under 30 minutes, with minimal cooking skills required. Perfect for busy home cooks craving a gourmet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Impress friends and family with a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant. The rich chocolate and coffee flavors create an irresistible combination that appeals to all ages.
  • Prepare this tiramisu in advance and let it chill for maximum flavor development. The overnight refrigeration allows the ladyfingers to absorb the coffee soak and the flavors to meld beautifully, making it ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.
  • Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting chocolate intensity, coffee strength, or adding personal touches like a splash of liqueur or extra chocolate shavings. This versatile dessert welcomes creativity while maintaining its classic charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu

Main Ingredients:

Cheese Base:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy base that gives smooth texture to the dessert.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Rich Italian cream cheese adding luxurious smoothness and depth.
Coffee Soak:
  • Brewed Coffee, Coffee Liqueur: Essential for soaking ladyfingers and providing classic tiramisu flavor profile.
Cake Layer:
  • Ladyfingers: Light, airy sponge cookies perfect for absorbing coffee mixture.
Sweeteners and Flavors:
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness with fine, smooth texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Helps balance coffee's bitterness and enhance overall sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic undertone to the cream.
  • Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate flavor for dusting and enhancing chocolate notes.
Chocolate Components:
  • Dark Chocolate: Extra layer of intense chocolate flavor, optional but recommended for deeper taste.

Notes: Choose high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for best results. Fresh, well-aged chocolate will provide more complex flavor profile.

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Decadent Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Italian classic “Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu” elevates traditional dessert with rich cocoa and creamy ricotta layers. Silky mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and dark chocolate shavings create an indulgent finale you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (whole milk, drained if watery)
  • 1 cup mascarpone cheese

Chocolate and Coffee Components:

  • 1 ½ cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (for cream)
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate, finely grated or melted
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate, shaved or grated (for garnish)

Additional Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Craft a velvety chocolate ricotta mixture by whisking ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until luxuriously smooth. Gently incorporate melted dark chocolate for an intensified flavor profile.
  2. Prepare an aromatic coffee soak by blending freshly brewed coffee, coffee liqueur, and granulated sugar until completely integrated.
  3. Swiftly immerse each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, avoiding oversaturation. Create the first layer by carefully positioning the delicately soaked ladyfingers across the base of your serving dish.
  4. Distribute half of the chocolate ricotta cream evenly over the ladyfinger foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Repeat the layering process with another set of coffee-drenched ladyfingers, followed by the remaining chocolate ricotta cream.
  6. Seal the tiramisu with plastic wrap and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, permitting the flavors to meld and intensify.
  7. Prior to serving, generously dust the surface with cocoa powder and adorn with elegant dark chocolate shavings.
  8. Present in elegant squares or delicate individual portions, accompanied by a robust espresso or a complementary dessert wine.

Notes

  • Prevent soggy ladyfingers by dipping them quickly in coffee mixture, just enough to absorb liquid without falling apart.
  • Ensure ricotta is smooth by using room temperature cheese and beating thoroughly to eliminate lumps for a silky texture.
  • Create dairy-free version by substituting ricotta with cashew cream and mascarpone with coconut cream for a vegan alternative.
  • Control sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar gradually, tasting as you mix to achieve perfect balance without overwhelming chocolate flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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