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This velvety twist on classic tiramisu combines rich espresso-soaked ladyfingers with creamy mascarpone and a decadent swoosh of hazelnut spread. It’s a sweet little escape that cleverly marries the boldness of cocoa with the delightfully nutty aroma of roasted hazelnuts—an irresistible dessert that never goes out of style!
Ingredients
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso (cooled)
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liqueur (optional)
- 20–24 ladyfingers (Savoiardi biscuits)
- 2 cups (16 oz) mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons hazelnut spread
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (plus extra for dusting)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Start by brewing your espresso and letting it cool. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in a splash of hazelnut liqueur for a special treat. Dip the ladyfingers, one at a time, in the coffee mixture—just a quick dunk on each side will do. Arrange half of them in a single layer along the bottom of a baking dish.
Next, whisk together the mascarpone, sugar, vanilla extract, hazelnut spread, and a small pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture. Spread half of this airy blend over the coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
Sprinkle a layer of cocoa powder on top using a fine-mesh sieve. Layer the remaining ladyfingers on the cocoa-topped mascarpone, again dipping them briefly in the coffee mixture. Finish by smoothing the rest of the mascarpone cream over the second layer of ladyfingers. Dust generously with more cocoa powder (let it rain!).
For the magic to happen, cover your tiramisu and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. This chill time allows the flavors to meld into a luxuriously silky dessert.
This Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu is a feast for the senses. Anyone who loves coffee, chocolate, or hazelnuts will swoon over its creamy, dreamy layers. If you’d prefer an alcohol-free version, simply skip the liqueur. For a fun variation, drizzle some salted caramel sauce between layers or top with chopped toasted hazelnuts for extra crunch. Whether for special occasions or a well-deserved weekday indulgence, this dessert is wonderfully show-stopping yet surprisingly easy to put together. Buon appetito!
