Cocoa Hazelnut Tiramisu

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Cocoa Hazelnut Tiramisu is your new favorite no-bake dessert, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. With layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, Nutella-infused mascarpone, and a cocoa-hazelnut topping, it's a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert.

Ingredients for Cocoa Hazelnut Tiramisu

Heavy cream is whipped to add a light, airy texture to the mascarpone filling. Powdered sugar sweetens the cream without any graininess. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm, aromatic note.

Mascarpone cheese is the creamy base of our filling, lending a rich and smooth texture. Nutella brings that irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor, making this tiramisu stand out.

Brewed coffee soaks into the ladyfingers, providing moisture and a depth of flavor. Hazelnut liqueur complements the Nutella, adding a nutty twist to the coffee mixture.

Ladyfinger cookies form the layers, absorbing the coffee mix and providing structure. Unsweetened cocoa powder dusted on top adds a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness. Chopped hazelnuts offer a delightful crunch and enhance the nutty flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a chilled bowl and beaters for the best whipped cream.
  • Briefly dipping the ladyfingers is key—too long and they’ll become mushy.
  • Letting the tiramisu sit overnight enhances the flavors significantly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cocoa Hazelnut Tiramisu with a small glass of your favorite sweet dessert wine or a scoop of vanilla gelato on the side to complement the rich flavors. A fresh mint sprig on top can add a touch of color and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together.
What can I use instead of hazelnut liqueur?
If you prefer non-alcoholic, try using hazelnut syrup or simply skip it, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?
You can use cream cheese for a similar texture, but it will change the flavor a bit.

Cocoa Hazelnut Tiramisu Recipe Walkthrough

Start by pouring 1 cup of heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then grab your hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat the mixture on medium speed until you see soft peaks forming. This means the cream holds its shape but is still a bit droopy. You don't want to overbeat it or you'll end up with butter!

Next, gently fold in 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese and 1/2 cup of Nutella using a spatula. This part is crucial—folding keeps the mixture light. Make sure it's smooth and well combined. If you taste a little at this point, I promise you won't regret it.

Now, for the soaking liquid: in a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup of brewed coffee and 1/4 cup of hazelnut liqueur. This mixture will infuse the ladyfingers with that classic tiramisu taste with a nutty twist.

Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture—just a quick bath, no lingering, or they’ll get soggy. Arrange them snugly in a single layer at the bottom of a 9x9 inch dish. Spread half of your mascarpone mixture over these soaked ladyfingers, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers. Spread the remaining mascarpone mix over the top. It's starting to look pretty delicious by now, right?

Finally, dust the top with 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder using a fine sieve. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped hazelnuts over the cocoa for a crunchy finish. Cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can stand to wait. The flavors will meld and the texture will set beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the rich flavors of Nutella and coffee for a decadent taste.
  • Perfectly balanced sweetness with a nutty crunch on top.
  • No-bake recipe that's quick to assemble and make-ahead friendly.
  • Impressive dessert for gatherings without the fuss.

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup Nutella
1/2 cup brewed coffee
1/4 cup hazelnut liqueur
24 ladyfinger cookies
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Step 2: Fold in the mascarpone cheese and Nutella until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: In a shallow dish, mix the brewed coffee and hazelnut liqueur.
Step 4: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture and arrange a layer in the bottom of a 9x9 inch dish.
Step 5: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
Step 6: Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone mixture.
Step 7: Dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
Step 8: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

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