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.
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.
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.
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.