Black Forest Tiramisu Recipe

Indulge in the luxurious taste of Black Forest Tiramisu, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. Layers of rich chocolate-soaked ladyfingers, sweet cherry compote, and creamy mascarpone filling blend harmoniously to create an irresistible treat ideal for special occasions and intimate gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Black Forest Tiramisu is not just a delicious dessert—it’s a sophisticated and impressive no-bake creation. With its combination of decadent chocolate, tangy cherries, and airy mascarpone cream, each bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Perfectly suited for holidays, dinner parties, or romantic evenings, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels elegant yet is straightforward to prepare.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate Cake or Ladyfingers Layer:

• 24 chocolate ladyfingers or slices of chocolate sponge cake

• ½ cup brewed coffee or espresso, cooled

• 2 tbsp cherry liqueur (optional)

Cherry Layer:

• 1½ cups pitted cherries (fresh or jarred in juice, not syrup)

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Mascarpone Cream Layer:

• 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• ½ cup grated dark chocolate or chocolate curls

• Fresh cherries (for garnish)

• Cocoa powder for dusting (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare Cherry Filling:
   In a saucepan, simmer cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 6–8 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, if desired, for thickening. Allow to cool completely.

2. Make Mascarpone Cream:
   In a bowl, beat mascarpone until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the mascarpone.

3. Soak the Cake or Ladyfingers:
   Combine cooled coffee and cherry liqueur, if using. Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture, being careful not to oversoak.

4. Assemble Tiramisu:
   Using an 8×8-inch dish or trifle bowl, create layers:

   • Half of the soaked ladyfingers

   • Half of the mascarpone cream

   • Half of the cherry mixture
     Repeat layers once more.

5. Chill:
   Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or ideally overnight for best flavor.

6. Top and Serve:
   Just before serving, garnish the dessert with grated chocolate, cocoa powder, and fresh cherries.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 9 servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Chill Time: 6 hours

• Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes

Variations

• Alcohol-Free Version: Substitute cherry liqueur with additional coffee.

• Fruit Variation: Try swapping cherries with raspberries or strawberries.

• Chocolate Cake Base: Use chocolate pound cake instead of ladyfingers for an even richer dessert.

storage/reheating

Storage:
Store leftover Black Forest Tiramisu covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
This dessert is served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh or jarred?

Yes, frozen cherries can be used; thaw and drain them completely before using.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely, this dessert tastes best when refrigerated overnight.

What if I don’t have mascarpone cheese?

Cream cheese or whipped ricotta can be a suitable substitute, although the texture and flavor will slightly differ.

Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dessert is entirely vegetarian-friendly.

How can I ensure my ladyfingers don’t become soggy?

Dip them quickly into the coffee mixture without soaking them completely.

Can I freeze the Black Forest Tiramisu?

It is not recommended, as the texture of mascarpone and cream can alter significantly upon thawing.

Can I omit the espresso or coffee?

If you prefer, you can replace coffee with cocoa or chocolate milk for a milder flavor.

How can I thicken the cherry compote if it’s too thin?

Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the compote during simmering.

Can children enjoy this dessert?

Yes, for children, omit the cherry liqueur entirely or replace it with a non-alcoholic cherry syrup.

What type of chocolate works best for topping?

Dark chocolate provides the richest flavor, but semi-sweet or milk chocolate works well, too.

Conclusion

This Black Forest Tiramisu offers a memorable dessert experience blending chocolate, cherries, and creamy mascarpone. Ideal for celebrations

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