Silky Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Recipe

Dreamy Silky Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Decadent desserts sometimes surprise us with their unexpected chocolate ricotta tiramisu twist.

Rich, creamy layers merge classic Italian flavors with a luxurious chocolate essence.

Each spoonful promises a delightful dance of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and smooth ricotta.

The traditional recipe gets a remarkable upgrade with velvety chocolate undertones.

Elegant yet simple, this dessert speaks volumes about culinary creativity.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Prepare to indulge in a heavenly treat that transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 12

Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Ingredient Lineup

For Creamy Base:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Soft, mild cheese adding luxurious smooth texture and subtle richness to the dessert.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Silky Italian cream cheese bringing decadent, velvety consistency and delicate flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Ultrafine sweetener that blends seamlessly without graininess, creating elegant cream.
  • Cocoa Powder: Deep, intense chocolate essence providing rich color and sophisticated depth.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer that rounds and softens the chocolate notes.
  • Dark Chocolate: Intense, complex chocolate element adding sophisticated richness and complex undertones.
For Coffee Soak:
  • Brewed Coffee: Strong, robust liquid for soaking ladyfingers, infusing deep coffee flavor.
  • Coffee Liqueur: Optional sophisticated spirit intensifying coffee profile and adding subtle warmth.
  • Granulated Sugar: Basic sweetener balancing coffee's bitterness and enhancing overall taste.
For Structure:
  • Ladyfingers: Light, airy Italian sponge cookies providing delicate layered foundation for tiramisu.

Handy Tools to Make Your Chocolate Tiramisu Silky

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for creating smooth, creamy chocolate ricotta mixture.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for beating ricotta, mascarpone, and other ingredients until perfectly blended.
  • 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for layering and assembling the tiramisu beautifully.
  • Shallow Dish: Used for preparing the coffee soak and dipping ladyfingers.
  • Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: Great for dusting cocoa powder evenly on top.
  • Sharp Knife: Helpful for cutting chocolate and serving portions.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.

How to Build This Rich, Tiramisu

  • Create Luxurious Chocolate Mixture

Blend ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until silky smooth. Fold in melted dark chocolate for an extra rich flavor.

  • Brew Coffee Infusion

Combine brewed coffee, coffee liqueur, and sugar in a shallow dish. Mix until sugar completely dissolves.

  • Layer Delightful Base

Quickly dip ladyfingers into coffee mixture, avoiding oversaturation. Place first layer of soaked ladyfingers in serving dish. Spread half of chocolate cream evenly across the layer. Repeat with another set of ladyfingers and remaining chocolate cream.

  • Chill and Transform

Cover tiramisu with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set. Just before serving, dust top generously with cocoa powder and sprinkle shaved dark chocolate.

  • Indulge and Enjoy

Cut into elegant squares or scoop into individual portions. Complement with a shot of espresso or a glass of dessert wine for a truly decadent experience.

Variations That Bring Your Ricotta Dessert to Life

  • Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Tips & Variations
  • Perfect Texture Trick: Let ladyfingers soak briefly to prevent soggy layers. A quick dip ensures crisp texture while absorbing coffee flavor without falling apart.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap ricotta and mascarpone with coconut cream and cashew-based cream cheese for a plant-based version that maintains rich, creamy consistency.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious taste profile.
  • Kid-Friendly Version: Omit coffee liqueur and use decaf coffee or chocolate milk for a non-alcoholic dessert suitable for all ages. Replace espresso with mild hot chocolate for milder flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert tastes even better after 24 hours of chilling, allowing flavors to develop and deepen. Prepare one day in advance for maximum deliciousness and stress-free entertaining.

Serving Ideas for Decadent Chocolate Tiramisu

  • Caffeine Companion: Serve alongside a rich, bold espresso to complement the tiramisu's deep chocolate and coffee notes. The hot drink will enhance the dessert's complex flavors and provide a traditional Italian dining experience.
  • Sweet Wine Pairing: Select a dessert wine like Vin Santo or Port to create a luxurious after-dinner treat. These sweet wines beautifully match the creamy texture and intense chocolate undertones of the tiramisu.
  • Elegant Presentation: Plate individual portions in clear glass dessert cups to showcase the beautiful layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and chocolate ricotta cream. Sprinkle extra chocolate shavings on top for a visually stunning dessert that impresses guests.
  • Fresh Berry Accent: Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberry slices to add a bright, tart contrast to the rich chocolate and coffee flavors. The fresh berries will cut through the dessert's intensity and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Storing Your Tiramisu Without Losing That Texture

  • Strategic Refrigeration Guide: Store tiramisu in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Optimal Cooling Timeline: Consume within 3-4 days for peak flavor and texture, keeping consistently chilled at 40°F or below.
  • Smart Layering Protection: Cover surface with plastic wrap directly touching the cream to prevent moisture loss and minimize potential flavor changes.
  • Freezing Knowledge: While possible to freeze, texture might slightly alter; wrap tightly in plastic and freezer-safe container, consuming within 1-2 months for best quality.
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Silky Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Recipe

Silky Chocolate Ricotta Tiramisu Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Chocolate ricotta tiramisu celebrates Italian dessert artistry with rich layers of mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers. Creamy textures and deep cocoa notes invite you to savor a classic reimagined.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) ricotta cheese (whole milk, drained if watery)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mascarpone cheese
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) dark chocolate, finely grated or melted
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) dark chocolate, shaved or grated (for garnish)
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1 cup (240 ml) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (30 g) cocoa powder (for cream)
  • ¼ cup (30 g) cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • 2 tbsps coffee liqueur
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Mixture Preparation: Whisk ricotta, mascarpone, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract into a silky smooth consistency. Fold in melted dark chocolate to elevate the flavor complexity, creating a luxurious cream base.
  2. Coffee Infusion: Combine freshly brewed coffee, coffee liqueur, and granulated sugar, stirring until perfectly blended into a rich, aromatic liquid.
  3. Layering Foundation: Quickly dip ladyfingers into the coffee mixture, ensuring they’re moistened but not waterlogged. Arrange the soaked ladyfingers in a precise, overlapping pattern across the bottom of the serving dish.
  4. Cream Application: Generously spread half of the chocolate ricotta cream over the ladyfinger base, creating an even, smooth layer that completely covers the initial foundation.
  5. Secondary Layering: Repeat the process with another layer of coffee-moistened ladyfingers, topping with the remaining chocolate ricotta cream. Smooth the surface to create a visually appealing finish.
  6. Chilling and Setting: Encase the tiramisu in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, and the texture to become perfectly set.
  7. Final Presentation: Just before serving, liberally dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with delicate dark chocolate shavings. Cut into elegant squares or individual portions for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Notes

  • Control Coffee Soaking: Quickly dip ladyfingers into coffee mixture to prevent soggy texture; aim for a brief 1-2 second immersion to maintain structural integrity.
  • Temperature Management: Let chocolate ricotta mixture come to room temperature before layering to ensure smooth, spreadable consistency and prevent clumping.
  • Flavor Intensity Adjustment: Customize coffee liqueur strength based on personal preference; reduce or increase to suit individual taste without compromising dessert structure.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare tiramisu 1-2 days in advance for enhanced flavor development; refrigeration allows ingredients to harmonize and deepen taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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