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Black Forest Tiramisu

Black Forest Tiramisu - featured image

This Black Forest Tiramisu is a decadent, no-bake dessert that combines espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, sweet-tart cherry compote, and rich chocolate shavings. It’s an easy yet show-stopping treat perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pitted sweet cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 tablespoon Kirsch or cherry liqueur (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2024 ladyfinger biscuits (about 200g; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled
  • 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or dark rum (optional)
  • 2 ounces dark chocolate, finely shaved or grated
  • Extra chocolate curls or cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the Cherry Compote: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften and release juices (5-7 minutes). Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Kirsch or cherry liqueur if using. Let cool completely.
  2. Whip the Cream: In a cold mixing bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Do not overwhip.
  3. Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, gently beat mascarpone with vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in whipped cream until just combined.
  4. Mix Coffee Soak: In a shallow bowl, combine cooled espresso or coffee with coffee liqueur or rum if using.
  5. Layer the Tiramisu: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for 1-2 seconds per side. Arrange in a single layer in your dish. Spread half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Spoon over half the cherry compote. Sprinkle with half the chocolate shavings. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, remaining cream, cherries, and chocolate.
  6. Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Before serving, top with extra chocolate curls, cocoa powder, or fresh cherries. Slice into squares or scoop to serve.

Notes

For best results, chill overnight to allow flavors to meld. Use cold cream and mascarpone for a stable, fluffy cream layer. Ladyfingers should be dipped quickly to avoid sogginess. For gluten-free, use gluten-free ladyfingers. Alcohol is optional and can be replaced with extra cherry juice or coffee. Garnish with extra chocolate or fresh cherries for a beautiful presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: black forest tiramisu, cherry chocolate tiramisu, no bake dessert, mascarpone, easy tiramisu, holiday dessert, gluten free option, cherry compote, chocolate dessert