I remember the first time I tried making a dessert from scratch that was supposed to impress people-Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Tiramisu. My kitchen was a mess. I had flour and cocoa powder everywhere, and a little voice in the back of my mind kept saying, “Is this going to work out”? But when I finally took that first bite, it was like a revelation. A simple dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the lightness of tiramisu-it just clicked. Ever since, it’s been a go-to recipe for dinner parties, cozy nights, and sometimes even just for me, because I deserve it.
This dessert is all about balance: the creaminess of mascarpone, the depth of dark chocolate, and the robust kick of coffee. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is one you can’t go wrong with.
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Tiramisu is a twist on the traditional Italian treat. Instead of the classic cocoa dusting or plain ladyfingers, this version adds a decadent chocolate layer to the mix. It’s surprisingly simple, and the rich flavors hit the spot every time.
I first made it when I was hosting friends for a dinner party. The looks of surprise when I told them it was tiramisu with chocolate were priceless. It’s one of those desserts that feels a bit fancy but doesn’t require much effort. The combination of chocolate and coffee is a crowd-pleaser, and the texture is out of this world.
Here’s a breakdown of how to make it:
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive in, let’s get organized. Jamie’s Chocolate Tiramisu doesn’t require anything too obscure, just the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mascarpone cheese: The heart and soul of tiramisu. Smooth, creamy, and rich.
- Heavy cream: To add airiness and richness to the filling.
- Dark chocolate: A good quality chocolate makes all the difference. Go for something with at least 70% cocoa.
- Espresso or strong coffee: The bitter notes balance the sweetness and work beautifully with chocolate.
- Ladyfingers (savoiardi): These soft, sponge-like biscuits soak up the coffee and mascarpone mixture.
- Sugar: For a hint of sweetness. You can use a bit of powdered sugar for a finer texture.
- Cocoa powder: To sprinkle on top for that classic tiramisu finish.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolates Tiramisu
Now for the fun part. I always find the process therapeutic, even though it’s quick. Here’s how I make it:
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Make The Chocolate Sauce
- Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave.
- Once melted, let it cool for a few minutes.
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Prepare The Coffee
- Brew your coffee or espresso. Let it cool to room temperature.
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Whisk The Mascarpone And Cream
- In a bowl, whisk together the mascarpone and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Add sugar to taste, then fold in the melted chocolate. Keep it smooth and creamy.
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Layer The Tiramisu
- Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the cooled coffee, ensuring they don’t get too soggy.
- Layer the soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of your serving dish.
- Spread a generous amount of the mascarpone-chocolate mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat until you’ve used up all the ingredients, ending with a layer of mascarpone.
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Chill And Serve
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, ideally overnight.
- Before serving, dust with cocoa powder.
That’s it! You’ve got yourself a dessert that’s equal parts indulgent and comforting.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
You might be wondering what makes this dessert so special, beyond just the combination of chocolate and coffee. Let’s take a deeper look at the science behind the ingredients:
- Mascarpone: This soft cheese is made from cream. Its high-fat content gives the tiramisu its silky, smooth texture. The fat also helps balance the acidity of the coffee and the bitterness of the chocolate.
- Coffee: The coffee adds depth. Its slight bitterness cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate and mascarpone. It also helps the ladyfingers absorb the cream mixture without becoming too soggy.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate brings richness to the dessert. The cocoa solids have complex flavors that play off the sweetness of the cream and the bitterness of the coffee. When mixed with the mascarpone, it creates a velvety texture and intense flavor.
- Ladyfingers: These delicate biscuits are the unsung heroes. They’re light and airy, which allows them to soak up just enough of the coffee without turning mushy. They create the perfect base for the tiramisu.
Expert Tips
I’ve made this dessert many times, and here are a few tips to ensure it’s perfect every time:
- Don’t over-soak the ladyfingers: Dip them quickly in coffee; otherwise, they’ll become too soggy. A second or two in the liquid is enough.
- Use good-quality chocolate: I’ve experimented with various chocolates, and high-quality dark chocolate makes a huge difference.
- Let it rest: Tiramisu improves with time. Give it at least 3 hours to set, but if you can wait overnight, it’ll be even better.
- Play with the flavor: You can experiment with flavored liqueurs like Baileys or Amaretto, adding a twist to the classic.
Recipe Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative. Here are a few ways you can mix things up:
- White chocolate tiramisu: Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate for a lighter, sweeter take on this dessert.
- Fruit-infused tiramisu: Try layering in some fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity burst.
- Alcoholic twist: Add a splash of rum or Marsala wine to the coffee for a more traditional flavor profile.
- Vegan version: Use a dairy-free mascarpone alternative and plant-based heavy cream. You can also swap the ladyfingers for a vegan version.
Final Words
This chocolate tiramisu is perfect for almost any occasion. It’s luxurious but easy to make, and the blend of flavors will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s a dessert that’s rich in history but open to modern twists. Whether you follow the classic or experiment with variations, you’ll find that this recipe never disappoints.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Tiramisu Recipe Unique?
Jamie adds chocolate to the traditional tiramisu, giving it a rich, indulgent twist. The combination of cocoa and cream complements the coffee-soaked ladyfingers perfectly.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Tiramisu Ahead Of Time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours or overnight in the fridge as the flavors have more time to meld together.
What Kind Of Chocolate Should I Use For This Tiramisu?
Go for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a deep flavor that balances the sweetness of the mascarpone cream.