If you love tiramisu but want a quick and easy way to make this classic Italian dessert, then you are going to love this tiramisu trifle! Made with coffee soaked ladyfingers layered in a custard-like chocolate cream filling, this recipe requires no baking and can be made in advance!
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Let me begin by saying this is the easiest tiramisu recipe you will ever make. What makes this recipe different is that it's a chocolate tiramisu that is layered in a trifle dish. It's almost a tiramisu pudding, but I still use coffee-soaked ladyfingers. I also layer on cool whip and top it with chocolate chip morsels and cocoa powder. Just like this easy-to-make banana flip and my deliciously refreshing snicker salad, it's a quick no-bake dessert that has the same flavors as a tiramisu mascarpone but it's done in half the time!
What is Tiramisu?
A traditional tiramisu recipe is a popular Italian dessert made with ladyfingers, coffee, liqueur, and mascarpone cheese topped with chocolate powder. The word tiramisu means literally means "cheer me up". As the name implies, it's so wonderfully delicious that it should leave someone in a cheerful mood. My son loves this chocolate tiramisu so much that he asks me to make it for his birthday every year! It's THAT good!
Tiramisu typically has two main layers: ladyfingers soaked in coffee and a mascarpone cream layer. Mascarpone is a soft Italian cheese that is made with whipped cream and has a slight tangy flavor. While it is similar to cream cheese, mascarpone has more of a velvety texture and contains more butter fat.
Ladyfingers are sometimes called “finger biscuits” or “sponge fingers”. They are made using a sponge cake batter that are piped into strips. From there, you bake them and allow them to dry into biscuits. They are perfect for tiramisu because they absorb the coffee without getting soggy. Some versions of ladyfingers are soft and spongy while others are hard like biscotti. Either works well when making any version of a tiramisu dessert. This finished dessert is served cold, which makes it the perfect make-ahead dessert. If you love a good coffee-flavored dessert, you are going to love this recipe!
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
Because this is a tiramisu trifle, I use different tiramisu ingredients then what you will find in a traditional recipe. Instead of using mascarpone, I use cream cheese. You can make a decadent tiramisu without mascarpone and cream cheese is a great substitute. Simply mix the cream cheese, milk, and instant pudding to make a chocolate tiramisu custard-like layer.
Since this is a quick recipe that can be put together in a matter of minutes, I use instant coffee instead or espresso. In my coffee pudding, I use espresso powder. In this recipe, use instant coffee. I'm not a fan of instant coffee, but it tastes amazing soaked in the ladyfingers and it is quick and easy to make. Soft or hard ladyfingers work well in this recipe and can be found at any local grocery store or online.
I also add a layer of cool whip smoothed on top of the chocolate custard layer. From there, I sprinkle some mini chocolate chips on each layer and top it off with a thin layer of cocoa powder.
📋 Step-By-Step Instructions
This easy no-bake dessert is quick to assemble. Start out by mixing the coffee granules with water and microwave on high for 1 minute. Set aside.
Using a sharp knife, cut the block of cream cheese into small cubes.
In a large bowl, use a standing or electric mixer to combine the milk, instant pudding powder, and cream cheese.
Mix for 1-2 minutes until well blended until the mixture starts to thicken. Set aside.
Split the ladyfingers in half lengthwise. Place half of the ladyfingers in the trifle bowl cut side up. NOTE: If the ladyfingers are hard and not able to split, then place each one in the trifle bowl horizontally.
Drizzle half of the coffee mixture evenly over the ladyfingers until each cookie is lightly soaked.
Spread half of the pudding mixture over the ladyfingers. Then, spread half of the whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle on ¼ of mini-chocolate chips.
Repeat these steps again by placing the ladyfingers evenly and horizontally over the whipped cream topped with chocolate chips. Drizzle the rest of the coffee evenly over the ladyfingers until each cookie is lightly soaked. Expert Tip: Depending on the texture of the ladyfingers you are using, you may not need to use all of the coffee. The goal is to lightly soak the ladyfingers. Dispose of any leftover coffee that was not used.
Spread the rest of the chocolate pudding mixture over the coffee soaked ladyfingers. Spread evenly.
From there, evenly spread the rest of the cool whip topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle on ¼ of mini-chocolate chips.
Lightly sprinkle cocoa powder on top to garnish. Expert Tip: The easiest way to do this is to use a sifter or a mesh strainer.
Top with additional mini chocolate chips. Cover with saran wrap and allow the chocolate tiramisu to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before serving.
🙋🏼 Frequently Asked Questions
Not this version. This is an easy tiramisu recipe that anyone can make. This version uses cream cheese instead of mascarpone which makes things a lot easier.
No, it won't ruin it but it will make the ladyfingers a bit soggy. The key is to lightly soak the ladyfingers ensuring you don't completely soak them. The best way to ensure you don't over soak them is to drizzle on the coffee with a large spoon.
I don't recommend freezing this version mainly because it contains cream cheese and cool whip. Dairy doesn't freeze well.
This recipe does not call for alcohol, but you can add it if you want. I love adding dark rum, Grand Marnier, amaretto, Irish cream, or Kahlua.
💭 Expert Tips
- If you can't find ladyfingers on amazon or at Walmart, Sprouts, Trader Joe's, or your local grocery store, you can either make your own homemade version or use store-bought Madeleine cookies. I find Madeleine cookies either at Sam's Club, Costco, or Amazon.
- I drizzle the coffee onto the ladyfingers with a spoon until they are lightly soaked, but you can also do a quick dip. To do this, dip a couple of ladyfingers into a bowl of coffee so they can become lightly coated. A quick dip on each side of the cookie should be just enough.
- Feel free to use a strong brewed coffee or espresso if you don't want to use instant coffee. You can also use decaf coffee.
- You'll typically find liquor in a traditional tiramisu mascarpone and if you want to add some to this version, mix it in with the coffee so it can soak into the ladyfingers.
- Chill this trifle in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before serving. This chocolate tiramisu will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- This is a great recipe to make in advance because it will allow more time for the flavors to blend.
- This simple tiramisu recipe is great to make when you are camping! Since there is no baking required, it comes together quickly and the ingredients are easy to store.
🍦 More No-Bake Desserts!
If you need an easy no-bake dessert, I have a collection you need to go through! Creamy and rich, this chocolate peanut butter fudge recipe is simple to make, and full of flavor! And if you love trifle recipes, you are going to love this summer berry trifle made with angel food cake, berries and a custard-like filling. And if you like gelato recipes that are easy to make, you are going to love this pumpkin gelato! It's made with 5 simple ingredients and is perfect all year round!
Love this recipe? Leave a 5-star rating and a review of how it turned out in the comment section below!
Try serving this easy tiramisu recipe after enjoying my delicious Italian-baked chicken parmesan! This parmesan-crusted chicken breast meal topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil is a dinner to remember, especially when it's finished off with this chocolate tiramisu!
Easy Chocolate Tiramisu Trifle
Equipment
- Trifle Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee grounds
- 1½ cups water
- 4 cups 2% milk
- 2 3.8 oz chocolate instant pudding
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 24 lady fingers
- ¾ cups semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
- 8 ounces cool whip
- ½ teaspoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Mix the coffee granules with water and microwave on high for 1 minute. Set aside.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the block of cream cheese into small cubes.
- In a large bowl, use a standing or electric mixer to combine the milk, instant pudding powder, and cream cheese. Mix for 1-2 minutes until well blended and the mixture starts to thicken. Set aside.
- Split the ladyfingers in half lengthwise. Place half of the ladyfingers in trifle bowl cut side up. Drizzle half of coffee mixture evenly over the ladyfingers. NOTE: If the ladyfingers are hard and not able to split, then place each one in the trifle bowl horizontally. It's ok if they slightly overlap.
- Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Then, spread half of the cool whip over the pudding.
- Sprinkle on ¼ of mini-chocolate chips.
- Repeat the layering process in steps 4 -7 again, ensuring all the pudding and cool whip mixture is used. Expert Tip: Depending on the texture of the ladyfingers, you may not use all the coffee. This is ok. Discard (or drink) any leftover coffee not used.
- Lightly sprinkle cocoa powder on top to garnish along with additional mini chocolate chips.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 hours before serving.
Notes
- This is a great recipe to make in advance because it will allow more time for the flavors to blend.
- If you can't find ladyfingers online or at your local grocery store, you can either make your own or use store bought Madeleine cookies.
- I drizzle the coffee onto the ladyfingers with a spoon until they are lightly soaked, but you can also do a quick dip. To do this, dip a couple of ladyfingers into a bowl of coffee so it can become lightly coated. A quick dip on each side of the cookie should be just enough.
- Feel free to use a strong brewed coffee or espresso if you don't want to use instant coffee. You can also use decaf coffee.
- To make this even more rich and creamy, use whole milk instead of 2% milk.
- You'll typically find liquor in a traditional tiramisu mascarpone and if you want to add some to this version, mix it in with the coffee so it can soak into the ladyfingers.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours before serving. It last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
NOTE: This post was published in November 2012, but was republished with an updated step-by-step instructions, pictures and tips in February 2022.
Marie Asselin
This is a spectacular, crowd-pleasing dessert! The combination of chocolate, coffee, and cream cheese in this tiramisu trifle would make any celebration even better. Love that it's easy to pull together, too!
Amanda Mason
So easy, Marie! So glad you liked it!