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Trifle bowl filled with chocolate pudding, ladyfingers, and whip cream.
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5 from 9 votes

Easy Chocolate Tiramisu Trifle

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!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Cool and Setting Time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 20 minutes
Course: Dessert, Desserts
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 302kcal
Author: Amanda Mason

Equipment

  • Trifle Bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee grounds
  • 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

Calories: 302kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 497IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 2mg