Pick Me Up…Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu
There are many, many recipes for tiramisu and much written on the history behind this Italian dessert. It’s definitely one of my favorites; I guess I’m a gal that loves the creamy desserts; tipsy in alcohol, rich in flavor and softly sweetened. I almost always have the basics for pulling together a tiramisu on hand such as, ladyfingers, mascarpone, whipping cream and an assortment of liquors. From there it’s whatever your heart desires. And this time, my heart was tugging at me for chocolate and raspberries.
While I’ve heard of several stories on its origin, my favorite by far is that this dessert with its traditional ingredients including espresso, ladyfingers (sugar) and a cordial was offered to customers at certain bordellos as a “pick me up” to enjoy after so they could go on with their day. Now whether this tale is true or not doesn’t really matter to me; I enjoy the thought of the pleasure received in a bite of tiramisu. And who wouldn’t take pleasure in slipping into the kitchen in the middle of the night for a spoonful of this!
Tiramisu is basically a no bake layered dessert. A few steps can be prepared ahead then layered and refrigerated overnight. Because this is not baked or any of the layers cooked, the alcohol is definitely prominent and not a dessert for the children. I like to think of this (as I do its origin) as an adult only dessert. Perfectly fitted for lovers on Valentine’s Eve.
Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu
Adapted from Epicurious
1 ¼ cups heavy cream
1 pound mascarpone cheese softened
8 ounces dark chocolate or milk chocolate
2 cups seedless raspberry jam
4 tablespoons Grand Marnier or orange liquor
1/2 cup Chambord
36-40 lady fingers
2 cups fresh raspberries
Confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Shaves of white chocolate, optional
Begin to prepare the layers. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Add in the mascarpone and mix until blended, set aside. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Set aside to cool. Once cool, stir the chocolate into the cream/mascarpone bowl.
In another bowl, mix the raspberry jam with the Grand Marnier, set aside. Pour the Chambord in a shallow pan.
Using a 10 x 10 pan or 13 x 9 pan or individual serving pieces, layer the bottom of the pan with the ladyfingers, briefly dipping them into the Chambord. Do not allow them to get soggy, just lightly dipped. Spread half of the jam over the lady fingers. Spread the chocolate mascarpone over the jam mixture and repeat the layers finishing with the chocolate mascarpone. Top with fresh raspberries and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and white chocolate shavings (optional) when serving. Makes about 8-10 servings.
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Linda, this tiramisu looks gorgeous! It is very original too (the whipped cream, chocolate, raspberries, the Chambord liqueur… everything sounds unusual and delightful!).
Thank you Sissi, I think you can’t go wrong with chocolate and raspberries!
This looks just wonderful.
This is simply gorgeous – did you make that pan for me ;)
I love how uniquely you have twisted the Tiramisu :D
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Latest: 3 Layer Brownie Cheesecake
Lol…I’d share!
That’s gorgeous!
Wow! This sounds delicious! Definitely one to try! xx
I love the story of how this might be a naughty dish! :) Even if it’s not true, this still looks heavenly!!
Sometimes the story behind a dish makes it all the more temptingly delicious!!
Love your personal mark on this dish with the raspberries and jam, lovely combo and perfect for valentine’s :)
Looks like you are growing raspberries in a garden of chocolate mousse! Looks light and delicious and promising… and as a token of appreciation for your Blog, the words and ideas you share and the many ways in which you inspire, I would like to offer you the Versatile Blogger Award (you can have two, can you not?). Please visit the article below, at Granny’s Parlour, to see easy instructions regarding how to accept this award and how to pass it along, should you wish to do so (no obligations). Have a great weekend!
http://grannysparlour.com/2012/02/11/writing-from-the-heart-seven-random-things/
Thank you so much Granny!! Always appreciated to receive recognition!
Hi Linda – I went through a stage of eating a *lot* of tiramisu a few years ago, and I felt like I was off the stuff for life, but I still enjoy it enormously when it has some sort of fruit in it. An Italian friend used to make a strawberry tiramisu, which had no coffee in at all… which was a delicious alternative, and your version, with raspberries… I just know I’d enjoy it! :)
A lot?! Sounds like a good stage to have been in!!
Yum! It’s been awhile since I’ve made tiramisu. But, this time I’ll be making your version with the raspberries on top! So cute!
Linda….I just love this twist on a classic dessert! I really love the combo of chocolate and raspberries. Such a pretty presentation and so perfect as a Valentine’s Day treat! : )
What a fantastic-looking dessert, Lynda, just perfect for Valentine’s Day! And since it is an Epicurious recipe that you’ve made your own, this recipe is twice-blessed. I bet it tastes even better than it looks — and that’s saying something!
It’s so great to read a recipe that isn’t the usual “overly” sweet but instead full of Grand Marnier and Chambord! This is definitely the prettiest Tiramisu I’ve seen and I’m pleased to know that there is a chocolate version like this one:)
Stunning – haven´t made tiramisu for ages but this might have to be the one for Valentine´s Night dinner. I love the idea of using chocolate and raspberries (very decadent) and the story made me chuckle…..how naughty!
Linda, this is so pretty with the raspberries. I like your twist on this traditional Italian dessert. I wonder how I could make this gluten free for my sister today? Yesterday was her birhtday and we are celebrating it today and want to make her something special. You make the best desserts and love how you sneak some Grand Marnier, Chambord or orange liquer into your recipes. :)
I guess you’d either have to make gluten free ladyfingers or be able to find them. I bake for a woman who requires all gluten free and have not yet tried to make her tiramisu. I’m curious now to see if I can…and I’ll let you know!!
Gorgeous! Raspberries and chocolate is one of my favorite combinations!
What a gorgeous and decadent Tiramisu. I am so glad that is “allowed” to not use egg whites. I have a no bake no cook tiramisu as well and I wasn’t sure it was “legit”. Have a wonderful day Linda!
This takes this dessert to a whole new level of tasty.
What a lovely twist on a classic!
Oh LInda… I just love Tiramisu (my whole family does), but I have never made a raspberry version… what a wonderful idea! At first, I thought that was sea salt sprinkled over the top but maybe it’s confectioner’s sugar? Either way, it looks absolutely delicious and perfect for V-day.
I love how you’ve decorated it with the raspberries. And they are perfect looking raspberries too. A great addition to tiramisu. Chocolate and raspberries go so well together.
I’m not a fan of traditional tiramisu, but the chocolate/raspberry combo you made sounds amazing!
Love your Valentine’s banner! Very cool!
and the tiramisu… WOW! Quite a production! I only made tiramisu once, and used a slightly too heavy hand on the coffee. I think my guests had trouble to sleep for a week after the dinner party! ;-)
I never made it again, gotta put it on my list…
Happy V-day for you!
aaaaah, so that’s how you make tiramisu! I’ve never made it before…what kind of a baker am I anyway! Looks great. Do you know how to make ladyfingers? Always wondered how to do these home made!
my favourite dessert has just been improved with chocolate! YUM :)
Oh Ms Linda.. you know if I see chocolate, I don’t care how long it takes me, I will be there to look at it LOL. And there was no way I was skipping your blog and this chocolate tiramisu. All i can say is yummy.. me want in my tummy LOL
Happy Valentines Day! Looks amazing and light and fresh, just perfect!
Reblogged this on theconservativehillbilly.
Oh my gosh this sounds amazing!
You had me at, “And who wouldn’t take pleasure in slipping into the kitchen in the middle of the night for a spoonful of this!” That would be me! This Chocolate-Raspberry Tiramisu sounds amazingly delicious!
Very cool – and sweet!
OOO, This is Sooo Sweeeet.
My Butt just grew a little by staring @ the photo!!!
Just saw this, Linda. Those fresh raspberries make it look especially delicious.