Nutella & Mascarpone Tiramisu

Nutella & mascarpone tiramisu is my go-to when I want a decadent, no-bake dessert that looks elegant and tastes incredible. It combines the creamy richness of traditional tiramisu with the chocolate-hazelnut magic of Nutella, layered between espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a smooth mascarpone filling. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and slightly bitter—pure indulgence in a dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this twist on classic tiramisu because it brings a deeper, chocolatey flavor without losing the luxurious creaminess. Nutella adds a nutty depth and richness that pairs beautifully with the espresso and mascarpone. It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time, making it perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or whenever I want to impress without turning on the oven.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Mascarpone cheese

• Heavy cream

• Nutella

• Powdered sugar

• Espresso or strong coffee, cooled

• Ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)

• Cocoa powder (for dusting)

• Optional: vanilla extract, dark chocolate shavings for topping

directions

1. I start by whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks and set it aside.

2. In another bowl, I beat the mascarpone with powdered sugar and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth.

3. I gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to create a light, airy filling.

4. In a separate bowl, I mix a few spoonfuls of Nutella to loosen it—sometimes I warm it slightly for easier spreading.

5. I quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled espresso and layer them in the bottom of a dish.

6. I spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, followed by a layer of Nutella.

7. I repeat the layering—espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone, then more Nutella.

8. I cover and refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.

9. Just before serving, I dust the top with cocoa powder and sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings if I want an extra flourish.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6–8 people. It takes me about 20 minutes to prepare and at least 4 hours to chill. For best results, I always try to make it the day before serving so the flavors have time to develop.

Variations

Sometimes I mix Nutella directly into the mascarpone filling for a more uniform chocolate flavor throughout. If I want a boozy version, I add a splash of hazelnut liqueur or dark rum to the espresso. I’ve also made this with chocolate-dipped ladyfingers for an extra indulgent twist. And for a more structured dessert, I layer it in individual glasses or jars.

storage/reheating

I store the tiramisu covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. It gets even better as it sits. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture changes once thawed. Since it’s a chilled dessert, I serve it straight from the fridge—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different—less rich and a bit tangier. I sometimes mix cream cheese with a little sour cream to mimic mascarpone.

What kind of coffee works best?

I use strong brewed espresso or dark roast coffee. It should be cooled completely before dipping the ladyfingers so they don’t fall apart.

Can I skip the Nutella?

Of course, but Nutella is what makes this version special. If I want a more traditional tiramisu, I just leave it out and stick to the classic layers.

How do I keep the ladyfingers from getting soggy?

I dip them very quickly—just a second or two. They absorb liquid fast, and I don’t want them to turn mushy.

Can I make this dessert ahead?

Definitely. I always make it at least 4 hours in advance, but overnight is even better. The flavors blend and the texture firms up beautifully.

Conclusion

Nutella & mascarpone tiramisu is one of those desserts that feels fancy but is secretly easy to make. It’s rich, creamy, and full of layered flavor that satisfies every sweet tooth. Once I’ve made it, I keep coming back to it—especially when I want to impress without a lot of effort. It’s everything I love about tiramisu, with a delicious Nutella upgrade.