Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu
This classic Italian dessert takes a delicious twist with the addition of chopped Hazelnuts and Baci! Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays…or any day!
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One of my favorite snapshots of of Italy is the gondolas lined up along the edge of St. Mark’s Square in Venice. If you’ve ever traveled to Venice, then you are certainly familiar with the gondolas that dot the canals of this famous city. Gondoliers are a respected group in Venetian society, and rightfully so! To earn a gondolier’s license in Venice, you must study as an apprentice for hundreds of hours before passing an exam that tests both your language skills as well as your knowledge of Venetian history.
Laura and I totally bought Robbie a gondolier’s outfit when we were in Venice this past summer. We might not have canals in our town here in upstate New York, but at least Robbie can look the part!
While the gondola might be the most iconic form of water travel in Venice, water taxis are just as prevalent. Gondolas are the more romantic way to travel the Venitian waterways, but water taxis are more practical. These water taxis are essentially stylish motorboats adorned with highly polished mahogany wood. They’re impressive vessels…until they break down in the middle of the lagoon.
Early one afternoon on our trip to Venice, Laura, my mother and I hopped on a water taxi for the quick trip between the outlying islands of Murano and Burano. My mother and Laura were sitting in the cabin, and I was sitting on the bench at the back of the boat. That’s when I noticed some wisps of white smoke coming out from under the bench. Hmmm. The smoke increased, and I pointed it out to Laura. She then pointed it out to the driver who immediately killed the engine on the boat. There we were. Floating adrift in the middle of the Venetian lagoon.
Fortunately cell phones worked out there in the middle of the lagoon, and our driver called one of his friends who brought another water taxi over. We found ourselves in the rather unique situation of hopping from one boat to another in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon. I could say that we were recreating a scene from an action film, but in reality I was just hoping I didn’t drop my camera (or myself) in the water. As we pulled away in the new water taxi, our first driver was arranging to get towed back to shore. Crazy!
That night, we stopped in a restaurant near our hotel and relived our boat hopping adventure over a bottle of wine and an order of tiramisu. While tiramisu might seem like an iconic Italian dessert, its roots really only date back about 50 years to a restaurant located roughly 45 minutes north of Venice. Either way, tiramisu is one of my favorite Italian desserts! Not only does tiramisu feature rich flavors, but it’s an elegant dessert to serve to company.
Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu
Chocolate Hazelnut TiramisuAs I did with this recent Pumpkin Tiramisu, I took a slight liberty with the traditional tiramisu flavors and made this Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu. I kept the espresso and custard flavors, but I substituted hazelnut liqueur for the rum. Oh, and I covered the top of this Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu with chopped hazelnuts and Baci Perugina. It’s a classic Italian dessert topped with a classic Italian chocolate. I wish I could put into words how delicious this tiramisu was! From the creamy custard filling to the crunchy hazelnuts and melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate Baci, this is pretty much my definition of the perfect dessert. (Ok, I think anything involving chocolate is perfect because, well, chocolate!)
You might remember that I have been a fan of Baci Perugina chocolates for a long, long time. I discovered these Italian treats way back in high school when I won a trip to Italy thanks to a Parade Magazine writing contest. I still remember stopping at a roadside snack bar and eating my first Baci. Years later, Baci remain one of my favorite chocolates!
If you’re never had a Baci, then you definitely need to try one. Baci feature a creamy hazelnut filling covered with a delicious dark chocolate. A whole hazelnut sits on top, and the combination of chocolate and hazelnut is simply magical!
If you’re looking for a unique and elegant dessert to serve during the holidays, keep this Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu in mind. (You might have to hunt down the mascarpone, although one of our larger grocery stores here in town usually keeps this Italian cream cheese in stock.) I also highly recommend picking up extra Baci. Each Baci is wrapped with a saying of love or friendship, so they make wonderful gifts to share with friends and family during the holidays. (And, yes, it is possible to share Baci with yourself…I do each and every afternoon!)
I hope you enjoy this Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu as much as we do! If you make this one at home, leave a comment and let me know what you think. Or better yet, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog). Cheers, friends!
Looking for more chocolate + hazelnut desserts? Check these out!
Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Brownies
Chocolate Hazelnut Babka
Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Chocolate Pound Cake with Nutella Glaze
Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 32 oz. mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup espresso or strongly brewed coffee
- 2 Tbsp hazelnut liqueur can substitute with another 2 Tbsp of espresso
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 16 crisp ladyfingers savoiardi
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ cup hazelnuts lightly toasted
- 12-15 Baci chocolates chopped
Instructions
- Line a small loaf pan (9”x5”) with plastic wrap, leaving a 3” overhang on all sides; set pan aside.
- Using a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk and sugar. Place bowl over a gently simmering saucepan (do not let bottom of bowl touch water). Cook, stirring often, for 10-12 minutes, or until custard reaches 170°F.
- Meanwhile, prepare a larger bowl of ice water. (The bowl should be large enough for the smaller heatproof bowl to fit into.)
- Remove bowl with custard from heat and set into bowl with ice water. Stir custard for 1-2 minutes, or until cool.
- In a separate bowl, add mascarpone cheese. Fold the cooled custard into the mascarpone until mixture is smooth.
- Pour the coffee, hazelnut liqueur and vanilla into a shallow bowl. One at a time, dip the ladyfingers in the mixture until soaked but not soggy. Lay 2 rows of 4 ladyfingers lengthwise into bottom of prepared pan. Spread ½ of the custard mixture over the ladyfingers.
- Repeat process with a second layer of ladyfingers (arranged widthwise across pan) and remaining custard.
- Dust top of custard with cocoa powder. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Uncover and lay plate upside down on top of tiramisu. Invert plate and carefully lift pan off. Peel off plastic wrap.
- Prior to serving, garnish top of tiramisu with cocoa powder, chopped hazelnuts and Baci chocolates.
Disclosure: This Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu post was sponsored by Baci Perugina, but the recipe and opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Spiced!
What an adventure! So glad you noticed the smoke before anything became worse! This tiramisu is a great way to reminisce about your vacation. I love the addition of the chocolate and hazelnut! Now, I’d like to know if Robby wears the gondola outfit!
Tell me about it, Kathy! I mean I noticed the smoke but didn’t think much of it…it was Laura who actually told the boat (cab) driver. But it did make for a fun story! 🙂 This tiramisu is (was…it’s long gone!) delicious, and the chopped Baci all over the top was a fun addition for sure. As far as Robbie and the gandolier outfit? He does wear it! I’ll have to include a photo in an upcoming post. Thanks so much, my friend!
Well, it’s fun to have those memories because they make for a good story, am I right?? I guess you can laugh about it now, but maybe not so much at the time. This tiramisu is just brilliant David! Love how you generously topped with all those candies. I would dive right into that. And how lovely for holiday entertaining 🙂
I totally agree, Dawn! And talk about crazy memories. I felt like we were in some sort of action movie when we were crawling from one boat into another out there in the middle of the lagoon! I would offer to save you a piece of this tiramisu…but…well…it might be all gone now. Haha! Thanks so much, my friend!
So interesting that tiramisu is such a modern creation! I definitely thought it was older than 50. It’s one of my favorite desserts ever–EVER–and you’ve just topped it. Nutella flavors are the best! I think I’ll make this as a treat for Santa and just hope he saves me a couple of bites 🙂
I know! I thought tiramisu had been around for years and years, too. Nope. Just ~50 years. You know, I think you’re onto something with making this tiramisu for Santa. I bet (actually, I know) he would love it! 🙂 Thanks, Kelsie!
I have yet to see Venice, but cannot wait to travel around via gondola or water taxi – even if one breaks down and lil S and I are drifting amidst a Venetian lagoon! 🙂 I bet Robbie is rocking his Venetian Gondolier’s outfit – now, I have to ask- did y’all getting matching outfits for both of y’all too? Y’all could be the Three Venetian Gondoliers for next Halloween…?
BTW- this is one epic tiramisu – this is the kind of dessert I’d skip a meal for – adding that Baci topping is a brilliant! We LOVE Baci in our home and I am SO GLAD our little Walmart in Athens, GA sells them – though I haven’t seen them in many other Walmart stores….
Happy Thanksgiving to my favorite Three Venetian Gondoliers in Upstate NYC!
Oh, you’ve got to put Venice on the list, Shashi! Just don’t go in the middle of the summer. It’s hot and packed with people. We were there in mid-May, and it was wonderful. As far as the matching gondoliers, we missed the opportunity for us to get matching outfits. Oops. 🙂
Wow, that’s so cool that your Walmart sells Baci! I don’t think I’ve seen them in Walmart up here (yet). We have another local store that I can usually find Baci, so that makes me happy! And happy early Thanksgiving to my two Athens gals, too! (Also, I have to ask. You said ‘favorite Three Venetian Gondoliers in Upstate NY. How many Venetian Gondoliers in Upstate NY do you know??)
We also had an interesting experience when we used a water taxi in Venice. I love hazelnut and your tiramisu looks so good. I can imagine all those flavors. Happy Thanksgiving David.
Do tell, Gerlinde! I’ve been to Venice a couple of times, but this was the first adventure we had. It all worked out, but I did feel like a movie star in an action film as we were climbing from one boat into another! 🙂 Also, if you like tiramisu, then put this one on the list to try! The chocolate + hazelnuts goes so well with this classic dessert. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving right back at ya, my friend!
Hey, I think you forgot something. Where’s the photo of Robbie in the gondolier’s outfit? 😉
We love tiramisu and hazelnuts (Oregon is famous for them) so this dessert is a must try!
You know, you’re totally right, Marissa! I actually have a photo of Robbie in his gondolier outfit, too. I’ll have to include that in another post soon! 🙂
I had no idea hazelnuts are an Oregon thing. I learn something everyday! And since they’re an Oregon thing, that means this tiramisu definitely needs to go on the must-make-soon list! Thanks so much!
Some time ago I had a tiramisu kick when I made many versions over the course of two years. I tried mango, strawberry, strawberry-mint, and orange flavours (Although we prefer rich and decadent), then mint, orange-mint, strawberry-mint, honey…I even made rhubarb tiramisu! My imagination went wild, but believe it or not, I never thought of making hazelnut tiramisu. This is genius, David! I might not be able to fit another Christmas recipe in my November-December cooking schedule (I guess you’ve planned everything many weeks ahead yourself); however this would be a perfect dessert for Andrey’s birthday in January…cause he does love tiramisu and hazelnuts. I think he’d appreciate this. In a meanwhile, can I please get a laaaarge spoon? P.S. I just realized I didn’t make lavender tiramisu that time either, but in my excuse my romance with lavender started later).
Wow, you really did go tiramisu crazy there, Ben! I love tiramisu myself, but I haven’t tried nearly as many flavor combinations as you. I have to admit, though, the chocolate + hazelnut combo is moving right up the list of favorites. I love Baci, too, so the fact that this tiramisu has Baci all over the top make it super appealing! This would indeed be a good dessert to make for Andrey’s birthday! (And perhaps you could sneak some lavender into one corner of it for you…haha.)
This looks so luscious. Are you bringing it over for Thanksgiving?
I am indeed! What time shall I arrive, Jeff?
Your Chocolate Hazelnut Tiramisu look very yummy David. I’m impressed at how well the Baci is chopped. Venice is a lovely place to visit and form what I saw in our morning news it has finally started to dry out a bit from their devastating floods.
Now, I can see Mr. Robbie kneeling in a red wagon with gondola outfit on, using a hockey stick as a paddle.
Why thank you very much, Ron! I gotta say that covering the top of this tiramisu with chopped Baci was not only fun, but delicious, too. 🙂 I did indeed see the news about all the flooding in Venice. That’s sad as it really is an awesome place to visit. It’s good that the flood waters are starting to dry out there though. And I’ll have to post a photo of Robbie in his gondola outfit! The wagon would have been a great idea. Instead of a hockey stick, I gave him my gigantic paddle that I use to stir rice when I’m making a big pot of gumbo. It’s hilarious!
Ah Tiramisu! You’ve found one of my greatest weaknesses David! Should you ever visit Lynne and I here in Scotland I shall make you my Tiramisu Cheesecake. We can have half each. Deal? That’s a crazy story about you all breaking down in the middle of the lagoon. Thank goodness for modern technology and your driver being able to summon another taxi quickly to get you on your way. I wonder what would have happened before mobiles? You might all have had to take a turn at rowing!! Great recipe David!
Oh, I’m totally going to take you up on that Tiramisu Cheesecake offer, Neil! Can we also serve it with a nice whiskey, too? 🙂 Geez. I hadn’t thought about what would have happened without a cell phone. I’m pretty sure we’d be waving flags to summon another boat…or we might still be sitting out there. Haha! Thanks so much, my friend!
This chocolate hazelnut tiramisu looks like the perfect dessert for the holidays. Sounds like you had quite the adventure on your vacation. I loved your photos. David, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
This tiramisu really is a good one for the holidays! There’s something magical about the chocolate + hazelnut combination. 🙂 Thanks so much for the kind words, Dawn. I hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving, too!
Tiramisu is one of favorite desserts of all time. And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, you added those Baci! Your Venetian travels sound so lovely! Bet Robbie is sure cute in is outfit! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Yes! You and I are in the same boat when it comes to tiramisu, Valentina. Ever since I learned about this dessert (years ago now), it’s been one of my favorite ‘fancy’ desserts to make. And then the chopped Baci on top just takes this one to a whole new level of awesome! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well. Happy holidays, my friend!
Visiting Venice and riding on a gondola is definitely on my wish list! I love Baci and I love tiramisu – combining the two is brilliant! Such a lovely and elegant dessert!
Yes! Keep Venice on that bucket list, Kelly. It’s such an amazing city! We were there this past May (early May), and it was a great time to visit. Weather was nice, and there were a lot of tourists but not too many. And while you’re there, make sure to grab some Baci and tiramisu, too! 🙂 Thanks so much, my friend!