Easy and Delicious Tiramisu Dip Recipe

Tiramisu is a classic dessert for a reason. All of those amazing layers of cream and chocolate and cookies and espresso are beyond delicious. This dip is layered with all the same flavors and goodness that you’ve come to love in this ageless Italian dessert. It starts out with a layer of chocolate espresso cream that is beyond delicious on it’s own.

Now let’s get right to the good stuff…

how to make yummy tiramisu dip

INGREDIENTS:

Gather your ingredients and get ready to make this amazing dip, the perfect ending to any meal. This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 2-8 oz. packages cream cheese-softened
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• Milk or cream
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Instant espresso powder
• Ladyfinger cookies
• 1 small container Cool Whip
• Cocoa or espresso powder for dusting

ingredient information:

• Cream cheese: We prefer using Philadelphia brand cream cheese for this dip, though any brand will work. If you haven’t had a chance to leave it out to soften, just pop it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds.
• Ricotta cheese: This is a soft and mild Italian cheese that adds such a unique flavor to dishes. You will notice that it’s almost impossible to get the creamy layer totally smooth when using this, but that’s to be expected. Don’t fight it. If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can skip this (though I don’t recommend it) or blend cottage cheese in a food processor. It will have a similar flavor. You’ll notice that it has a lot of moisture. We just used a slotted spoon to transfer some to a measuring cup so that we didn’t get too much liquid.
• Powdered Sugar: This is not to be confused with white sugar. It’s very finely milled and combined with a small amount of an anti clumping agent so that it appears like snow. It melts into the cream cheese to form the perfect creamy base to take on other flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chips are a great choice for this dip. However, you can also choose milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips if that’s your preference.
• Coconut oil: Just a small amount of coconut oil helps to make the chocolate smooth and even glossy when it melts. You can substitute this in equal parts with vegetable shortening.
• Vanilla: A quality vanilla really does elevate any recipe. Skip the imitation and use a quality vanilla extract instead.
• Espresso powder: I was able to find this ingredient in our coffee and tea section at the local grocery store. You can also find it on Amazon. HERE is a link. Do not swap it out for instant coffee, as the texture will be too course.
• Cool Whip: You can use any version of Cool Whip that you prefer, including the low sugar option. Also, feel free to swap this out for homemade whipped cream. Do not replace with canned whipped cream since it has more air and will not hold up to being mixed into the dip batter. Scroll down for instructions.
• Ladyfingers: These special cookies are unique in texture and appearance. I had trouble finding them in my local grocery store and ended up buying them on Amazon. You can use THIS LINK.

instructions:

Stick around to the end, and I’ll tell you how to toast your rye bread for serving.

1. For the first layer, place the cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring between, until fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 package softened cream cheese, 2 Tbsp espresso powder and melted chocolate.
3. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and continue to mix.
4. Fold in 1 container of the Cool Whip until well blended.
5. Spread the chocolate espresso mixture in the bottom of a deep pie plate.
6. Dip ladyfingers in prepared Espresso (per instructions on the container) and create a layer on top of the chocolate espresso cream.
7. For the final layer: With a hand mixer, blend together 1 package cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and vanilla.
8. Then slowly mix in 1 cup powdered sugar, adding a splash of milk as needed, until smooth and creamy.
9. Spread the mixture on top of the ladyfingers.
10. Dust with cocoa or espresso powder.

my recipe tips

• Choose your intensity: Everyone likes their coffee a different way, and this dip is similar. You find that the espresso level isn’t quite strong enough (or maybe too strong). Feel free to adjust the amount of Espresso powder used. Taste is first and then add more as desired.
• Cocoa or Espresso?: For the finishing touch on this tiramisu dip, you can choose Espresso powder or cocoa powder. The more traditional option is cocoa powder. We chose to use Espresso powder mostly out of laziness because it’s what I had on hand at the time. Each offers its own benefits, depending on your preference of flavors.
• Finicky Ladyfingers: I had never worked with lady fingers before this recipe, and I learned that they’re quite delicate. They soak up liquid very quickly and will turn to mush in a fraction of a second. So, dip quickly and put them in place before you no longer have a cookie to work with.

recipe video

🍽️ serving ideas

There are lots of things that you can dip into this delicious Tiramisu dip, but our favorite is more lady fingers. You can also use chocolate wafers, shortbread cookies, or simple graham crackers.

If you’re having a get together with lots of appetizers, this dip recipe is great alongside this cannoli dip or this chicken marinara dip. Then there will be a little something for everyone.

start with the right tools

The main kitchen tool that you’ll need to make this dip is a simple hand mixer. I think that we still have the one that we received as a wedding gift 30 years ago now. Those things last forever. However, if you’re looking to buy your first ever or just want an upgrade, check out THIS ONE or THIS ONE. They’re both reasonably priced, work great and add a little style to your dip making experience. Pair it with this set of mixing bowls that comes in a variety of colors.

do we have a preferred cream cheese brand?

Yes!!! I understand that this is a personal preference, but I always use Philadelphia cream cheese (even though Philly is our sports rival here in Pittsburgh). There’s just something about the taste. That being said, any cream cheese brand will work just fine. So, stick with your favorite brand when making this dip.

recipe notes

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best results for this super yummy dip.
• Storage: Keep leftovers (if you even have any) covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it may affect the texture.
• Dip prep: You can prepare this dip a day ahead of time, though wait until the time of serving to dust with cocoa or espresso powder.