This Nutella Tiramisu with Coffee and Peanut Crunch is a decadent twist on the classic Italian dessert. With layers of coffee-soaked Savoiardi cookies, a creamy mascarpone mixture, and rich Nutella, topped off with a crunchy peanut layer, this dessert is a delicious combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures. The bold coffee flavor blends beautifully with the chocolatey Nutella and the creaminess of mascarpone, while the peanuts add a delightful crunch that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Chilling time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 150g Nutella (5.3oz)
- 5g instant coffee (1.5 tbsp)
- 60ml boiling water (¼ cup)
- 200g Savoiardi cookies (Ladyfingers) (7oz)
- 60g powdered sugar (2.1oz)
- 250g mascarpone cheese (8.8oz)
- 200g unsalted roasted peanuts (7oz)
Steps to Make Nutella Tiramisu with Coffee and Peanut Crunch
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Prepare the Coffee Soak:
Dissolve the instant coffee in 60ml of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, then allow the mixture to cool down slightly. This will be used to soak the Savoiardi cookies and give them a rich coffee flavor. -
Prepare the Nutella Layer:
In a separate bowl, take the Nutella and gently warm it up for about 10 seconds in the microwave, or until it becomes easier to spread. Set it aside once it’s smooth and creamy. -
Whip the Mascarpone Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar. Whip the mixture using a hand mixer or a whisk until smooth and fluffy. This creates a rich, creamy texture to balance out the Nutella and coffee. -
Crush the Peanuts:
Crush the unsalted, roasted peanuts into small pieces. You can do this by using a food processor or by placing the peanuts in a ziplock bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin. The peanuts add a crunchy texture to contrast with the creamy layers. -
Assemble the Tiramisu:
- First Layer: Dip each Savoiardi cookie into the prepared coffee mixture for a few seconds, making sure they soak up the coffee without becoming too soggy. Arrange the dipped cookies in a single layer at the bottom of a serving dish.
- Second Layer: Spread half of the whipped mascarpone mixture evenly over the layer of cookies.
- Third Layer: Drizzle half of the warmed Nutella over the mascarpone layer, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
- Fourth Layer: Sprinkle half of the crushed peanuts on top of the Nutella layer, adding a crunchy element to the dessert.
- Repeat: Repeat the layering process with the remaining cookies, mascarpone mixture, Nutella, and peanuts, finishing with a final sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top.
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Chill the Tiramisu:
Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up, making it easier to slice. -
Serve:
After chilling, slice the tiramisu into squares and serve. Enjoy the combination of coffee-soaked cookies, creamy mascarpone, rich Nutella, and crunchy peanuts in every bite.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Sugars: 22g
- Sodium: 80mg
Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits
- Nutella: Adds a rich, sweet hazelnut-chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the coffee and mascarpone layers. Nutella also provides healthy fats from the hazelnuts, though it is high in sugar, so it’s best used in moderation.
- Instant Coffee: Provides a bold coffee flavor, which is essential for the traditional tiramisu flavor, offering a dose of antioxidants. Coffee also gives a slight energy boost, making this dessert a little more stimulating.
- Mascarpone Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that’s rich in fat and adds a velvety texture to the tiramisu. It’s also a good source of calcium and vitamin A.
- Peanuts: A source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also provide vitamin E and other essential nutrients that help support heart health.
- Eggs: Used in some versions of tiramisu, though not included here directly, eggs can be added for extra creaminess and protein. You can substitute eggs for more mascarpone for a more egg-free recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Nutella Tiramisu with Coffee and Peanut Crunch is an indulgent dessert that brings together the best of all worlds: the richness of Nutella, the boldness of coffee, the creaminess of mascarpone, and the satisfying crunch of peanuts. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for parties, family gatherings, or a special treat after dinner. The layers of flavors and textures create a well-rounded dessert that will appeal to both chocolate lovers and coffee aficionados alike.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert on its own as a delicious after-dinner treat, or pair it with a cup of coffee or espresso for a complete dessert experience. It also works wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess.
Tips
- Make it dairy-free: You can make this tiramisu dairy-free by using dairy-free mascarpone and a non-dairy whipped cream substitute.
- Adjust sweetness: If you like your tiramisu less sweet, reduce the amount of Nutella or powdered sugar in the mascarpone mixture.
- Add more crunch: For even more texture, try adding crushed chocolate biscuits or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top.
Variations to Try
- Vegan Tiramisu: Use vegan chocolate hazelnut spread, plant-based mascarpone, and non-dairy cream for a completely plant-based version.
- Fruit-flavored Tiramisu: Add fresh berries or fruit preserves to the layers for a fruity twist on this traditional dessert.
Conclusion
This Nutella Tiramisu with Coffee and Peanut Crunch is an irresistible dessert that combines the best of traditional tiramisu with indulgent flavors like Nutella and crunchy peanuts. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dessert is sure to delight anyone who loves rich, creamy, and flavorful sweets. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and absolutely delicious—making it a must-try recipe for dessert lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this tiramisu ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this tiramisu tastes better after it has chilled for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Can I use regular cookies instead of Savoiardi?
Yes, you can substitute the Savoiardi cookies with any other type of biscuit or cookie, but Savoiardi are traditional for tiramisu and absorb the coffee soak best. -
Can I freeze this tiramisu?
Yes, you can freeze this tiramisu. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving. -
Can I make this tiramisu without peanuts?
Absolutely! You can omit the peanuts and substitute them with another crunchy topping, such as crushed biscotti or chocolate chunks.