If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor, then you’ve found your next go-to recipe! This No-Bake Black Forest Tiramisu is a harmonious blend of two beloved classics: the comforting, cherry-chocolate notes of a Black Forest trifle and the creamy, coffee-kissed indulgence of traditional tiramisu. It’s truly a match made in dessert heaven, designed for ease and guaranteed to impress.

Imagine layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, luscious chocolate cake, rich mascarpone-pudding cream, and vibrant cherry pie filling, all crowned with fluffy whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa. The best part? No oven required! This makes it an absolutely ideal treat for those sweltering summer days when you want a homemade taste without heating up your kitchen, or simply for any busy occasion when you need a spectacular dessert that comes together effortlessly.

While this recipe shines during summer gatherings, its rich flavors and festive appearance make it equally popular for holiday celebrations, family potlucks, or any special occasion throughout the year. I’ve prepared it for countless Christmas dinners and casual backyard barbecues, and it’s always the first dessert to disappear. It’s quick to assemble, incredibly delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, you can easily customize it to be made with or without alcohol, catering to all your guests. If you’re on the hunt for stress-free, show-stopping potluck desserts, this one is an absolute winner!

🍒 Reader Reviews

“Tried this recipe and the whole family loved it! A perfect blend of flavors and so easy to make.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes

Finding easy, impressive potluck desserts can often be a challenge. But with this No-Bake Black Forest Tiramisu, your search is over! This dessert is not only scrumptious but also incredibly simple to prepare, requiring absolutely no baking. This makes it the perfect solution for potlucks, especially on warm days or when you crave that comforting homemade taste without the hassle of turning on your oven.

Who could resist the delightful combination of fluffy whipped cream, rich chocolate, a hint of Kahlua, juicy cherries, delicate ladyfingers, and creamy chocolate pudding? This recipe cleverly uses store-bought chocolate cake, convenient instant pudding snack packs, and canned cherry pie filling to drastically cut down on prep time. Despite its quick assembly, the resulting flavor is so profound and satisfying, your guests will never guess how fast it was to create!

For this easy chocolate cherry tiramisu, gather these key ingredients:

• Chocolate Cake (Pound or Loaf Cake): Whether you opt for a quality store-bought cake or have a favorite homemade recipe, chocolate cake forms a foundational layer, adding delightful richness and moisture. Crumbling it into pieces allows for better absorption of flavors and a lovely texture.
• Instant Chocolate Pudding Snack Packs: These individual pudding cups are a fantastic shortcut, providing instant creamy chocolate flavor without the need to prepare pudding from scratch. They blend seamlessly with the mascarpone for a smooth, rich filling.
• Mascarpone Cheese: The quintessential tiramisu ingredient, mascarpone cheese lends its signature creamy texture and subtle tang, elevating the dessert to an authentic Italian-inspired experience. Ensure it’s cold for best mixing results.
• Ladyfingers: These light, delicate sponge biscuits are crucial for absorbing the coffee-Kahlua mixture, contributing to the classic tiramisu texture. You’ll typically find them in the cookie or baking aisles of your grocery store. If not, they’re readily available online. Feeling ambitious? You can certainly make your own!
• Whipping Cream (Heavy Cream): For a truly decadent topping, use real whipping cream with a fat content of 35-38%. This ensures your whipped cream will achieve stiff peaks and hold its shape beautifully, creating a fluffy cloud atop your tiramisu. Avoid aerosol whipped cream, as it will quickly deflate.
• Cocoa Powder: An unsweetened cocoa powder is perfect for dusting over the finished dessert, providing a beautiful contrast and a hint of bittersweet chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness.
• Maraschino Cherries: These bright red, sweet cocktail cherries with stems add a classic Black Forest touch and a pop of color for garnish. Their sweetness complements the chocolate and coffee flavors.

*Please refer to the complete recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and precise quantities.

📖 Variations & Substitutions

This No-Bake Black Forest Tiramisu recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations and substitutions to consider:

• Fresh Cherries: While canned cherry pie filling provides convenience and a ready-made layer, you can absolutely use fresh cherries for the garnish, especially when they are in season. Pitted and halved fresh cherries will add a beautiful, bright flavor and elegant presentation.
• Homemade Cherry Pie Filling: For an extra special touch, consider making your own cherry filling from scratch. My homemade cherry filling recipe (the one I use for my Black Forest Cake) is a perfect substitute for canned, offering a richer, more customized cherry flavor.
• Coffee Options: If vanilla-flavored coffee isn’t your preference or isn’t available, regular brewed coffee works just as well. For an enhanced coffee flavor without the alcohol, you can also substitute instant coffee mixed with water, or add 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to regular coffee for a subtle aroma.
• Chocolate Garnish Alternatives: Instead of simply dusting with cocoa powder, try garnishing with elegant dark chocolate shavings or finely chopped chocolate. This adds a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
• Whipped Cream Advice: I strongly recommend using liquid whipping cream (35-38% heavy cream) and whipping it yourself for the best texture and stability. Do NOT use whipped cream from a spray can, as it contains stabilizers that cause it to melt and become watery very quickly, ruining the dessert’s presentation and texture. While Cool Whip or Dream Whip can be used as substitutes for convenience, the superior flavor and consistency of freshly whipped cream are undeniable.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: If you prefer to omit alcohol, there are several delicious alternatives. You can substitute Kahlua with another coffee-flavored liqueur like Tia Maria, or even a splash of Irish cream such as Baileys (though this will add a different flavor profile). To make it entirely non-alcoholic, simply leave out the Kahlua and add 4 additional tablespoons of strong brewed coffee. Alternatively, you could use Kahlua-flavored coffee, or even try making your own non-alcoholic Kahlua substitute for a similar taste experience.

✅ Expert Recipe Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect No-Bake Black Forest Tiramisu is simple with these expert tips:

• Allow Ample Chilling Time: This is arguably the most crucial step! For optimal flavor melding and a firm, sliceable texture, your dessert truly needs to chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, and preferably overnight. Don’t rush it!
• Avoid Oversoaking Ladyfingers: Ladyfingers are meant to be soft and moist, not soggy. Drizzle the coffee-Kahlua mixture evenly and gently. A quick dip on each side or a light brush with a pastry brush is usually sufficient. Too much liquid will result in a mushy dessert.
• Ensure Ingredients are Cold: Always start with very cold whipping cream, mascarpone cheese, and instant pudding. Cold ingredients whip up better, hold their structure longer, and contribute to a smoother, faster assembly process.
• Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: Beat your whipping cream until it forms firm, stiff peaks that hold their shape. This creates a light, airy topping and ensures the dessert has adequate height and stability. Be careful not to overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter!
• Choose Quality Mascarpone: The quality of your mascarpone cheese can significantly impact the final taste and texture. Opt for a good brand with a rich, creamy consistency for the best, most authentic tiramisu flavor.
• Layer with Care: To keep your layers distinct and visually appealing, avoid dragging your spatula through the previous layer. Instead, drop dollops of filling onto the center of the layer below, then gently spread outward with a rubber spatula until evenly covered.
• Break Cake into Small, Even Pieces: When preparing your chocolate cake layer, ensure the pieces are small and relatively uniform. This allows for even distribution of flavor and makes for easier scooping when serving.
• Dust Cocoa Powder Just Before Serving: For the freshest and most vibrant look, sprinkle the cocoa powder garnish immediately before serving. If applied too early, the cocoa can absorb moisture from the whipped cream and appear damp or clumpy.
• Enhance Your Garnish: Elevate your presentation for special events by adding extra flair. Dark chocolate curls, elegant shaved chocolate, or additional fresh, pitted cherries can create a stunning visual impact.
• Serve in Style: Due to its inherently soft and layered, trifle-like consistency, this Black Forest Tiramisu is best served in individual dessert bowls, elegant trifle glasses, or ramekins rather than on flat plates. This allows guests to enjoy all the beautiful layers.

👪 Serving Size & Presentation

This delightful Black Forest Tiramisu recipe is designed to yield 12 generous servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. However, its versatility means you can easily adjust the quantity to suit your needs. Most recipe cards (like the one below) allow you to half, double, or even triple the recipe by simply clicking on the serving number. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust, though you’ll need to ensure you have appropriately sized baking dishes or pans for larger batches.

Given its soft, luxurious, and layered consistency, similar to a trifle, this dessert is best presented and served in individual dessert bowls or charming trifle glasses. This approach not only showcases its beautiful layers but also makes for an elegant and easy serving experience for your guests.

🥗 What to Serve with No-Bake Black Forest Tiramisu

This rich and flavorful Black Forest Tiramisu pairs wonderfully with hearty main courses that can also be prepared in advance, aligning with the ease and convenience of the dessert. I particularly enjoy serving it after a delicious Make-Ahead Lasagna (with no-boil noodles), as both dishes allow for stress-free entertaining. The robust flavors of classic Italian lasagna are a perfect precursor to this sweet Italian-German fusion dessert.

For a more elegant or special occasion, Baked Beef Cannelloni is another excellent choice that complements the richness of the tiramisu beautifully. If you’re hosting a larger crowd or prefer a more casual yet equally satisfying main, consider a savory crockpot creation like this flavorful Slow Cooker Beef on a Bun. The comforting warmth and savory notes of these dishes provide a lovely contrast to the cool, sweet decadence of the tiramisu.

🌡️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Proper storage is key to enjoying your No-Bake Black Forest Tiramisu at its best. Store any leftovers securely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps to maintain its freshness, prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors, and keep its creamy texture.

Unfortunately, the ingredients in this particular dessert, especially the whipped cream and mascarpone, do not hold up well to freezing. The texture will significantly change upon thawing, becoming watery and grainy, so it’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh from the fridge.

One of the many advantages of this recipe is its excellent make-ahead potential. You can assemble this Italian-inspired dessert up to 2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to truly develop and meld together, resulting in an even more delicious treat. However, for peak flavor and texture, I personally find it best to make it the night before serving. If you’re really pressed for time, it can be made last minute, but for the optimal experience, allowing it to sit for at least 6 hours or, ideally, overnight, makes a world of difference.

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