I love tiramisu and black forest anything, so I created this easy no-bake dessert. This No Bake Black Forest Tiramisu is a combination of my family's favorite black forest trifle and tiramisu. It's easy to make with store-bought cake, canned cherry pie filling, and instant pudding, and the ideal easy Italian potluck dessert!
This recipe is popular in the summer but great for any time of year. I've made it for my family's Christmas and summer potlucks, and it's always very popular! Quick and delicious, it's ideal for feeding a crowd and can be made with or without alcohol. If you're looking for easy desserts for a potluck, you'll love this one! This recipe was my VERY FIRST blog post when I started this blog almost a decade ago.
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"Tried this recipe and the whole family loved it!" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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And if you love no bake layered desserts, be sure to try my No Bake Cream Puff Dessert, as well as my other No Bake Potluck Desserts!
🥘Ingredient Notes
Great potluck desserts can be hard to find. But look no further! This Black Forest Tiramisu is scrumptious and easy with no baking required, making it the ideal potluck dessert (especially on those hot days or when you want the taste of homemade without actually having to turn on the oven).
Who doesn't love whipped cream, chocolate, Kahlua, cherries, lady fingers, and chocolate pudding?! This recipe uses store-bought chocolate cake, instant pudding (snack packs), and canned cherries for quick and easy prep. But from the way it tastes, you'd never know how fast it is to prepare!
For this easy chocolate cherry tiramisu, you'll need:
- Chocolate cake (pound or loaf cake) -you can use store-bought or homemade
- Instant chocolate pudding snack.
- Mascarpone cheese.
- Lady fingers. If you can't find them in your local grocery store (in the cookie or baking aisles, then you can order them online. Another option is making your own.
- Whipping cream (heavy cream). You should use 35-38 % fat whipping cream.
- Cocoa powder. I use unsweetened.
- Maraschino cherries. You'll want to ensure you buy the cocktail cherries with stems.
*Please see recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantities
📖Variations & Substitutions
- Cherries: You can use fresh cherries for the garnish
- Cherry pie filling. You can use a homemade cherry filling (this is the one I use for my Black Forest Cake) instead of canned.
- Coffee: You can substitute regular coffee or instant coffee with 2 tsps of vanilla extract.
- Chocolate garnish: You can use dark chocolate shavings or chopped chocolate instead of cocoa
- Whipped cream - I recommend using real whipping cream (liquid). Do NOT use whipped cream from a spray can, as it will melt and run. You can use Cool Whip or Dream Whip as a substitute, but I do not recommend it.
- Non-alcoholic: You can use another coffee-flavored liqueur like Tia Maria or even a splash of Baileys. You can leave the Kahlua out altogether (and add 4 additional tablespoons of coffee), you could use Kahlua flavored coffee, or you can make your own non-alcoholic Kahlua.
🔪Step-by-Step: How to Make Black Forest Tiramisu
- Step 1: Mix cooled, brewed vanilla coffee and Kahlua together.
- Step 2: Place ½ of the lady fingers (24) on the bottom of a 9x13 pan and evenly drizzle ½ of the coffee Kahlua mixture over the lady fingers. *Alternatively, you can dip them in the bowl of the coffee Kahlua mixture (a quick dip on each side), OR use a pastry brush to brush on the mixture.
- Step 3: Break up cake into pieces (if you haven't already) and place evenly over soaked biscuits.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the pudding with the mascarpone cheese. *You can do this by hand or with an electric mixer on low speed.
- Step 5: Spread creamy mascarpone mixture over cake with a rubber spatula.
- Step 6: Place the other ½ of the lady fingers (24) over the pudding mascarpone mixture. Drizzle the remaining coffee Kahlua mixture evenly over the lady fingers.
- Step 7: Spread canned cherry pie filling evenly over lady fingers.
- Step 8: In a large bowl, beat whipping cream to soft peaks, then add white granulated sugar and continue beating to stiff peaks. The whipping cream should double in volume (approximately).
- Step 9: Top the dessert with whipped cream and spread evenly. Refrigerate overnight. *This dessert is best if it sits for at least 8 hours or overnight
- Step 10: Garnish: Sprinkle cocoa over whipped cream. Top with maraschino cherries, if desired.
Hint: When you are spreading the layers, to avoid mixing them together, drop by large dollops, then spread outward from the middle of each one with a spatula.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Let it Chill Long Enough: This dessert really needs at least 8 hours (preferably overnight) in the fridge. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the layers to fully set, giving you that perfect creamy, sliceable texture.
- Don't Oversoak the Lady Fingers: Drizzle the coffee-Kahlua mixture evenly over the lady fingers — don't soak them completely. Too much liquid will make the dessert soggy rather than soft and luscious.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your whipping cream, mascarpone, and pudding are cold before you start. Cold ingredients whip better, hold their structure longer, and make assembly quicker and easier.
- Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: Beat your whipping cream until it holds firm, stiff peaks (but don’t overbeat into butter!). This will give the dessert height and stability.
- Use Good Quality Mascarpone: High-quality mascarpone cheese makes a noticeable difference. Look for one with a rich, creamy texture for the best results.
- Layer Gently: When spreading each layer, drop the filling in dollops and then gently spread outward with a spatula. This prevents the layers from mixing together and keeps the dessert looking neat.
- Slice the Cake Into Small Pieces: Cut or break your chocolate cake into small, bite-sized pieces for even layering and easier scooping when serving.
- Cocoa Powder Just Before Serving: Dust the cocoa powder garnish right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. If sprinkled too early, it can absorb moisture and look muddy.
- Customize the Garnish: Add extra flair with dark chocolate curls, shaved chocolate, or fresh cherries if you're serving at a special event — it makes a big visual impact!
- Serve in Bowls: Because of its soft, trifle-like texture, Black Forest Tiramisu is best served in dessert bowls or trifle glasses rather than plates.
👪 Serving Size
This Black Forest Tiramisu recipe makes 12 servings. However, you can half, double, or triple the recipe by clicking on the serving number and selecting the number of servings you'd like. The ingredient quantities will automatically adjust. You'll just need additional baking dishes/pans.
This is best served in dessert bowls, as it has more of a trifle consistency.
🥗 What to Serve with No Bake Black Forest Tiramisu
I love to serve Make-Ahead Lasagna (with no boil noodles) (shown) because it can also be made in advance. Baked Beef Cannelloni also pairs well, especially if it's a special occasion.
If you are serving a crowd, this delicious crockpot Beef on a Bun is ideal!
🌡️Storage
Store this black forest tiramisu in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. These ingredients do not stand up to freezing.
You can make this Italian dessert up to 2 days in advance. However, I like to make it the night before. It can also be made last minute, but it's best if you let it sit for at least 6 hours or overnight.
❔ Recipe FAQs
Yes! A trifle bowl makes for a beautiful presentation. Just layer the ingredients in the same order, adjusting the amounts slightly if your bowl is smaller
It's not recommended to freeze this dessert as the texture of the whipped cream, pudding, and mascarpone will change significantly after thawing.
Definitely! You can layer the ingredients in small dessert cups, mason jars, or even wine glasses for cute individual servings — perfect for parties.
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar added to the whipping cream or opt for a less sweet chocolate cake.
AND....if you love tiramisu, then give my other tiramisu recipes a try! Saskatoon Berry (Juneberry) Dessert Shooters , Raspberry Tiramisu Tarts, and these Chocolate Tiramisu Cupcakes!
I have brought this No Bake Black Forest Tiramisu to several potlucks and barbecues, and it's always a hit!! So, if you are looking for an easy dessert for a potluck, you'll love this one!
🍰More Potluck Desserts
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📋 Black Forest Tiramisu Recipe (No Bake)
Ingredients
- 300 g chocolate cake loaf or pound cake (store-bought or home-made+
- 5 158 g -containers instant chocolate pudding snack
- 1½ cups mascarpone cheese
- 540 ml -can cherry pie filling
- 48 lady fingers (400 g package)
- 1 ⅓ cup brewed vanilla flavoured coffee cooled, regular coffee and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract can be substituted
- 5 tablespoon Kahlua
- 2 ½ cups real whipping cream (35%)/heavy cream *do NOT use whipped cream in the spray can
- 2 tablespoon white granulated sugar
Garnish
- unsweetened cocoa about 1-2 tsp
- 8-12 Maraschino cocktail cherries (with stems) optional
Instructions
- Mix cooled brewed coffee and Kahlua together.1 ⅓ cup brewed vanilla flavoured coffee, 5 tablespoon Kahlua
- Place ½ the lady fingers (24) on the bottom of a 9x13 pan and evenly drizzle ½ the coffee Kahlua mixture over the lady fingers.48 lady fingers
- Break up cake into pieces and place evenly over soaked biscuits.
- In a separate bowl, mix pudding with mascarpone cheese. *You can do this by hand or with an electric mixer on low speed. *I simply use a large spoon.1½ cups mascarpone cheese, 5 158 g -containers instant chocolate pudding snack
- Spread creamy mascarpone pudding mixture over cake with a rubber spatula.
- Place the other ½ of the lady fingers (24) over the pudding mascarpone mixture. Drizzle the remaining coffee Kahlua mixture over the lady fingers.
- Spread cherries evenly over lady fingers.540 ml -can cherry pie filling
- In a large bowl, beat whipping cream to soft peaks, then add white granulated sugar and continue beating to stiff peaks. The whipping cream should double in volume (approximately).2 ½ cups real whipping cream (35%)/heavy cream, 2 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- Top dessert with whipped cream and spread evenly.
Garnish
- Sprinkle cocoa over whipped cream. Top with maraschino cherries, if desired.unsweetened cocoa, 8-12 Maraschino cocktail cherries (with stems)
- *This dessert is best if it sits at least 8 hours or overnight.
Notes
-
- Let it Chill Long Enough: This dessert really needs at least 8 hours (preferably overnight) in the fridge. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the layers to fully set, giving you that perfect creamy, sliceable texture.
-
- Don't Oversoak the Lady Fingers: Drizzle the coffee-Kahlua mixture evenly over the lady fingers — don't soak them completely. Too much liquid will make the dessert soggy rather than soft and luscious.
-
- Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your whipping cream, mascarpone, and pudding are cold before you start. Cold ingredients whip better, hold their structure longer, and make assembly quicker and easier.
-
- Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: Beat your whipping cream until it holds firm, stiff peaks (but don’t overbeat into butter!). This will give the dessert height and stability.
-
- Use Good Quality Mascarpone: High-quality mascarpone cheese makes a noticeable difference. Look for one with a rich, creamy texture for the best results.
-
- Layer Gently: When spreading each layer, drop the filling in dollops and then gently spread outward with a spatula. This prevents the layers from mixing together and keeps the dessert looking neat.
-
- Slice the Cake Into Small Pieces: Cut or break your chocolate cake into small, bite-sized pieces for even layering and easier scooping when serving.
-
- Cocoa Powder Just Before Serving: Dust the cocoa powder garnish right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant. If sprinkled too early, it can absorb moisture and look muddy.
-
- Customize the Garnish: Add extra flair with dark chocolate curls, shaved chocolate, or fresh cherries if you're serving at a special event — it makes a big visual impact!
-
- Serve in Bowls: Because of its soft, trifle-like texture, Black Forest Tiramisu is best served in dessert bowls or trifle glasses rather than plates.
-
- Cherry pie filling. You can use a homemade cherry filling (this is the one I use for my Black Forest Cake) instead of canned.
-
- Cherries: You can use fresh cherries for the garnish.
-
- Coffee: You can substitute regular coffee or instant coffee with 2 tsps of vanilla extract.
-
- Chocolate garnish: You can use dark chocolate shavings or chopped chocolate instead of cocoa
-
- Whipped cream - I recommend using real whipping cream (liquid). Do NOT use whipped cream from a spray can, as it will melt and run. You can use Cool Whip or Dream Whip as a substitute, but I do not recommend it.
-
- Non-alcoholic: You can use another coffee-flavored liqueur like Tia Maria or even a splash of Baileys. You can leave the Kahlua out altogether (and add 4 additional tablespoons of coffee), you could use Kahlua flavored coffee, or you can make your own non-alcoholic Kahlua.
Nutrition
Teri
This easy to make cake is delicious! Just the right mix of coffee and Black Forest cake. I look forward to my next potluck so I can bring it!
Terri Gilson
Hi Teri,
So glad to hear you loved it! It's a fave around here too 🙂
Terri
Beverly
Can you make this a day ahead?
Terri Gilson
Hi Bevely,
You definitely can and I usually do. It's better if it sits overnight anyway. Just be sure to use a real whipped cream (not the spray one in the can because that will melt and run). Enjoy!
Sharon
Hey Terri! My blog turned FIVE last month and I am still learning new things. Also I have been slowly updating my cringe worthy old photos. It's funny how proud I was of them back in the day! This dessert looks fabulous. Black forest was my fave as a kid. My mom would customise it for me and instead of cherries I would have strawberries. I might try this with fresh summer berries!
Terri Gilson
Hi Sharon! Wow - 5 years! Congrats to you - that is major commitment 🙂
Thanks re: dessert. I think strawberries (or any berries) would be wonderful with this!
Cheryl
What an incredible idea, this is two of my all-time favourite things combined! My father would absolutely love it, too, I will be filing it away for his next visit!
Terri Gilson
Hi Cheryl: Thanks! I hope you and your Dad enjoy it!
Diane
So clever Terri! I have tried a lemon variation on Tiramisu, but the Black Forest idea sounds tantalizing. I think I might flavour it with kirsch instead of kahlua. Looking forward to trying this. Sounds sure to be a crowd pleaser. Diane | Kitchen Bliss | FBC
Terri Gilson
Hi Diane: Thank you! I love the idea of using Kirsch, as I do use it in my black forest cake. You could even use both 🙂
Sue
Tried this recipe and the whole family loved it!
Terri Gilson
So glad to hear that, Sue!
Sue Slaght
This looks delicious but what I like best is that your recipe makes me feel as though I could actually do it!
foodmeanderingscom
Thanks - yes, it's easy and yummy! Hope you enjoy...