Creating a dessert that blends classic elegance with indulgent flavors is always a rewarding challenge. The first time I made this Salted Caramel Chocolate Tiramisu Delight, it became an instant hit. With its layered richness of chocolate sponge, salted caramel, and mascarpone cream, this dessert effortlessly captures the decadence of a millionaire’s shortbread while retaining the sophisticated charm of tiramisu.

This recipe isn’t just a dessert—it’s a centerpiece for any celebration, a luxurious treat to elevate your gatherings, and a dish that invites storytelling over shared bites.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Tiramisu

A Modern Twist on a Classic: This tiramisu combines the well-loved elements of the Italian dessert with the caramel, shortbread, and chocolate of a millionaire’s shortbread.
Rich and Indulgent: The layers of salted caramel, fluffy mascarpone cream, and espresso-soaked sponge deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: Since it requires chilling, this dessert is ideal for preparing the night before, giving you more time to relax on the day of your event.

Ingredients Breakdown

To create this masterpiece, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chocolate Sponge

Self-Raising Flour: Ensures a soft and airy texture.
Cocoa Powder: Delivers the rich chocolate flavor essential for this dessert.
Full-Fat Milk and Oil: Add moisture to the sponge, keeping it tender even after soaking in espresso.

Espresso Soak

Espresso Powder: Provides a deep, robust coffee flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel and cream.
Optional Liqueur: Dark rum or whiskey adds complexity to the dessert, but it can be omitted for an alcohol-free version.

For the Layers

Mascarpone Cheese and Double Cream: These form the creamy heart of the tiramisu, ensuring richness and stability.
Salted Caramel: A sweet yet savory twist that perfectly complements the other components.
Shortbread Biscuits: Add crunch and a buttery flavor, mimicking the millionaire’s shortbread base.

Step-by-Step Instructions of Salted Caramel Tiramisu

Prepare the Chocolate Sponge

Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the cake tin. The combination of milk, oil, and vinegar in the batter ensures a soft, moist sponge. Once baked, the sponge cools into a sturdy base, ready to soak up the espresso mixture.

Make the Espresso Soak

This soak is a vital component of tiramisu. Use hot water to dissolve the espresso powder, and stir in liqueur if you prefer a boozy kick. Let it cool to avoid melting the other layers.

Craft the Mascarpone Cream

The mascarpone cream requires gentle mixing to avoid curdling. The addition of icing sugar and vanilla brings just the right amount of sweetness to this layer.

Assemble the Tiramisu

Layering is where the magic happens. Begin with espresso-soaked sponge fingers, followed by mascarpone cream, shortbread crumbs, and a drizzle of salted caramel. Repeat for a second layer, finishing with a dusting of cocoa powder for a classic touch.

Expert Tips for Success of Salted Caramel Tiramisu

1. Chill for Perfection: This dessert tastes even better after an overnight chill. The resting time allows the layers to meld, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
2. Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of salted caramel to suit your taste. A slightly salted caramel offsets the richness beautifully.
3. Serve with Flair: Use a sharp spoon to scoop portions, revealing the luscious layers. Add extra salted caramel drizzle for a gourmet presentation.

Variations to Explore

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the self-raising flour in the sponge with a gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free shortbread cookies.
Nutty Texture: Sprinkle crushed toasted almonds or hazelnuts between the layers for added crunch.
Fruit-Infused Twist: Add a thin layer of fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries for a fruity contrast to the caramel and chocolate.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dessert is best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop fully. Store the tiramisu in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. While it’s unlikely there will be leftovers, this dish does not freeze well due to its creamy layers.

Pairing Suggestions

To complete your dessert course, serve this tiramisu with:

Espresso: The bold coffee flavors complement the dessert’s layers perfectly.
Dessert Wine: A glass of sweet Marsala or a rich Port adds a luxurious touch.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tiramisu Delight is more than a dessert—it’s an experience that blends tradition and innovation. Each bite tells a story of rich chocolate, creamy mascarpone, and sweet-salty caramel, creating a harmony of flavors that feels like pure indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual family gathering, this tiramisu promises to leave a lasting impression.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this recipe and treat your loved ones to a dessert they’ll rave about for years to come. And don’t forget to share your creations—tag me on social media with your beautiful renditions. Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tiramisu Delight

Author: Samia
Total Time: Approximately 13–14 hours
Yield: Serves 10–12 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Salted Caramel Chocolate Tiramisu is a decadent twist on the classic dessert. Layers of espresso-soaked chocolate sponge, creamy mascarpone, salted caramel, and shortbread crumbs create a luxurious treat that’s perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Sponge:

110g self-raising flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
30g cocoa powder
15g cornflour
90g caster sugar
1/8 tsp salt
165ml full-fat milk (room temperature)
1 tsp distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
35ml flavorless oil

For the Espresso Soak:

20g instant espresso powder
450ml hot water
150ml optional liqueur (dark rum, whiskey, or Irish cream)

For the Layers:

100g shortbread biscuits, coarsely crushed
250g full-fat mascarpone (room temperature)
600ml double cream (room temperature)
3 tbsp icing sugar (sifted)
225g salted caramel or dulce de leche
1 tsp fleur de sel or flaky sea salt
2 tbsp cocoa powder (for dusting)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 170ºC fan (340ºF) and prepare a 20×31.5 cm (8×12.5 inch) cake tin.
Mix milk, vinegar, vanilla, and oil. Set aside for 5 minutes.
Combine flour, baking powder, cocoa, cornflour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the wet mixture, whisking until smooth.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, then cool completely before slicing into 12 rectangles.
Prepare the espresso soak by dissolving espresso powder in hot water. Add liqueur if desired. Cool.
Warm salted caramel and stir in sea salt. Set aside.
Whip mascarpone, cream, and icing sugar to stiff peaks.
Layer espresso-soaked sponge rectangles, mascarpone cream, crushed shortbread, and salted caramel in a dish. Repeat layers and dust with cocoa powder.
Chill for 12–24 hours before serving.

Notes

Make ahead for deeper flavors.
Substitute alcohol with equal water for a kid-friendly version.
Store in the fridge and consume within three days.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake, Layered
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired