Step 1

Make the chocolate whipped cream: In a metal mixing bowl (SEE NOTES), add the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar. Beat with a electric mixer for 4 minutes, or until medium-stiff peaks form. Set aside in the refrigerator.

Step 2

Make the mascarpone layer: In a large bowl, gently fold the mascarpone with melted chocolate, 3 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar, 1 tablespoon Baileys (or coffee if non-alcoholic), and vanilla extract until JUST combined (SEE NOTES). Next, use a spatula to gently fold the cool whip into the mascarpone. Set aside.

Step 3

Make the coffee soaking liquid for the ladyfingers: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the coffee, granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and ¼ cup Baileys. Set aside.

Step 4

Dip ladyfingers in coffee mixture: Working with a third of the ladyfingers at a time (about 7-8 depending on the size of your bowl), dip the ladyfinger cookies into the coffee mixture, soaking both sides (SEE NOTES).

Step 5

Layer chocolate tiramisu into trifle bowl: First layer the soaked lady fingers onto the bottom of a 3 quart trifle bowl or glass bowl, arranging the cookies in a single layer and breaking the lady fingers in half if necessary to fit them into the bowl. Next, dollop a third of the mascarpone cream mixture onto the ladyfingers and use an offset spatula to spread and smooth out the mascarpone mixture. Then, dollop a third of the chocolate whipped cream over the mascarpone mixture and use your spatula to spread out and smooth the whipped cream. Repeat all the layers two more times - starting with dipping the lady fingers into coffee and ending with the whipped cream.

Step 6

Chill chocolate tiramisu trifle: Cover the tiramisu trifle with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Let the tiramisu sit and set up in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. (Why? The ladyfinger cookies need time to soften. If you like a spongy tiramisu, I recommend letting the trifle sit overnight in the fridge.)

Step 7

Garnish and serve: Dust the top of your tiramisu trifle dessert with cocoa powder, dollop with cool whip frosting, and then sprinkle with chocolate shavings, if using. Serve and enjoy!