Happy Hippo Tiramisu, the perfect dessert

Try our irresistible Happy Hippo Tiramisu – the perfect follow-up to our famous Happy Hippo Cheesecake! With easy steps and dreamy texture, this no-bake dessert will become a family favorite. Save this recipe for your next sweet craving!

More tiramisu recipes:

What you’ll love about this recipe

This Happy Hippo Tiramisu is the ideal treat for any celebration! Unlike traditional tiramisu, it contains no coffee or alcohol, making it completely kid-friendly. The star ingredients are those irresistible Happy Hippos – they’ll transport everyone back to childhood while creating new sweet memories. 

With their iconic shape and delicious hazelnut crunch, these chocolates turn dessert into a nostalgic experience. Best of all, this no-bake recipe requires minimal effort – no oven or specialty ladyfingers needed. Just layers of creamy mascarpone, chocolate-dipped biscuits, and those unforgettable Happy Hippos. One bite and this will become your go-to dessert for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want to make ordinary days extra sweet!

To make this creamy happy hippo tiramisu , you’ll find the full written recipe below with all the details. But if you’re more of a visual learner, we’ve got you covered! Watch our step-by-step video tutorial to see exactly how it’s made – don’t worry, the video appears again in the recipe card too.

Happy Hippo tiramisu

  • Yield: 6 portions
  • Level of difficulty: EASY
  • Happy hippos you need: 2 packs, 10 happy hippos in total.
  • Time needs to set: 6-8 h, better to leave overnight
  • Oven: no

List of ingredients

Here’s the list of ingredients and possible substitutions to make the best Kinder Bueno dessert recipe. If you need the exact quantities, go straight to the recipe card! Find it easily by scrolling down—or click ‘Jump to Recipe’ at the top

  • Mascarpone Cheese: The essential creamy base that gives tiramisu its rich texture. For best results, let it come to room temperature before mixing. Cream cheese can substitute in a pinch.
  • Sugar: Granulated white sugar works perfectly, but powdered sugar dissolves more easily for a smoother cream. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • Hazelnut Spread: We recommend the Prozis brand for its authentic Kinder-like flavor. Look for a spreadable, high-quality chocolate-hazelnut blend.
  • Happy Hippos: These iconic chocolate treats add fun texture and decoration. Place them strategically for maximum visual appeal.
  • Chocolate Biscuits: Traditional ladyfingers work too.
  • Milk: Whole milk warmed with hazelnut spread creates the perfect biscuit-dipping liquid. Don’t oversoak – just a quick dip.
  • Wafer Rolls: Crushed for elegant decoration along the edges. Adds nice textural contrast.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Must contain 35-40% milk fat to whip properly. Always chill your cream, bowl, and beaters first for best results.

Essential Equipment for Happy Hippo Tiramisu

To make this delicious dessert as smoothly as possible, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. Don’t worry—nothing too fancy! Here’s what to grab:

  • Whisk or electric mixer – A handheld whisk works perfectly fine, but if you have an electric mixer (stand or hand), it’ll make whipping the heavy cream to soft peaks much quicker and easier. Just be careful not to overwhip!
  • Mixing bowls – You’ll need at least two: one for the mascarpone and hazelnut spread mixture, and another (preferably chilled) for whipping the cream. Pro tip: Stainless steel bowls help keep ingredients cold.
  • Spatula (silicone or rubber) – This is key for gently folding the whipped cream into the mascarpone without deflating it. A stiff spatula gives you better control than a spoon.
  • Baking dish or pan – Any medium-sized rectangular or square dish works well for layering. A glass or ceramic dish makes it easy to see the layers.

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Kinder Bueno spread

To make this delicious Kinder dessert, we’re using a hazelnut spread that was kindly gifted to us by Prozis. It tastes exactly like Kinder Bueno spread! They gave us a code to share with all of you: ARCHERSFOOD for a discount. Again, we’re super thankful for this gift.

Best tips

This coffee-free tiramisu recipe is very easy, but I’ll give you some tips to make it even easier.

  • Always fold ingredients gently using a spatula – never a whisk. Aggressive mixing will deflate your mixture and alter the dessert’s delicate texture.
  • Whip the cream just until soft peaks form. Overwhipping creates a grainy texture that can compromise the entire recipe.
  • If you go too far, don’t worry! Simply fold in 1-2 tablespoons of cold, liquid heavy cream to salvage it. Work carefully to avoid further overmixing.
  • Always start with a chilled, completely dry mixing bowl. This helps the cream whip properly and maintain stability.

FAQs: Kinder Happy Hippo Tiramisu

Where can I buy Kinder Bueno spread?

Kinder Bueno hasn’t released an official Kinder Bueno spread yet, so you’ll need to use a chocolate hazelnut spread alternative. We’re using one from Prozis that was kindly gifted to us (use code ARCHERSFOOD for a discount).

How many Happy Hippo do I need in total?

You’ll need 2 boxes, we are using 10 happy hippos in total.

Do I need coffee or alcohol for this recipe?

No! This recipe is ideal for kids because we are not using coffee or alcohol.

For how long does it stay fresh in the fridge?

Up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this kinder tiramisu?

Yes but it’s not ideal, the happy hippos will become soggy.

How to make a Happy hippo tiramisu

Start by softening the mascarpone cheese with a spoon or spatula until smooth and creamy. This helps create the perfect base for the filling without any lumps.

    2. Add the hazelnut spread to the mascarpone, mixing gently until fully combined. Set this aside while you prepare the whipped cream.

    3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar just until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip—the cream will thicken further when mixed with the other ingredients.

    4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, using a spatula to keep the filling light and airy. Take your time to avoid deflating the cream.

    5. For the base, combine hot milk with a spoonful of hazelnut spread to create a smooth dipping liquid. Briefly soak the biscuits in this mixture, then arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your pan.

    6. Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the biscuits, smoothing it into an even layer. Warm a little extra hazelnut spread until runny, then drizzle it over the cream. Press Happy Hippos into the layer before covering them with the remaining filling.

    7. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, though overnight is even better. This gives the dessert time to set and the flavors to deepen.

    8. Before serving, decorate with a final drizzle of warmed hazelnut spreadchopped wafer sticks, and a few extra Happy Hippos on top for a playful finish.

    If you try this recipe, please leave us a review on our website! And if you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments—I’ll try to reply as fast as I can. Happy baking!

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    Happy Hippo Tiramisu, the perfect dessert

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
    • Author: Archersfood
    • Prep Time: 45 min .
    • Refrigerate: 6h
    • Total Time: 6h 45 min
    • Yield: 6
    • Category: dessert
    • Method: No bake

    Description

    The perfect recipe for all kinder bueno lovers, made with delicious Happy hippos this creamy happy hippo tiramisu will be a favorite! 


    Ingredients

    BISCUIT BASE: 

    TIRAMISU 

    • 400 grams mascarpone cheese
    • 60 grams granulated sugar 
    • 200 grams hazelnut spread
    • 150 grams heavy whipping cream 35%

    MIDDLE LAYER 

    DECORATE


    Instructions

    1. Start by softening the mascarpone cheese with a spoon or spatula until smooth and creamy. This helps create the perfect base for the filling without any lumps.

    2. Add the hazelnut spread to the mascarpone, mixing gently until fully combined. Set this aside while you prepare the whipped cream.

    3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar just until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip—the cream will thicken further when mixed with the other ingredients.

    4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, using a spatula to keep the filling light and airy. Take your time to avoid deflating the cream.

    5. For the base, combine hot milk with a spoonful of hazelnut spread to create a smooth dipping liquid. Briefly soak the biscuits in this mixture, then arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your pan.

    6. Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the biscuits, smoothing it into an even layer. Warm a little extra hazelnut spread until runny, then drizzle it over the cream. Press Happy Hippos into the layer before covering them with the remaining filling.

    7. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, though overnight is even better. This gives the dessert time to set and the flavors to deepen.

    8. Before serving, decorate with a final drizzle of warmed hazelnut spreadchopped wafer sticks, and a few extra Happy Hippos on top for a playful finish.


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    2 Comments

    1. Oh wow, I haven’t seen happy hippos since my childhood! What a pleasant surprise! And such a great combination with tiramisu! I will try this recipe, I hope I can find some hippos too!

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