If you adore classic Italian desserts but want a refreshing twist, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is a total game changer. It combines the creamy richness of mascarpone and whipped cream with the bright, juicy sweetness of strawberries, layered over coffee-soaked ladyfingers. The result is an irresistibly light yet indulgent treat that feels like summer in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just craving something special for yourself, this dessert will quickly become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtful ingredient list. Each component plays a critical role in building the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make the dessert shine.
- Strawberries: Fresh, sweet strawberries bring natural juiciness and vibrant color.
- Sugar: Sweetens the strawberries and harmonizes all the layers.
- Orange liqueur: Adds a subtle citrus aroma that lifts the flavors.
- Mascarpone cheese: Provides that signature creamy, rich base of tiramisu.
- Heavy cream: Whipped for lightness, balancing the mascarpone’s density.
- Vanilla extract: A warm, comforting note that deepens the flavor profile.
- Brewed coffee: Essential for soaking the ladyfingers and introducing that classic tiramisu coffee punch.
- Ladyfinger cookies: The perfect sponge texture to absorb coffee and hold all the layers together.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Begin by washing and hulling your strawberries, then slice them thinly. This ensures they release their juices evenly and soak up the orange liqueur beautifully.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
Combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and orange liqueur in a bowl. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes. This step softens the berries and infuses them with a lovely citrusy sweetness perfect for the tiramisu.
Step 3: Make the Cream Layer
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This luscious blend is the heart of your Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe, bringing richness without heaviness.
Step 4: Soak the Ladyfingers
Dip each ladyfinger cookie quickly into the brewed coffee. You want them well soaked but not soggy — think tender and flavorful, holding their shape to support the luscious layers.
Step 5: Build the Base Layer
Arrange half of the coffee-soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish. This forms a sturdy yet soft foundation for your dessert’s layers.
Step 6: Add the Cream Layer
Next, spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the ladyfingers, creating a rich, smooth layer that contrasts perfectly with the fruity strawberries.
Step 7: Layer the Strawberries
Top the mascarpone with half of your macerated strawberry mixture, spreading it out gently to cover the cream with those juicy, vibrant berries.
Step 8: Repeat the Layers
Now, carefully repeat the layering with the remaining soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and strawberry mixture. This stacked approach builds the classic tiramisu look, with a fresh strawberry flair.
Step 9: Chill and Set
Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best. This chilling step lets all the flavors meld and the ladyfingers soften to the perfect texture.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, top your tiramisu with fresh, sliced strawberries for a gorgeous finish and an extra burst of fresh flavor that invites everyone to dig in.
Step 11: Enjoy!
Serve this delightful dessert chilled, and watch it disappear with joy. Your homemade Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is ready to impress family and friends alike.
How to Serve Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
For the perfect presentation, fresh strawberry slices on top add a juicy pop of color. You can also sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or add a few fresh mint leaves to bring a touch of brightness that complements the creamy layers.
Side Dishes
This strawberry tiramisu pairs beautifully with light drinks like sparkling wine or a crisp glass of white. It also works well alongside a simple fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to keep the dessert theme going.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow guests, serve individual portions in pretty glass cups or mason jars to highlight the layered beauty of the dessert. Another fun twist is to add edible flowers or drizzle a little berry coulis on top for extra color and flavor dynamics.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dessert keeps wonderfully in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, so it’s great as a make-ahead treat for busy evenings or gatherings.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to enjoy Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe fresh or chilled. Freezing can sometimes alter the texture of the mascarpone and strawberries, causing slight separation when thawed.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if it’s too chilled for your liking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for their texture and natural sweetness, but if you use frozen berries, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the layers.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the orange liqueur?
Absolutely! You can replace orange liqueur with a splash of fresh orange juice or orange zest to maintain that citrus note without the alcohol.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, substitute mascarpone and heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew-based alternatives, and select dairy-free ladyfingers or homemade sponge cookies.
How long can I prepare Strawberry Tiramisu in advance?
You can assemble and refrigerate this tiramisu up to 24 hours ahead. The flavors meld beautifully, so it’s perfect for entertaining.
Can I use espresso instead of brewed coffee?
Espresso will give a stronger coffee flavor which some love, but brewed coffee keeps the dessert lighter and lets the strawberries shine. It’s up to your personal taste!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance with the fresh charm of summer fruit, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is your new best friend. It’s so rewarding to create a homemade tiramisu that feels both indulgent and light. Give it a try—you might just find it’s the sweetest highlight of your dessert repertoire!
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Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 4h 30m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Strawberry Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone mixture, and fresh, macerated strawberries enhanced with orange liqueur. It’s a no-bake, chilled dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings or anytime you crave a light yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 1 pound strawberries, washed, hulled, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur
Mascarpone Cream
- 1 cup Mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly
- 1/2 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 24 ladyfinger cookies
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them thinly to ensure they release their natural sweetness and blend well with the sugar and liqueur.
- Macerate Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with sugar and orange liqueur. Stir well to coat evenly and let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the strawberries to release juice.
- Make Mascarpone Cream: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened—this will give the tiramisu its rich texture.
- Soak Ladyfingers: Dip each ladyfinger cookie briefly into the brewed coffee, making sure they are soaked through but still firm so they hold their shape during assembly.
- Layer Ladyfingers: Arrange half of the soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9 inch dish, creating an even base layer for the dessert.
- Spread Mascarpone Mixture: Evenly spread half of the mascarpone cream over the layer of ladyfingers, smoothing it out gently.
- Add Strawberries: Spread half of the macerated strawberry mixture, including some of the syrup, evenly over the mascarpone layer for a fresh fruity layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and strawberries to build a second tier.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors mingle and the dessert set properly.
- Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, garnish the top with fresh sliced strawberries for an attractive and fresh finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, fruity, and coffee-infused layers of this refreshing Strawberry Tiramisu.
Notes
- Make sure the ladyfingers are dipped quickly to avoid them becoming soggy and falling apart.
- This recipe can be made a day ahead, which allows the flavors to develop and makes for easy entertaining.
- Orange liqueur adds a subtle citrus flavor, but you can substitute it with orange juice or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream to make it dairy-free and vegan-friendly, but mascarpone would need to be replaced accordingly.
