If you adore classic Italian tiramisu but crave a fresh twist that feels like spring on a plate, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with juicy strawberries, velvety mascarpone, and the delicate crunch of ladyfingers soaked in a homemade strawberry sauce, every bite offers a luscious contrast of flavors and textures. It’s a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with friends or simply indulging yourself. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you’ll be impressing everyone at your table in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is key to making a stunning Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe. These simple yet essential components each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy sweetness, fruity freshness, and rich texture.
- Fresh strawberries: The star of the dish, they provide natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Sugar: Enhances the strawberries’ natural flavors and helps create a luscious sauce.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Cold heavy cream: Whipped to airy perfection, it lightens the mascarpone filling.
- Powdered sugar: Delicately sweetens the cream without weighing it down.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the creamy layers.
- Mascarpone cheese: The creamy foundation that makes this tiramisu luxuriously smooth.
- Ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi): They soak up the strawberry sauce to provide a soft yet slightly spongy texture.
- Additional sliced strawberries: For garnishing and adding fresh bursts of flavor.
- Mint leaves (optional): A fresh, herbal contrast that brightens the presentation.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Sauce
Start by cooking your sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. This step is crucial as it loosens the strawberries’ juices, creating a sweet-tart sauce that’s vibrant and fragrant. After about 8 to 10 minutes, once the berries have softened and the mixture has thickened, let it cool completely. You can choose to blend the sauce smooth for a silky texture or leave it chunky if you love that bit of bite in your dessert.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Pour your chilled heavy cream into a mixing bowl, then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form, which means when you lift your whisk, the cream holds a gentle peak but still looks soft and fluffy. This whipped cream not only adds volume but also contributes to the light, cloud-like texture that makes this tiramisu feel irresistible.
Step 3: Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture
In a separate bowl, gently fold the mascarpone cheese to loosen it up before folding in your whipped cream. Be careful to combine them delicately—this ensures a smooth, airy filling without losing all that lovely whipped cream fluff. This step turns the filling into a luscious, creamy layer that’s the heart of your Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe.
Step 4: Dip and Layer
Quickly dip each ladyfinger biscuit into the cooled strawberry sauce, but don’t soak them too long—you want them infused with flavor yet still firm enough to hold their shape. Line your chosen dish with a single layer of these soaked ladyfingers, creating the perfect base to build your tiramisu.
Step 5: Layer the Filling and Repeat
Spread half of your mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, smoothing it evenly. Then, add another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone filling. This layering is where the magic happens, combining fresh strawberry flavor with creamy richness in every forkful.
Step 6: Chill and Garnish
Cover your layered masterpiece and refrigerate it for at least four hours—overnight is even better. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the ladyfingers to soften to that perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a few mint leaves to add brightness and a pop of color that’s as inviting as the taste itself.
How to Serve Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced strawberries and mint leaves aren’t just pretty—they add an extra burst of freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy layers. For an elegant touch, you could also dust a little powdered sugar over the top or add white chocolate shavings for a subtle sweetness boost.
Side Dishes
Serve this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe alongside light, refreshing accompaniments like a simple mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a glass of chilled sparkling wine. These contrast nicely with the rich dessert and keep your meal feeling balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving your strawberry tiramisu in individual glass jars or clear cups so they can see each glorious layer. Another idea is to use trifle bowls or even mini mason jars for single servings—this makes for stunning presentation and easy portion control.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is well covered to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors while preserving its delicate flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
This dessert doesn’t freeze particularly well because the texture of the mascarpone and ladyfingers can change after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days after preparing.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended since tiramisu is meant to be served chilled. Instead, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if it has been refrigerated for a long time—this brings out the flavors and softens the texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe?
While fresh strawberries work best for flavor and texture, if frozen strawberries are all you have, just thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess liquid diluting your sauce.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of this strawberry tiramisu?
Absolutely! Unlike traditional tiramisu that often uses coffee or liqueur, this strawberry version doesn’t require any alcohol, making it naturally kid-friendly and perfect for all ages.
Can I substitute mascarpone with cream cheese?
You can, but mascarpone has a milder, richer flavor and creamier texture that really makes the dish special. If you use cream cheese, try mixing it with a bit of heavy cream to lighten the texture.
How long does the Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe need to chill?
A minimum of 4 hours is essential for the flavors to meld and ladyfingers to soften properly. For best results, chill overnight and serve the next day.
Can I make this tiramisu dairy-free?
It’s tricky because mascarpone and heavy cream are core to the creamy texture. However, you could experiment with coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives, keeping in mind the flavor and consistency will be different.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is a delightful way to blend traditional Italian charm with fresh, fruity brightness. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a special occasion or a simple weekend treat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at tiramisu the same way. So go ahead, grab those strawberries, gather your ingredients, and whip up this exquisite dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, featuring layers of fresh strawberry sauce-soaked ladyfingers and a light, airy mascarpone cream. Bursting with fruity flavor and creamy texture, this no-bake dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings or any time you want a refreshing, elegant treat.
Ingredients
Strawberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Mascarpone Cream
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
Assembly
- 20–24 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
- Additional sliced strawberries, for garnish
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Sauce: Start by combining the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the strawberries release their juices and start to break down—about 8 to 10 minutes. Let this cool completely, then blend it into a smooth sauce or leave it chunky if you prefer texture. This fruity mixture becomes the vibrant base for dipping your ladyfingers.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This whipped cream will make your strawberry tiramisu feel light and airy.
- Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture: In another bowl, gently fold the mascarpone cheese to loosen it. Then fold in the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the mixture. The result should be a smooth, cloud-like filling.
- Dip and Layer: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cooled strawberry sauce, just long enough to soak up some flavor without becoming soggy. Lay them in a single layer in a square or rectangular dish.
- Assemble Layers: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers. Repeat the process with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and top with the remaining mascarpone mixture.
- Chill and Garnish: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. When ready to serve, top your strawberry tiramisu with fresh sliced strawberries and a few mint leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the strawberry sauce is completely cool before dipping the ladyfingers to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
- You can leave the strawberry sauce chunky or smooth according to your texture preference.
- For best results, chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream.
- This dessert tastes best if refrigerated overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Mint leaves are optional but add a lovely color contrast and freshness.
- If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor typical of classic tiramisu, consider adding a layer of espresso-soaked ladyfingers along with the strawberry sauce.
