Easy Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe: A Light and Delicious Twist on Classic Tiramisu
Tiramisu, which literally means “pick me up” or “cheer me up” in Italian, is famously known for its rich combination of espresso, cocoa, and creamy mascarpone layered with ladyfingers. But sometimes, a dessert calls for the light, sweet taste of summer!
Strawberry Tiramisu is a delightful, vibrant reinterpretation that replaces the traditional coffee soak with a bright, sweet, and slightly tart strawberry puree or syrup. This stunning dessert layers the soft, spongy ladyfinger cookies with fresh, sweet strawberries and a cloud-like mixture of whipped cream and rich mascarpone cheese. It’s a perfect treat for spring, summer, or any occasion where you want an elegant, refreshing, no-bake dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced)
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (found in most grocery stores by the fancy cheeses)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup brewed coffee (or espresso, but I just use regular coffee because I’m a mom on the go)
- 24-30 ladyfinger cookies (depends on how big your dish is)
- Cocoa powder (for dusting)
- Chocolate shavings (if you’re feeling extra like me)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
So, the first thing you’re going to do is get your strawberries ready. Start by washing them and cutting off the tops (we don’t need those). Slice them up, and then take about half of them and mash them with a fork. You want some of them to stay chunky for texture, but feel free to blend them if you want it smoother. Set this strawberry puree aside because it’s about to become part of the magic.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Grab your mixer (or a hand whisk if you’re feeling strong) and start whipping the heavy cream. You’re looking for soft peaks—basically, you should be able to lift the whisk and see the cream hold its shape, but not too stiff. Once you’ve got that, add in the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Keep whipping until it’s smooth and creamy. This part is so fun because you can’t help but taste it and think, “Wow, this is going to be SO good.”
Step 3: Coffee Soak
Now, in a shallow bowl, combine your brewed coffee. If you’re not a fan of coffee, you can skip this step and use fruit juice, like orange juice, to soak the ladyfingers.
Step 4: Soak the Ladyfingers
Here’s where the fun begins! Take each ladyfinger and dip it into the coffee mixture. Don’t let it sit in there too long; just a quick dip so it doesn’t get soggy. Lay the dipped ladyfingers down in the bottom of your dish. I usually use a 9×9 baking dish, but if you have a bigger or smaller dish, just adjust the amount of ladyfingers you use.
Step 5: Layer It Up
Once the first layer of ladyfingers is down, spread half of your mascarpone mixture over the top. Don’t worry about being perfect; you just want a nice, even layer. Then, drizzle some of your strawberry puree over that. The mix of creamy mascarpone and sweet strawberry is what dreams are made of. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the rest of the mascarpone mixture and the rest of the strawberry puree.
Step 6: Garnish & Chill
Here’s where you get to be a little extra (if you want). Take your leftover fresh strawberries and slice them up. Decorate the top of the tiramisu with those, and then dust everything lightly with cocoa powder. If you’re feeling like a pro, throw some chocolate shavings on top too. Because who doesn’t want extra chocolate, right?
Step 7: Let It Chill
Pop the whole thing in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Honestly, it’s even better if you let it sit overnight because all those flavors can come together. I usually make this in the morning, and by dinner, it’s ready to rock and roll. The hardest part is just waiting!
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
Once it’s chilled and ready, cut yourself a generous slice (maybe even two… we all know how dessert goes around here) and dig in. The layers of creamy mascarpone, the sweetness of the strawberries, and that slight coffee kick from the soaked ladyfingers make this a dessert everyone will love. Even my picky eaters (who, let’s be real, barely eat anything) asked for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Strawberry Tiramisu
Can I skip the coffee in this Strawberry Tiramisu?
Of course! If you’re not a coffee fan or want a more kid-friendly dessert, you can easily swap out the coffee with fruit juice, like orange juice. This will give it a fun, fresh twist that still pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
Is this a good dessert for a party?
Yes! This easy strawberry tiramisu recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or any special occasion. It’s a showstopper, looks impressive, and is easy to make ahead of time, so you can spend more time with your guests instead of stressing in the kitchen.
Can I make this with other fruits?
Definitely! While this recipe focuses on strawberries, you could try making fruit tiramisu with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches. It’s super versatile, so feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits.
What kind of mascarpone cheese should I use?
You want to use full-fat mascarpone cheese, which you can find in the refrigerated section near other specialty cheeses. Some stores also carry it near the cream cheese, but be sure to check the label for authenticity—real mascarpone has a richer flavor that gives your tiramisu that delicious, creamy texture.
Can I add chocolate to my Strawberry Tiramisu?
Oh, you bet you can! If you love chocolate (and who doesn’t?), you can sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top of the tiramisu before serving. You could even add some cocoa powder in the layers for a chocolatey twist on this classic dessert.
Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe Card
Strawberry Tiramisu
Ingredients
Method
- Slice half of the strawberries and mash them with a fork. Set aside.
- Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then whip until smooth.
- Mix brewed coffee in a shallow bowl. Dip ladyfingers briefly into the mixture.
- In a dish, layer dipped ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and strawberry puree. Repeat layers.
- Top with sliced fresh strawberries and dust with cocoa powder. Optionally, add chocolate shavings.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Serve chilled, cut into generous slices.
Notes
- Ladyfingers: If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can totally use sponge cake or pound cake. Just cut them into strips so they can soak up all that yummy coffee goodness.
- Skip the Coffee: Not a coffee fan? No problem! Swap it out for orange juice or any fruit juice you like. It changes the flavor a bit but still works great.
- Make Ahead: This is one of those desserts that’s perfect for making a day ahead. It just gets better the longer it sits in the fridge!
Strawberry Tiramisu offers a brilliant and refreshing alternative to its coffee-laced cousin. With its light, creamy mascarpone layers, spongy ladyfingers soaked in sweet strawberry essence, and a beautiful topping of fresh, vibrant berries, it delivers all the elegance of traditional tiramisu without the heaviness.
It is the ideal no-bake dessert for entertaining, as its flavors are best when chilled overnight, and its stunning pink and white layers make for a truly beautiful presentation. This Strawberry Tiramisu is guaranteed to be a sweet, memorable “pick-me-up” for any occasion!
