This Strawberry Tiramisu is pure sunshine on a plate! Imagine layers of juicy strawberries, pillowy mascarpone cream, and delicate ladyfinger cookies all coming together in a no-bake dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious. If you love the classic Italian tiramisu but crave something brighter and fruitier, this Strawberry Tiramisu is about to become your favorite summer treat. Serve it at brunch, take it to a picnic, or make it for a special family dinner; either way, get ready for rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Strawberry Tiramisu is all about simple ingredients working in harmony. Each ingredient brings its own special something, from the bold berries to the creamy cheese, ensuring every bite is full of beautiful color, decadent flavor, and luscious texture.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pound, hulled and sliced): The heart of this dessert! Choose ripe, fragrant berries for vibrant color and maximum juiciness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices and enhancing their sweetness.
- Strawberry jam (2 tablespoons): Adds a concentrate punch of berry flavor to boost the fresh strawberry taste.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the berries and pops their natural flavor, adding fresh tanginess.
- Mascarpone cheese (16 ounces, softened): Essential for the creamy, rich layers that make tiramisu decadent and luxurious.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup, chilled): Makes the mascarpone light and fluffy when whipped together—don’t skip chilling it!
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Gently sweetens the cream without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the mascarpone cream with dreamy vanilla warmth.
- Ladyfinger cookies (1 package, 7 ounces): The classic base that soaks up all those strawberry juices for a soft, cake-like texture.
- Orange juice or strawberry puree (1/2 cup): Used for dipping the ladyfingers—either option adds fruity freshness, but the strawberry puree brings even more berry flavor.
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves (for garnish): For a stunning presentation and a pop of extra freshness just before serving.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by tossing your hulled and sliced strawberries into a bowl. Add the granulated sugar, strawberry jam, and lemon juice. Give everything a good stir and let it sit for about 15 minutes. This maceration step draws out all those glorious juices, making your strawberries syrupy and extra flavorful—an absolute key to Strawberry Tiramisu’s intensely fresh flavor.
Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream
Grab your largest mixing bowl and beat the mascarpone cheese until it’s completely smooth. In another chilled bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the fluffy whipped cream into the whipped mascarpone. This creates a dreamy filling that’s light, airy, and just a little bit decadent.
Step 3: Dip the Ladyfingers
Pour your orange juice or strawberry puree into a shallow dish. Quickly dip each ladyfinger, one at a time, into the liquid—just a second or so per side is perfect. You want the cookies to soak up flavor but not get mushy. This step gives the Strawberry Tiramisu its signature soft, cakey base.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
To build your Strawberry Tiramisu, arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers along the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish. Gently spread half of the mascarpone cream over the cookies, then spoon half of the juicy strawberry mixture over the top. Repeat these layers, finishing with that glossy berry topping. Every spoonful will be bursting with color and texture.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Once assembled, cover your dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. The chill time allows everything to meld together, letting the ladyfingers soften and the flavors marry. It’s worth the wait for an authentically swoon-worthy Strawberry Tiramisu.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, crown your tiramisu with a layer of fresh strawberry slices and a handful of vibrant mint leaves. The final flourish not only makes it look gorgeous, but adds bright flavor and aroma to every bite.
How to Serve Strawberry Tiramisu
Garnishes
Go big on the beauty by piling on fresh strawberry slices and sprigs of mint. For an extra-special touch, dust with a little powdered sugar or add white chocolate shavings. The fresh berries not only look magical, they infuse each serving with even more natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Tiramisu sings as the star of your dessert table, but it also pairs beautifully with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or chilled limoncello. For brunch, serve it with a crisp fruit salad or alongside a platter of buttery shortbread cookies for added crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, cut the tiramisu into squares and lift them out with a spatula for a classic look. For something show-stopping, layer individual portions into pretty glasses or mason jars for a picnic, or make it parfait-style in stemmed glasses for an elegant dinner party. Strawberry Tiramisu is endlessly adaptable and always gorgeous.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Strawberry Tiramisu tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making those leftovers even more irresistible.
Freezing
You can freeze Strawberry Tiramisu! Just be sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. While the texture of the berries may soften a bit, the dessert will still be delicious and thoroughly refreshing.
Reheating
No reheating needed—the joy of Strawberry Tiramisu is in its cool, creamy texture. Simply serve it straight from the fridge and savor every chilled bite.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Tiramisu in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, this dessert tastes even better after chilling overnight. Just assemble, cover, and let those flavors meld in the fridge. It’s your make-ahead dessert hero.
What can I use instead of orange juice for dipping the ladyfingers?
Strawberry puree is a fantastic alternative, and even a splash of strawberry liqueur mixed with juice will give the cookies a vibrant berry kick. Customize it based on your favorite flavors!
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! As long as you skip any liqueur in the dipping liquid, Strawberry Tiramisu is kid-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser for little ones and adults alike.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Frozen strawberries work in a pinch—just thaw and drain them well first. Fresh strawberries, however, will always give the best texture and brightness for Strawberry Tiramisu.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Stored properly, Strawberry Tiramisu will keep beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator, maintaining its soft cake layers and creamy filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that captures the spirit of summer and requires zero baking, you absolutely need to try this Strawberry Tiramisu. It’s fruity, creamy, and fantastically simple—perfect for putting smiles on everyone’s faces. Make it for your next get-together and watch every spoonful disappear!
Print
Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this luscious Strawberry Tiramisu. This fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert is a no-bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- 16 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembling:
- 1 package (7 ounces) ladyfinger cookies
- 1/2 cup orange juice or strawberry puree
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a bowl, combine strawberries, sugar, jam, and lemon juice. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Make the Mascarpone Cream: Beat mascarpone until smooth. Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers in juice, layer in dish. Spread mascarpone cream, then strawberry mixture. Repeat layers. Chill for at least 4 hours.
Notes
- Enhance with a splash of strawberry liqueur
- Substitute fresh strawberries with strawberry compote for a richer flavor
- Flavor develops beautifully when chilled overnight
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
