Name: Strawberry Tiramisu
Prep time: PT-487036H6M13S
Total time: PT-487036H6M13S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (for strawberry syrup) 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for strawberry syrup) 1/4 cup water (for strawberry syrup) 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for strawberry syrup) 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for mascarpone cream) 1 package ladyfingers (about 24) 1-2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (for layering and topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Tiramisu is a delightful variation on the traditional tiramisu, offering a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and fruity flavors. The strawberries add a fresh, summery touch that pairs wonderfully with the smooth mascarpone filling, while the ladyfingers soak up the strawberry syrup, giving each bite a light and flavorful richness. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a simple weeknight treat, this dessert will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Syrup:

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Mascarpone Cream:

8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Layers:

1 package ladyfingers (about 24)
1-2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (for layering and topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Strawberry Syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the syrup thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids, if desired. Set aside.

For the Mascarpone Cream:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cheese mixture until fully combined.
If desired, add lemon juice to the mascarpone cream for an extra burst of freshness, and mix until smooth.

Assembling the Strawberry Tiramisu:

Begin by dipping each ladyfinger into the cooled strawberry syrup for just a second or two—don’t soak them, as you want them to hold their structure. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×9-inch (or similar size) serving dish.
Spread a layer of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers, smoothing it out evenly.
Add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries on top of the mascarpone cream.
Repeat the layers: another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by mascarpone cream, and more sliced strawberries.
Finish with a layer of mascarpone cream on top, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface.
Refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set.

Garnish and Serve:

Before serving, garnish the top with additional fresh strawberries for a vibrant touch.
Serve chilled and enjoy the refreshing, fruity twist on the classic tiramisu!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 6-8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20-25 minutes, and chilling time is at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

Berry Tiramisu: You can substitute or mix strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry tiramisu.
Alcohol-Free Version: If you prefer not to use alcohol, skip the rum or coffee flavoring in the syrup and simply use strawberry syrup as the soaking liquid.
Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free mascarpone substitute, coconut whipped cream, and vegan ladyfingers to make a vegan-friendly version of this dessert.
Chocolate Tiramisu: For a chocolatey variation, sprinkle cocoa powder or grated chocolate between the layers or top the tiramisu with a layer of chocolate shavings.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover strawberry tiramisu in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days. It’s best served chilled, and the dessert will continue to improve in flavor as it sits. It’s not recommended to freeze this dessert, as the texture may change when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the syrup or as a topping.

Can I use a different fruit for the syrup?

Yes! If you prefer a different fruit flavor, you can substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches to make a fruity syrup for soaking the ladyfingers.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, strawberry tiramisu actually tastes even better after it has been refrigerated for several hours or overnight. It’s a great make-ahead dessert!

How do I know when the tiramisu is ready to serve?

The tiramisu should be firm enough to slice and hold its shape. If the cream filling is too soft, give it more time to chill in the fridge. It will firm up as it sets.

Can I add alcohol to the syrup?

Yes, you can add a tablespoon of rum or marsala wine to the strawberry syrup if you want to incorporate the traditional tiramisu flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on your taste.

Can I use a different type of cream?

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream, or for a richer flavor, you can add a bit more mascarpone cheese.

How long will this strawberry tiramisu last?

This dessert will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. Just keep it covered to prevent the ladyfingers from drying out.

What can I use instead of ladyfingers?

If you don’t have ladyfingers, you can substitute with sponge cake, angel food cake, or even graham crackers as the base of the dessert. Just ensure they’re lightly soaked in the syrup.

Can I make this tiramisu dairy-free?

Yes, for a dairy-free version, use dairy-free mascarpone and coconut cream for the whipped cream. You can also find vegan ladyfingers or make your own with vegan-friendly ingredients.

Conclusion

Strawberry Tiramisu is a refreshing and delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert. The layers of creamy mascarpone filling, soaked ladyfingers, and fresh strawberries make for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. This dessert is perfect for summer, as it’s light, fruity, and refreshing, yet still indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this strawberry tiramisu is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves fresh strawberries and creamy desserts. Enjoy!

Strawberry Tiramisu

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients