Strawberry Tiramisu

Introduction

Strawberry Tiramisu is a delicious, fruity reinvention of the classic Italian dessert, adding a fresh and vibrant twist. Imagine creamy mascarpone layered with juicy, ripe strawberries and coffee-soaked ladyfingers—creating the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and richness. This version offers a light, refreshing take on the traditional tiramisu, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a seasonal treat with all the indulgence of the original.

The first time I made this dessert, I was amazed by how effortlessly the sweet strawberries paired with the creamy layers and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. The flavors came together beautifully, and the dessert was as stunning to look at as it was to eat. It was the perfect light and elegant end to a meal, and everyone was asking for seconds!

What I love most about Strawberry Tiramisu is its versatility. It’s a wonderful option for a spring or summer gathering, offering a refreshing flavor that contrasts beautifully with heavier dishes. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top for a nod to the classic or even swap the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist. Whether you’re serving it after a rich meal or as a sweet treat for a special occasion, this dessert is sure to impress and leave everyone craving more.

Perfect for:

Spring and summer gatherings
Dinner parties
Holiday celebrations
Family desserts
Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Tiramisu will become your new favorite dessert:

Fresh and Fruity Flavor: The juicy strawberries provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy mascarpone layers, offering a fruity variation to the classic.
Light and Airy: This version is slightly lighter than the traditional tiramisu, making it an ideal dessert after a hearty meal.
No-Bake Dessert: Just like the original, Strawberry Tiramisu is a no-bake treat, meaning it’s easy to prepare and can be made in advance.
Perfect for Summer: The combination of strawberries and mascarpone feels light and indulgent, making it a perfect choice for warmer weather.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant strawberries not only add fresh flavor but also create a beautiful presentation for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 4 hours (plus chilling time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 3.5 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Tiramisu:

1 ½ cups heavy cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso, cooled
2 tablespoons dark rum or coffee liqueur (optional)
24-30 ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries)
2 tablespoons cocoa powder for dusting
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy cheese is the base of the tiramisu filling and contributes to the luscious texture.
Fresh Strawberries: Strawberries add a bright, fruity element that complements the rich mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers.
Heavy Cream: Whipped to soft peaks, the heavy cream helps create a fluffy and airy texture for the filling.
Ladyfingers: These sponge-like cookies absorb the coffee and cream layers while maintaining their structure.
Coffee or Espresso: Provides the signature flavor that ties the layers together with its deep, bold taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Mixture:

Slice the Strawberries: Wash and slice the fresh strawberries into thin pieces.
Macerrate the Strawberries: Sprinkle the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and gently mix. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to release their juices.

Prepare the Cream Filling:

Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
Mix Mascarpone and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Combine Cream and Mascarpone: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined. Set aside.

Prepare the Coffee Mixture:

Brew the Coffee: Brew a strong cup of coffee or espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
Add Liquor (Optional): If using, add dark rum or coffee liqueur to the cooled coffee and stir to combine.

Assemble the Tiramisu:

Soak the Ladyfingers: Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture, ensuring they are soaked but not soggy. Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch or similar-sized serving dish.
Layer the Cream Filling: Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the soaked ladyfingers, smoothing it into an even layer.
Add Strawberries: Spoon half of the macerated strawberries on top of the cream layer.
Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone cream. Top with the remaining macerated strawberries.

Chill and Serve:

Chill the Tiramisu: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3.5 hours or overnight for best results.
Dust with Cocoa Powder: Before serving, dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder for a final touch of elegance.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and extra strawberry slices for a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve

In Individual Portions: Serve in small glasses or bowls for a personal touch.
With Extra Fruit: Pair with extra fresh strawberries or other berries for added flavor and color.
For Special Occasions: This elegant dessert is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings.
With a Side of Coffee: Pair with a cup of coffee or espresso to enhance the tiramisu’s coffee flavor.
For a Summer Picnic: Serve it in individual jars or cups for an easy-to-transport dessert.

Additional Tips

Allow for Proper Chilling: Let the tiramisu chill for at least 3.5 hours, but overnight chilling will yield the best texture and flavor.
Avoid Over-Soaking the Ladyfingers: Dip the ladyfingers quickly into the coffee mixture to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Fresh Strawberries Are Key: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
Customize the Layers: You can add a layer of strawberry jam or a drizzle of strawberry puree for extra flavor.
Use Fresh Cream: Whipping the cream to soft peaks is crucial for a light and fluffy filling.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the mascarpone layers for a richer dessert.
Lemon Strawberry Tiramisu: Add a few tablespoons of lemon zest to the mascarpone mixture for a citrusy kick.
Balsamic Strawberry Tiramisu: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the strawberries for a tangy-sweet contrast.
Nutella Strawberry Tiramisu: Add a layer of Nutella between the mascarpone and strawberry layers for a creamy hazelnut flavor.
Vegan Strawberry Tiramisu: Substitute the mascarpone with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Mint Strawberry Tiramisu: Add fresh mint leaves to the strawberry mixture for a refreshing twist.
Berry Tiramisu: Replace the strawberries with a mix of fresh berries for a colorful variety.
Caramelized Strawberry Tiramisu: Caramelize the strawberries before layering them in the tiramisu for a deeper, richer flavor.
Coconut Strawberry Tiramisu: Add shredded coconut to the mascarpone cream for a tropical twist.
Strawberry Cheesecake Tiramisu: Use cream cheese in the filling instead of mascarpone for a cheesecake-inspired version.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Tiramisu can be frozen, though it’s best to freeze only the unassembled layers. Freeze the cream mixture, soaked ladyfingers, and strawberries separately. Assemble and chill once ready to serve.
Storage: Store leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. For best texture, serve within a day or two.

Special Equipment

Electric Mixer
9×9-inch Baking Dish or Similar Sized Dish
Whisk
Sifter (for dusting cocoa powder)
Small Bowls for Layering

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen if fresh isn’t available—just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Can I make this dessert a day ahead? Yes, Strawberry Tiramisu can be made the day before and chilled overnight for the best results.
Can I use other fruit besides strawberries? Yes, other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches can be used for a fruity variation.
Can I make this dessert alcohol-free? Yes, simply skip the dark rum or coffee liqueur and use regular brewed coffee or fruit juice for soaking the ladyfingers.
How long does this dessert last in the fridge? Leftover tiramisu can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, but it’s best when fresh.

Conclusion

Strawberry Tiramisu is a refreshing and elegant twist on the classic dessert, combining the creamy richness of mascarpone with the bright, fruity flavor of fresh strawberries. Its light, airy texture and vibrant colors make it the perfect treat for spring and summer occasions. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or enjoying it at home, this dessert is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste.

Easy to make and wonderfully customizable, Strawberry Tiramisu is a fantastic choice for any celebration. Layered with fresh strawberries and a hint of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, this dish balances sweet and tangy notes in every bite.

I can’t wait to see how you bring this strawberry version of tiramisu to life! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your take. Don’t forget to share your variations in the comments. Happy baking!