Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
If you adore classic tiramisu but crave a fresh, fruity twist, this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine layers of delicate ladyfingers soaked in vibrant strawberry syrup, luscious mascarpone cream whipped to perfection, and juicy strawberries adding bursts of natural sweetness and color. It’s a dessert that feels both elegant and inviting, perfect to share with friends or treat yourself to a slice of pure joy. The balance between creamy, fruity, and a touch tangy makes this strawberry tiramisu truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe together is a breeze, thanks to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays an important role, from the bright strawberries that bring freshness and color, to the rich mascarpone that creates that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
- Fresh strawberries (1½ pounds): Use ripe, juicy berries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- Cane sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps sweeten the strawberry sauce without overpowering it.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth and tang that enhances the strawberry flavor.
- Sea salt (pinch): Balances sweetness and intensifies the overall taste.
- Water (½ cup): Dilutes the strawberry syrup to just the right consistency for soaking ladyfingers.
- Mascarpone cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): The star creamy component that makes the tiramisu decadently smooth.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Infuses the mascarpone mixture with warm, comforting notes.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whisked to soft peaks, it lightens the mascarpone for that airy texture.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, sifted): Sweetens the whipped cream for a perfectly balanced creaminess.
- DeLallo Savoiardi ladyfingers (24 to 30): These light, crispy cookies absorb the strawberry syrup beautifully without falling apart.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce
Begin by thinly slicing half of your strawberries and setting them aside — these will add freshness to the final layers. Dice the rest and simmer them with sugar, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt. This gentle cooking melts the berries into a luscious sauce, where the tangy vinegar brightens the natural fruit sweetness. Once cooked, strain the sauce to separate the juice from the solids, which will both play starring roles in the tiramisu.
Step 2: Chill the Strawberry Syrup
Add water to the strained strawberry juice to create the perfect soaking liquid for the ladyfingers. Pop this syrup into the fridge so it’s nice and cold when you’re ready to assemble your layers. This step is crucial because it ensures each bite is cool, refreshing, and soaked with strawberry essence.
Step 3: Mix Mascarpone and Vanilla
In a large bowl, gently blend your mascarpone cheese with the vanilla extract. This simple yet luxurious combination forms the creamy base of your dessert, and the vanilla adds a soft, fragrant hint that elevates every spoonful.
Step 4: Whip the Cream and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft to medium peaks form. This creates a light and fluffy whipped cream that, when folded into the mascarpone, transforms your filling into a cloud of creamy delight, balancing richness with airy lightness.
Step 5: Assemble the First Layer
Dip half of the ladyfingers quickly into the chilled strawberry syrup — just enough to coat without sogginess. Arrange these soaked cookies evenly in the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, cutting them if needed to fit snugly. This layer acts as a flavorful sponge soaking up the strawberry syrup with every bite.
Step 6: Add Mascarpone and Strawberry Solids
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the soaked ladyfingers, creating a smooth, creamy layer. Then, evenly distribute the reserved cooked strawberry solids over the mascarpone for a texture contrast and bursts of concentrated strawberry goodness. Top this with half of the fresh sliced strawberries for a fresh and juicy kick.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Dip the remaining ladyfingers into the strawberry syrup and layer them over the fresh strawberries. Spread the rest of the mascarpone cream on top, followed by the remaining fresh strawberry slices, making your tiramisu as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 8: Chill and Set
Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate it for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the textures to set, giving you a dessert that slices cleanly but melts decadently on your tongue.
How to Serve Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few extra garnishes elevates your presentation and flavor profile beautifully. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a few whole fresh strawberries, or even a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and an herbaceous note that complements the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Tiramisu goes wonderfully with light, refreshing accompaniments. Think fresh fruit salad, a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette, or a chilled glass of sparkling wine. These pairings enhance the dessert’s sweetness without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve this tiramisu in individual glass jars or clear cups so the gorgeous layers show off beautifully. Another fun idea is to use mini trifle bowls for easy single servings that look as delightful as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The tiramisu may become even more flavorful as the days go by, but best enjoyed within that window to maintain ideal texture, especially of the ladyfingers.
Freezing
While freezing tiramisu can affect the texture slightly, you can freeze it if necessary by wrapping it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve as much creaminess as possible.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so avoid reheating. If you prefer your tiramisu at room temperature, simply remove it from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let it soften and release its full flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture, but if you only have frozen, thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess liquid before use. The texture might be a bit softer, but the flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Is mascarpone cheese necessary?
Mascarpone is key to achieving the creamy, rich texture traditional to tiramisu. While alternatives exist, none quite replicate that luscious mouthfeel, so it’s worth seeking out for this recipe.
How long should I soak the ladyfingers?
Dip each ladyfinger into the strawberry syrup quickly, about 1-2 seconds per side. They should be coated but not soggy; the goal is to retain some texture so they hold up well in the layered dessert.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This version relies on mascarpone and heavy cream, which are dairy products. For vegan adaptations, you’d need to substitute with plant-based creams and vegan mascarpone alternatives, but results will vary in texture and flavor.
How long can I prepare the tiramisu in advance?
This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe tastes best when refrigerated for at least 8 hours and can be made up to 24 hours ahead of serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh flavors and creamy indulgence that’s easy to share and enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a delicious treat, it promises to wow everyone at the table. Get ready to fall in love with this timeless dessert reinvented in the brightest, most joyful way possible.
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Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
- Total Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and elegant Strawberry Tiramisu that layers juicy strawberry sauce and fresh slices with creamy mascarpone and whipped cream, soaked ladyfingers all combined for a luscious no-bake dessert perfect for spring or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Strawberry Sauce and Syrup
- 1½ pounds fresh strawberries (hulled)
- 2 tablespoons cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Pinch sea salt
- ½ cup water
Mascarpone Cream
- 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (at room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar (sifted if lumpy)
Assembly
- 24 to 30 DeLallo Savoiardi ladyfingers (exact number will depend on your baking dish)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Sauce: Thinly slice half the strawberries and set aside. Dice the remaining strawberries and place in a medium saucepan. Add the sugar, balsamic vinegar, and salt and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down into a juicy sauce.
- Strain Sauce: Set a fine mesh strainer over a medium heatproof bowl. Pass the strawberry sauce through to remove solids, setting the solids aside for layering. Add water to the strained juices, mix well, and chill in the fridge until assembly.
- Make Mascarpone Mixture: In a large bowl, blend mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Whip Cream: In another bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 5-8 minutes until soft to medium peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture until just combined.
- Layer Ladyfingers: Dip half the ladyfingers briefly in the strawberry syrup so they are coated but not soggy. Arrange them evenly in the base of a 9×9-inch dish, trimming if necessary to cover fully.
- First Layer Assembly: Spread half the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Dot evenly with the reserved cooked strawberry solids and top with half the sliced strawberries.
- Top Layers: Dip remaining ladyfingers in syrup and place over the strawberries in an even layer. Spread with remaining mascarpone mixture and finish with remaining sliced strawberries.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature mascarpone to ensure smooth mixing.
- Do not soak ladyfingers too long to avoid sogginess.
- Best served chilled and within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Substitute cane sugar with granulated sugar if needed.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, increase balsamic vinegar slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian