Summer’s Sweetest Twist
The first time I tasted strawberry tiramisu, it was magic. Sunlight streamed into a friend’s kitchen. The dessert was cool, creamy, and bursting with berry flavor. I knew I had to make my own version. Ever wondered how to make a classic dessert totally new? This recipe is your answer. It swaps coffee for a sweet strawberry syrup. The result is a perfect summer treat.
A Happy Kitchen Mistake
My first try had a funny moment. I was so excited to layer everything. I almost forgot to let the syrup cool first. A warm syrup would have made the cream filling runny. I quickly set the pan in an ice bath. That little save taught me a good lesson. Cooking reminds us to slow down and enjoy the process. It is not just about the final dish.
Why It Tastes So Good
This dessert is all about amazing contrasts. You get soft, syrupy ladyfingers against a fluffy cream. The fresh strawberry flavor cuts through the rich mascarpone. It is light but still feels indulgent. The powdered strawberry on top adds a fun, fruity crunch. Which flavor combo surprises you the most? Tell me in the comments below!
A Dessert With History
Traditional tiramisu comes from Italy. It means “pick me up” because of the coffee. This version is a modern, fruit-filled take on that classic. It is perfect for those who want a dessert without coffee. *Did you know mascarpone cheese is from the Lombardy region of Italy?* It has been made there for centuries. Would your family prefer this strawberry version or the original? Share your thoughts with me.
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberries | 4 cups | stems removed |
| Water | 1/2 cup | |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | |
| Lemon juice | 4 tablespoons | |
| Heavy cream or double cream | 1 1/2 cups | |
| Mascarpone cheese | 16 oz (450g) | |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | |
| Ladyfingers | 260 g | or enough to fill dish |
| Freeze dried strawberries | 2-3 tablespoons | blended into powder |
| Strawberry | 1 | sliced 3/4 through |
Make a Sweet Strawberry Tiramisu
Step 1
First, prepare your strawberries. Cook them with water in a saucepan. Mash them well to release their sweet juices. Strain this mixture to get a smooth liquid.
Step 2
Add sugar and lemon juice to the strawberry liquid. Heat it all up until it simmers. Let it cook for five more minutes. Then set your syrup aside to cool down.
Step 3
Now, make the creamy filling. Whisk the mascarpone with sugar and vanilla. In another bowl, whip the cream until it is stiff. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese.
Step 4
Fold some of the cooled syrup into the cream. (A hard-learned tip: Do not overmix the cream. It will become too runny and lose its fluff). Dip each ladyfinger into the syrup.
Step 5
Layer the dipped cookies in your dish. Spread half the cream filling on top. Repeat with another cookie layer. Finish with the rest of the creamy filling.
Step 6
Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least six hours. Overnight is even better for the best flavor.
Step 7
Before serving, dust the top with strawberry powder. Add a fresh strawberry for a beautiful look. Your stunning dessert is ready to enjoy.
What is the best way to whip cream? Share below!
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert, No-Bake
Try These Fun Twists
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. You can easily change it to suit your taste. Try one of these fun ideas for a new treat.Chocolate Berry
Add a layer of chocolate sauce between the creamy layers. It is a rich and decadent surprise.
Summer Peach
Use fresh peaches instead of strawberries. It makes a perfect warm-weather dessert.
Lemon Zest
Add lemon zest to the mascarpone filling. It gives a bright, tangy flavor everyone loves.
Which creative spin would you try first? Vote in the comments!
How to Serve Your Creation
This tiramisu is a star all on its own. But you can make it even more special. Serve each slice with extra fresh berries on the side. A sprig of mint makes a lovely green garnish. For drinks, I have two perfect pairings. A sweet sparkling rosé wine is a lovely match. For a non-alcoholic option, try a fizzy lemonade. Both choices cut through the creamy dessert nicely.Which would you choose tonight, the wine or the lemonade?
Keeping Your Strawberry Tiramisu Fresh
This dessert needs the fridge. Keep it covered for up to three days. I do not recommend freezing it. The creamy layers can get icy. For a make-ahead treat, this is perfect. It needs that overnight chill anyway. A friend once tried to freeze a slice. It was a soupy mess after thawing. Always plan to enjoy it cold from the fridge.
Quick Fixes for Common Problems
Is your filling too runny? Your cream may not have been whipped enough. Next time, whip it to stiff peaks. Are the ladyfingers too soggy? Just dip them for a quick ten seconds. You want them soft, not mushy. Is the dessert not setting? It absolutely needs that full six hours to chill. Patience makes all the difference here. What dessert disasters have you fixed before?
Your Strawberry Tiramisu Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free ladyfingers. They work just as well.
Q: How far ahead can I make it?
A: Make it two days ahead. The flavor gets even better.
Q: What can I use instead of mascarpone?
A: Full-fat cream cheese is a good swap. The texture will be similar.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: Absolutely. Use a bigger dish. Or make two separate ones.
Q: My syrup is too thin. What now?
A: Let it simmer a few minutes longer. It will thicken as it cools.
A Sweet Final Note
I hope this dessert brings you joy. It is a fun twist on a classic. The fresh strawberry flavor is a real crowd-pleaser. *Fun fact: The word “tiramisu” means “pick me up” in Italian.* This sweet treat certainly will. Did you give this recipe a try?
Share your creation with me on Pinterest @AmeliaHartwell.
Happy cooking! —Amelia Hartwell.
Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe | Easy No-Bake Dessert
Description
Experience the delightful contrast of textures and flavors with this Strawberry Tiramisu, featuring layers of mascarpone cream and strawberry-soaked ladyfingers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Begin by removing the stems from the strawberries and rinsing them thoroughly. Place the prepared strawberries into a saucepan along with water.
- Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, then mash the strawberries using a fork or a masher. Once softened, pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing firmly to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the remaining pulp.
- Add sugar and lemon juice to the strawberry juice. Stir to combine, then return the mixture to the heat and bring to a boil. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract for about one minute, or until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold one-third of the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Gradually fold in the remaining whipped cream, being careful not to overmix.
- Once the filling is prepared, gently fold in ¾ cup of the cooled strawberry syrup. Set aside.
- Pour the remaining syrup into a shallow dish. Dip each ladyfinger into the syrup for ten seconds, then arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish.
- Spread half of the mascarpone filling over the ladyfingers and smooth the surface. Add another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining filling. Smooth the top, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Just before serving, blend freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Lightly dust the surface of the tiramisu with the powder, and add a sliced fresh strawberry in the center for presentation.
- Serve this strawberry tiramisu as a show-stopping dessert!
Notes
- For best results, chill overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften perfectly.
