If you’re ready to fall head-over-heels for dessert, let me introduce you to Strawberry Tiramisu! Imagine tender ladyfingers soaked in a sweet-tart strawberry syrup, layered with velvety mascarpone cream and juicy berries—every spoonful is blissfully light, fruity, and just a teensy bit decadent. It’s the ultimate no-bake treat that’s as stunning as it is simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Wonder: You can whip up this gorgeous Strawberry Tiramisu without ever turning on the oven—absolutely perfect for warm weather or quick cravings!
- Fresh, Fruity, and Luxurious: Every layer bursts with fresh strawberry flavor and creamy mascarpone, making each bite taste like summer wrapped in a cloud.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert actually gets better as it sits, so your future self will thank you for preparing it in advance!
- Simply Stunning: With its vibrant stripes of berries and cream, Strawberry Tiramisu always wows as a show-stopping centerpiece—no special skills required!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Strawberry Tiramisu is how each ingredient brings something essential to the table—whether it’s rich flavor, creamy texture, or that pop of juicy red. Here’s a peek at the simple lineup that makes this dreamy dessert so memorable and irresistible.
- Strawberry Jam: Acts as the base for our dipping syrup—choose a good-quality jam for the purest berry flavor.
- Water (or Prosecco): Lightens the syrup—Prosecco adds a bubbly grown-up twist if you’re feeling festive!
- Balsamic Vinegar (or Lemon Juice): Just a touch sharpens the berries, making the whole dessert pop with brightness.
- Mascarpone Cheese: This Italian classic is the key to the rich-yet-airy cream—you just can’t skip it.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: When whipped, it creates that billowy, cloud-like texture in the filling.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the cream gently while keeping it smooth (no grainy sugar here).
- Vanilla Extract: Adds background warmth and elevates all those pretty strawberry notes.
- Sliced Strawberries: The star of the show—choose ripe, fragrant berries for the juiciest results.
- Ladyfingers: These delicate cookies soak up all the strawberry syrup while keeping the layers light and cake-like.
Variations
If you love to play with your desserts (and honestly, who doesn’t?), Strawberry Tiramisu is a blank canvas for your personal touch. Feel free to get creative with different fruits, swaps, or special twists to suit the season or your cravings!
- Boozy Boost: Swap the water for a splash of strawberry liqueur or prosecco for adults-only elegance.
- Berry Medley: Layer in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries alongside the strawberries for a gorgeous mixed berry tiramisu.
- Dairy-Free Dream: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute for a plant-based version that’s just as dreamy.
- Lemon Lovers: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the mascarpone filling for a zingy citrus finish.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu
Step 1: Make the Mascarpone Cream
Start by adding the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract to a mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whip everything together on medium-high speed for about 1 to 1½ minutes, just until you have a silky-smooth, thickened cream. (Be careful not to over-mix—the goal is fluffy, not stiff!) This creamy layer is the soul of your Strawberry Tiramisu.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Syrup
In a small bowl, mix the strawberry jam, water (or prosecco), and balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. Stir with a fork until completely blended—this mixture will become the fragrant soaking syrup for your ladyfingers, giving each bite its signature berry zing.
Step 3: Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers
Quickly dip each ladyfinger in the strawberry syrup, just enough to coat but not so long that they get soggy. Line them up snugly in a single layer at the bottom of an 8”x8” (or similar) dish. This is the foundation of your tiramisu, so get ready for that gorgeous assembly!
Step 4: Layer the Cream and Strawberries
Spread half the mascarpone cream over the soaked ladyfingers, smoothing it gently with a spatula. Scatter half of your sliced strawberries over the cream—let their juices mingle for extra flavor. Now, repeat with a second layer of syrup-dipped ladyfingers, the rest of the cream, and the final crown of juicy strawberries.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is non-negotiable—chilling melds the flavors and gives the tiramisu that luxurious, sliceable texture. When ready to serve, uncover and get ready for those “oohs” and “ahhs”!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Tiramisu
- Pick Peak-Season Berries: For the boldest strawberry flavor, always seek out ripe, fragrant strawberries that are deep red all the way through.
- Soaking Techniques: Dip ladyfingers quickly in the syrup—if they get too soggy, your layers will collapse (a quick roll is all you need)!
- Stable Cream, Every Time: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream and mascarpone for an extra fluffy, stable filling.
- The Power of Patience: Don’t rush the chilling step—letting it rest overnight really deepens the Strawberry Tiramisu flavor and perfects those dreamy layers!
How to Serve Strawberry Tiramisu
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh strawberry slices on top instantly makes your Strawberry Tiramisu look as luscious as it tastes. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar, a few mint leaves for color contrast, or even a sprinkle of grated white chocolate for a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but for an Italian-inspired feast, serve it after a light pasta dish or alongside a glass of dry prosecco. If you want to go all out, offer a tiny scoop of lemon sorbet on the side for a refreshing contrast that pairs beautifully with Strawberry Tiramisu.
Creative Ways to Present
While a classic square of tiramisu is always lovely, try assembling individual portions in clear cups or stemless wine glasses for a party-perfect presentation. Mini trifle jars, parfait glasses, or even a dramatic trifle bowl will beautifully show off those mouthwatering layers and wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Tiramisu covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and fabulous for up to 3 days—though, if your house is anything like mine, it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
You can freeze Strawberry Tiramisu, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly softer after thawing. I recommend freezing individual pieces, wrapped well in plastic and then foil, for up to 1 month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature—there’s no need to reheat. If frozen, simply allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying a slice (or two!).
FAQs
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Can I make Strawberry Tiramisu ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, Strawberry Tiramisu actually tastes even better when made in advance, as the flavors meld and the texture becomes perfectly creamy. Make it the night before and chill for at least 8 hours (or up to 24 hours) before serving.
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What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?
If mascarpone is hard to find, try substituting with full-fat cream cheese blended with a bit of heavy cream. The result isn’t quite as rich, but it still tastes delightful in Strawberry Tiramisu!
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Are store-bought ladyfingers okay, or should I make my own?
Store-bought ladyfingers work beautifully in Strawberry Tiramisu and save a ton of time. Just be sure to choose the crunchy, dry kind (not the soft version) for best texture in your dessert layers.
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Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available—just let them thaw fully and pat dry before slicing and layering. Keep in mind that fresh strawberries give the tiramisu a brighter color and firmer texture.
Final Thoughts
I promise—this Strawberry Tiramisu is a true celebration of fresh berries and creamy comfort. It’s the kind of dessert that turns ordinary days into a special occasion, and it’s always a hit at parties, picnics, or just a quiet night in. I can’t wait for you to share a slice (or three) with someone you love!
Print
Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this Strawberry Tiramisu recipe. A fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert, this no-bake treat is perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Mixture:
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 1/3 cup strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup water (or prosecco)
- 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 cups sliced strawberries (1 pint)
Additional:
- 24 ladyfingers
Instructions
- Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine mascarpone cheese, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until smooth and thickened.
- Prepare the Strawberry Layer: In a small bowl, combine strawberry jam, water (or prosecco), and balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice). Dip the ladyfingers in the mixture to coat them. Line the ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of an 8”x 8” baking dish.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and layer with half of the sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and strawberries.
- Chill: Cover the dish with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
