This strawberry tiramisu is a tasty twist on the classic dessert! With layers of soft ladyfingers and sweet strawberries, it’s light and refreshing.
I love how the citrus adds a zing, making this dessert feel extra special. Perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself—because you deserve it! 🍓✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are key for their sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries—just thaw and drain excess liquid before using. My personal tip is to choose bright red berries for the best flavor!
Mascarpone Cheese: This rich cheese gives tiramisu its creamy base. You could substitute it with cream cheese or ricotta, but the flavor will slightly change. If you can find mascarpone, it’s worth the splurge for this dessert!
Heavy Cream: This creates the fluffy texture in your tiramisu. If you want a lighter option, try using whipped coconut cream. You won’t get the exact same flavor, but it’s a nice alternative.
Ladyfinger Cookies: These soft cookies soak up the orange juice perfectly. If you can’t find them, you can use sponge cake cut into strips. They won’t have the same texture, but they work just fine.
Orange Juice & Zest: They add a lovely citrus flavor. If oranges aren’t available, lemon juice and zest make a great substitute, giving it a different but refreshing taste.
How Do I Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks?
Whipping cream is a simple task, but getting it to the right consistency is crucial for your tiramisu. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start with cold heavy cream for better results. A chilled bowl helps too!
- Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until small bubbles form.
- Increase the speed to high and whip until soft peaks form, then keep going until stiff peaks appear—this means the cream should hold its shape without drooping.
Be careful not to over-whip, though! If it turns grainy, you might be close to turning it into butter. I usually stop when it looks like fluffy clouds, soft yet firm!
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tiramisu:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 cup ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
For Garnishing:
- Cocoa powder for dusting (optional)
- Additional strawberries for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Strawberry Tiramisu requires about 30 minutes of preparation time, plus 4 hours or more for chilling in the fridge. It’s simple to assemble, and the wait is worth it to let those lovely flavors blend together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mascarpone Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will add a lovely flavor to your tiramisu!
2. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with a mixer until stiff peaks form. This means it should hold its shape without falling. Gently fold this whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula. Do this carefully to keep the fluffy texture!
3. Dip the Ladyfingers:
In a shallow dish, pour the orange juice. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the juice for a few seconds. Be cautious not to soak them too long, as they need to hold their shape. Arrange a layer of these dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a rectangular dish.
4. Build the Layers:
Spread half of the mascarpone mixture evenly over the layer of ladyfingers. Then, arrange half of the sliced strawberries on top of this creamy layer. Repeat this layering by adding another layer of dipped ladyfingers, followed by the remaining mascarpone mixture.
5. Final Touches and Chill:
Add any remaining strawberry slices on top of the last mascarpone layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This helps all the flavors to meld perfectly!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, if you like, dust the top with cocoa powder for a nice touch. Garnish with whole strawberries for a beautiful presentation. Scoop out portions and enjoy your refreshing Strawberry Tiramisu!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before slicing. Keep in mind that they might be a bit softer compared to fresh strawberries, but they will still add great flavor to your tiramisu.
What if I Don’t Have Mascarpone Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute mascarpone with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream. Use 1 cup of cream cheese softened mixed with 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a similar texture and taste. Just whip them together until smooth and creamy!
Can I Make This Tiramisu Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative instead of mascarpone. Always check the labels to ensure the substitutes fit your dietary needs!
How to Store the Leftover Tiramisu?
Store leftover tiramisu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain its freshness, avoid pressing down on it while storing, as that can affect the texture. Enjoy it as a cold treat!
