Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe (Best Dessert Under 45 Minutes)

If you’re a fan of classic tiramisu, you’ll absolutely love this fruity twist—strawberry tiramisu. This dessert combines the rich, creamy layers of traditional tiramisu with the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or simply craving a delightful dessert, this strawberry tiramisu will not disappoint. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making strawberry tiramisu, discuss its taste, and provide expert tips, variations, and nutritional information.

What Is Strawberry Tiramisu?

Strawberry tiramisu is a delicious variation of the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu. While traditional tiramisu is made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder, strawberry tiramisu swaps out the coffee for a sweet strawberry syrup. This change gives the dessert a refreshing fruity flavor while maintaining the creamy, indulgent texture that tiramisu is known for.

The Taste of Strawberry Tiramisu

The taste of strawberry tiramisu is a harmonious blend of sweetness and creaminess with a hint of tanginess from the strawberries. The mascarpone cheese adds a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the light, airy ladyfingers. The strawberry syrup soaks into the ladyfingers, providing a burst of flavor in every bite. The result is a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for an Easy Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make this delightful dessert:

For the Strawberry Syrup:

  • 500g fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Cream Filling:

  • 500g mascarpone cheese
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

  • 1 package ladyfingers (about 24-30)
  • 250g fresh strawberries (sliced, for layering)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Total Time Required

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes (includes hulling and slicing strawberries, making the syrup, and preparing the cream filling)
  • Assembly Time: 15 minutes (layering the tiramisu)
  • Chilling Time: 4 hours (to let the tiramisu set and flavors meld)

Serving Size

  • 12 servings

How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu: Step-by-Step Recipe

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making strawberry tiramisu. This recipe is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to achieve the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Syrup

Cook the Strawberries:

  • Place the hulled and sliced strawberries in a medium saucepan.
  • Add the sugar, water, and lemon juice to the strawberries.
  • Set the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally.
  • Allow the strawberries to soften and release their juices, which will take approximately 10-15 minutes. The mixture should become slightly thickened and fragrant.

Strain the Syrup:

  • Once the strawberries have softened and the syrup has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.
  • Set a fine-mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the strawberry mixture through it, pressing down gently with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
  • Discard the solids or save them for another use. Allow the smooth, sweet strawberry syrup to cool to room temperature.

    Step 2: Make the Cream Filling

    Whip the Cream:

    • In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream.
    • Use an electric mixer on medium speed to whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. This means the cream should hold its shape but still be soft and slightly droopy.

    Mix the Mascarpone:

    • In a separate bowl, add the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
    • Mix the ingredients together using a spoon or a mixer on low speed until smooth and creamy.

    Fold in the Whipped Cream:

    • Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a spatula.
    • Carefully combine the two mixtures, ensuring not to overmix. The filling should be light, fluffy, and well combined.

      Step 3: Assemble the Strawberry Tiramisu

      Dip the Ladyfingers:

      • Take each ladyfinger and quickly dip it into the cooled strawberry syrup.
      • Ensure the ladyfingers are fully coated with the syrup but not too soggy.
      • Arrange the dipped ladyfingers in a single layer at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

      Layer the Filling:

      • Once the ladyfingers are in place, take half of the mascarpone filling and spread it evenly over the layer of ladyfingers.
      • Use a spatula to smooth the surface, creating an even layer of filling.

      Add Strawberry Slices:

      • Arrange a layer of fresh strawberry slices over the mascarpone filling, ensuring the entire surface is covered.

      Repeat Layers:

      • Repeat the process by adding another layer of strawberry-soaked ladyfingers on top of the strawberry slices.
      • Spread the remaining mascarpone filling over this second layer of ladyfingers, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

        Step 4: Chill and Serve

        Chill the Tiramisu:

        • Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
        • Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set properly.

        Garnish and Serve:

        • Before serving, garnish the tiramisu with additional fresh strawberry slices and a few mint leaves for added color and freshness.
        • Cut the tiramisu into squares and serve it chilled, allowing each bite to be enjoyed with the perfect balance of creamy filling, sweet strawberries, and soft ladyfingers.

        Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Tiramisu

        To make sure your strawberry tiramisu turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

        • Use fresh, ripe strawberries: The quality of the strawberries you use will greatly impact the flavor of your tiramisu. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries for the best results.
        • Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers: Dip the ladyfingers quickly in the strawberry syrup to prevent them from becoming too soggy. They should be moist but still hold their shape.
        • Chill overnight: While you can serve the tiramisu after 4 hours of chilling, letting it sit overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to fully develop and results in a more cohesive dessert.
        • Variations to try: For a different twist, try adding a layer of crushed pistachios or a drizzle of balsamic glaze between the layers. You can also experiment with adding a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier to the strawberry syrup for an extra kick.

        Nutritional Value of Strawberry Tiramisu

        Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 12 servings):

        • Calories: 310 kcal
        • Fat: 20g
        • Saturated Fat: 12g
        • Carbohydrates: 29g
        • Sugar: 19g
        • Protein: 5g
        • Fiber: 2g

        Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.

        Variations

        Strawberry tiramisu is a versatile dessert, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste:

        • Strawberry Tiramisu Cake: If you prefer a more structured dessert, you can turn this recipe into a cake by using sponge cake layers instead of ladyfingers. Simply follow the same assembly process, but use cake layers instead.
        • Vegan Strawberry Tiramisu: Substitute the mascarpone cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives, such as coconut cream and a dairy-free cream cheese, to create a vegan-friendly version of this dessert.
        • Chocolate Strawberry Tiramisu: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or sprinkle chocolate shavings between the layers for a rich chocolatey twist.
        • Mixed Berry Tiramisu: Incorporate other berries like raspberries or blueberries along with the strawberries for a mixed berry version.

        Final Thoughts

        Strawberry tiramisu is a delightful, fruity twist on a classic dessert that is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, fresh strawberry flavor, and beautiful presentation, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

        So next time you’re craving something sweet and refreshing, give this strawberry tiramisu recipe a try. With our expert tips and variations, you can customize it to your liking and create a dessert that everyone will love.

        What is the difference between traditional tiramisu and strawberry tiramisu?

        The main difference is the flavor profile. Traditional tiramisu is coffee-flavored with layers of cocoa and mascarpone, while strawberry tiramisu uses strawberry syrup instead of coffee, giving it a fruity, refreshing twist.

        What can I use instead of ladyfingers for strawberry tiramisu?

        If you don’t have ladyfingers, you can substitute them with sponge cake, pound cake, or even vanilla wafers. Just make sure to adjust the soaking time in the strawberry syrup accordingly to prevent them from becoming too soggy.

        How do I prevent the strawberry tiramisu from becoming too soggy?

        To prevent the tiramisu from becoming too soggy, make sure to dip the ladyfingers briefly in the strawberry syrup. They should be moistened but still firm. Additionally, avoid adding too much liquid to the mascarpone filling.

        What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese in strawberry tiramisu?

        If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and heavy cream, or use ricotta cheese for a lighter version. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

        Can I add alcohol to strawberry tiramisu?

        Yes, you can add a splash of alcohol, such as Grand Marnier, to the strawberry syrup for an extra layer of flavor. Be sure to adjust the sweetness of the syrup if needed.

        Is strawberry tiramisu gluten-free?

        Traditional strawberry tiramisu is not gluten-free because it contains ladyfingers made from wheat flour. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free ladyfingers or substituting them with a gluten-free cake.

        Can I freeze strawberry tiramisu?

        While traditional tiramisu can be frozen, it’s not recommended for strawberry tiramisu as the fresh strawberries and cream may change texture when thawed. For best results, store it in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days.

        How much caffeine is in strawberry tiramisu?

        Strawberry tiramisu generally contains minimal to no caffeine. Unlike traditional tiramisu, which uses coffee, strawberry tiramisu replaces coffee with strawberry syrup, so it’s typically caffeine-free. However, if you use any coffee-flavored liqueurs or add espresso in your recipe variations, be sure to check those ingredients for caffeine content.

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