There’s something enchanting about the way fresh strawberries dance atop a creamy, dreamy dessert. As the first rays of spring sunlight filter through my kitchen window, I can’t help but think of my favorite indulgence—Strawberry Tiramisu. This no-bake delight transforms classic Italian flavors into a light, refreshing treat that’s perfect for everything from summer picnics to intimate dinner parties.
With layers of tender ladyfingers soaked in a luscious strawberry sauce and crowned with a velvety mascarpone filling, each bite is a celebration of both texture and taste. What I love most is how effortlessly it comes together—no oven required! Plus, the versatility of this dish means that if strawberries aren’t your jam, you can easily switch it up with fresh raspberries or peaches. Join me in uncovering this sweet, delectable recipe that’ll make your gatherings unforgettable!
Why is Strawberry Tiramisu the Best Dessert?
Irresistible Layers: This Strawberry Tiramisu boasts layers of creamy mascarpone and fresh strawberries that make every bite a delicious experience.
No-Bake Appeal: Simplify your dessert prep with this easy no-bake recipe—perfect for any skill level.
Seasonal Freshness: Celebrate the vibrant flavors of spring with ripe strawberries, adding a refreshing touch.
Versatile Variations: Love variety? Easily swap strawberries for raspberries or peaches for a whole new dessert.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for gatherings, this dessert ensures that your guests will be raving about it long after the last bite!
Strawberry Tiramisu Ingredients
For the Strawberry Gelatin Layer
- Strawberries – Fresh or frozen (thaw if frozen), provides a vibrant fruit flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the gelatin layer to enhance the strawberry taste.
- Cold Water – Dissolves the gelatin for the perfect consistency.
- Unflavored Gelatin – Provides structure and firmness to your Strawberry Tiramisu.
For the Strawberry Sauce
- Strawberries – Fresh or frozen (thaw if frozen), used for dipping ladyfingers to infuse flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the sauce, balancing the tartness of the berries.
- Cold Water – Thin the sauce for easier dipping.
For the Tiramisu
- Ladyfingers (Savoiardi) – Light, crisp cookies; avoid soft ladyfingers for the best texture.
- Egg Yolks – Create a rich and luscious custard base.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the yolk mixture for a delightful flavor.
- Half-and-Half – Adds creaminess to the custard for a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Mascarpone Cheese – Delivers a smooth, rich filling that melts in your mouth.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor with warm notes.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – Adds volume and a light, airy texture to the final mixture.
- Fresh Strawberries – For garnish and an additional burst of flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu
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Prepare Strawberry Gelatin Layer: Begin by blooming the unflavored gelatin in cold water. Then, puree fresh strawberries with sugar and gently heat the mixture until it starts bubbling. Combine hot strawberry puree with the gelatin and pour this luscious layer into a baking dish. Refrigerate until set, approximately 1 hour.
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Make Strawberry Sauce: While the gelatin sets, puree the remaining strawberries with some sugar and cold water to create a sweet dipping sauce. Set it aside for layering later.
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Prepare Cream Mixture: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar over simmering water. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes, and then set it aside to cool.
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Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form—this will add lightness to your dessert, so take your time for the best results!
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Combine Mascarpone: In another bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with the remaining sugar and vanilla extract. Gently fold in the cooled egg mixture and the freshly whipped cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
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Assemble Tiramisu: Grab your ladyfingers (Savoiardi) and dip them lightly in the prepared strawberry sauce for 2-3 seconds. Layer half of these soaked ladyfingers in a dish, then spread with half of the mascarpone mixture. Repeat the layering process.
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Chill: Once assembled, cover the dish and refrigerate your Strawberry Tiramisu for at least 6 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, garnish with sliced fresh strawberries for an elegant touch.
Optional: Drizzle with extra strawberry sauce for a beautiful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Strawberry Tiramisu?
From elegant dinner parties to sunny picnics, finishing your meal with a light and creamy delight takes your gathering to another level.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of seasonal berries adds a vibrant, fruity touch that beautifully complements the rich creaminess of the tiramisu.
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Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Indulgent and sweet, these treats enhance the dessert experience while echoing your Strawberry Tiramisu’s flavors.
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Sparkling Wine: A crisp glass of sparkling wine or prosecco elevates this dessert, adding a celebratory touch that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream served alongside provides a fluffy contrast, enhancing each bite of creamy tiramisu.
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Limoncello: This lemon liqueur adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness, making the flavor profile of the meal more dynamic.
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Peach Sorbet: A refreshing peach sorbet can cleanse the palate while offering a fruity note that harmonizes beautifully with the strawberries.
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Coffee: Serve a hot cup of coffee to balance the sweetness and satisfy those who prefer a richer beverage with dessert.
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Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread cookies add a delightful crunch, providing a nice textural contrast to the soft, layered tiramisu.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth and creamy vanilla ice cream brings a classic pairing that’s both comforting and delicious beside your Strawberry Tiramisu.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Tiramisu
- Fridge: Keep your Strawberry Tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to develop while maintaining its creamy texture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled tiramisu for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Thawing: To enjoy a frozen Strawberry Tiramisu, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain texture.
- Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, so there’s no need for reheating. Simply slice and enjoy straight from the fridge!
Tips for the Best Strawberry Tiramisu
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Use Crisp Ladyfingers: Choose light, crisp ladyfingers (Savoiardi) to ensure they maintain their texture. Avoid soft ones that will get mushy.
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Short Dipping Time: Dip ladyfingers in the strawberry sauce for only 2-3 seconds. This keeps them tender without becoming overly soggy.
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Gelatin Setting is Key: Allow the strawberry gelatin layer to set completely before assembly, typically around 1 hour. This step provides the right structure for your Strawberry Tiramisu.
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Gently Fold Mixtures: When combining the mascarpone with the whipped cream and egg yolks, fold gently to maintain a light, airy texture; overmixing can lead to a dense filling.
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Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate the assembled tiramisu for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
This Strawberry Tiramisu is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the strawberry gelatin layer and the strawberry sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bloom the gelatin and mix it with pureed strawberries, then refrigerate until set. The cream mixture can be made the same day but can also be chilled for up to 3 days before assembly. When ready to serve, quickly dip your ladyfingers in the strawberry sauce and layer with the mascarpone mixture. As an important tip, keep the layers tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, ensuring your Strawberry Tiramisu is just as delicious when served as it was the day it was made!
Strawberry Tiramisu Variations
Dive into the world of delicious possibilities with these delightful swaps and twists.
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Raspberry Delight: Substitute strawberries with fresh raspberries for a tangy and vibrant variation that pops with flavor.
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Peachy Keen: Use ripe peaches instead of strawberries for a sweet and juicy summer-inspired twist. The luscious peach layers bring a delightful freshness.
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Mixed Berry Medley: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful fiesta of flavors and textures that celebrate the bounty of summer.
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Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Incorporate white chocolate shavings into the mascarpone filling for an indulgent creaminess that complements the fruity layers.
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Nutty Surprise: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds between layers for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy sweetness.
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Lemon Zest: Infuse the mascarpone mixture with a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing brightness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the dessert.
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Spicy Kick: Add a touch of ground cinnamon or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the strawberry sauce for a surprising warmth that elevates flavor profiles.
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Coconutty Goodness: Substitute half-and-half with coconut cream for a tropical flavor twist that will transport your taste buds straight to paradise.
Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe FAQs
What strawberries should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the most vibrant flavor in your Strawberry Tiramisu, I recommend using fresh, ripe strawberries. Look for ones that are bright red and fragrant, avoiding any with dark spots or mushiness. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries can work too—just make sure to thaw and drain them before use.
How should I store Strawberry Tiramisu?
You can keep your Strawberry Tiramisu covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, the flavors will meld, and the dessert will maintain its creamy texture. Just ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent it from absorbing any other odors from the fridge!
Can I freeze Strawberry Tiramisu?
Yes! You can freeze your assembled Strawberry Tiramisu for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain the dessert’s silky texture.
What if my ladyfingers become too soggy?
If you notice soggy ladyfingers, it’s likely due to a longer dipping time in the strawberry sauce. To prevent this, dip them only for 2-3 seconds. This brief soaking keeps them tender yet firm enough to add delightful texture to the tiramisu without turning mushy.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Certainly! While this Strawberry Tiramisu is dairy-based, you can modify it for allergies or preferences. For a lactose-free version, use dairy-free mascarpone and heavy cream alternatives. Just check the labels for any hidden allergens, especially if serving to guests with food sensitivities.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, preparing your Strawberry Tiramisu a day in advance is a great idea. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you time on the day of your gathering. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered securely, and garnish with fresh strawberries just before serving.
Delightful Strawberry Tiramisu That Will Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Strawberry Gelatin Layer by blooming the unflavored gelatin in cold water, then pureeing fresh strawberries with sugar and gently heating until bubbling. Combine and pour into a dish, refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
- Make Strawberry Sauce by pureeing remaining strawberries with sugar and cold water. Set aside for layering.
- Prepare Cream Mixture by whisking egg yolks and sugar over simmering water until thick, then cool.
- Whip Cream until soft peaks form in a separate bowl.
- Combine Mascarpone by mixing with remaining sugar and vanilla, then gently folding in egg mixture and whipped cream.
- Assemble Tiramisu by dipping ladyfingers in strawberry sauce for 2-3 seconds and layering in a dish, alternating with mascarpone mixture.
- Chill for at least 6 hours, or overnight, then garnish with sliced fresh strawberries.