This Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert. The smooth mascarpone cream combined with fresh strawberries and a hint of coffee liqueur creates an irresistible dessert that’s both light and rich in flavor. Perfectly layered and dusted with cocoa powder, it’s a stunning treat for any occasion.
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity – no baking required, just a few layers of delicious ingredients that come together to create a memorable dish. The strawberries add a refreshing fruity contrast to the creamy richness, while the ladyfingers soak up the coffee flavor, making each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this tiramisu is sure to impress.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 pint strawberries, sliced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup mascarpone cheese
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
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1 tablespoon coffee liqueur (optional)
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24 ladyfingers
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Cocoa powder, for dusting
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Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
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In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gently fold in the whipped cream until smooth.
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In a shallow dish, mix the cooled coffee and coffee liqueur (if using).
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Quickly dip the ladyfingers into the coffee mixture one by one, ensuring they are moistened but not soggy.
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Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking dish.
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Spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the ladyfingers.
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Add a layer of sliced strawberries over the cream.
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Repeat the process with another layer of ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and strawberries.
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Finish with a final layer of mascarpone cream and strawberries on top.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
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Before serving, dust with cocoa powder and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert
Tiramisu, a beloved Italian dessert, is well-known for its rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone filling, and dusting of cocoa powder. However, if you’re looking to take this traditional dessert to the next level, the Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu is a delightful variation that adds a fresh and fruity twist to the classic. By replacing the usual coffee flavor with the sweet and tangy taste of strawberries and pairing it with a velvety cream filling, this recipe delivers a light, yet indulgent, treat perfect for any occasion.
A Refreshing Take on Tiramisu
What makes this version of tiramisu stand out is the use of strawberries. These bright, red fruits not only offer a pop of color but also bring a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the rich cream and coffee-soaked ladyfingers traditionally used in tiramisu. Strawberries add a refreshing balance, cutting through the richness of the mascarpone filling and providing a fresh contrast that makes each bite feel light and indulgent at the same time.
The strawberries used in this dessert are often layered into the cream, creating a visually appealing effect while enhancing the flavor with every spoonful. You can also use both fresh and macerated strawberries, depending on how deep you want that strawberry flavor to be. The maceration process helps to draw out the natural juices from the strawberries, intensifying their flavor, and giving the dessert an even more pronounced berry sweetness.
The Creamy Mascarpone Filling
At the heart of any tiramisu is the mascarpone cream, and this version is no exception. The mascarpone, an Italian cream cheese, offers a smooth, creamy texture that blends perfectly with the whipped heavy cream. This combination of mascarpone and cream creates the classic, indulgent filling that gives tiramisu its signature melt-in-your-mouth sensation. In addition to the mascarpone and whipped cream, a hint of vanilla extract is added to infuse the cream with warmth and complexity, making it the ideal base for the vibrant strawberries.
Unlike the traditional egg-based tiramisu fillings, this version is light, fluffy, and doesn’t require any cooking. The simplicity of this no-bake filling makes the dessert much easier to prepare, especially for beginner bakers or those who want a quick dessert without any complicated steps. The creamy mascarpone base serves as the perfect complement to the tangy sweetness of the strawberries, adding an extra level of richness and decadence.
Ladyfingers: A Key Element in Tiramisu
Ladyfingers, the signature biscuit used in tiramisu, absorb all the delicious flavors of the dessert while maintaining their delicate structure. In this strawberry version, the ladyfingers are dipped in a mixture of strong coffee and coffee liqueur, which, traditionally, is what gives tiramisu its iconic flavor profile. However, you can easily substitute the coffee with a fruit juice or even a strawberry syrup to enhance the fruitiness of the dessert.
One of the great things about this dessert is its versatility – ladyfingers are light and slightly sweet, making them the ideal base for this fruit-forward version of tiramisu. Once dipped in the coffee or fruit juice, they become soft and luscious, absorbing the flavors of the filling while maintaining their shape, providing the perfect texture contrast to the creamy mascarpone layer.
The Importance of Chilling the Tiramisu
After assembling the dessert, one of the most crucial steps is chilling the tiramisu. Refrigerating the dessert allows the flavors to meld together and the ladyfingers to fully soak in the moisture from the cream and coffee (or strawberry juice). This resting period transforms the dessert into something truly extraordinary, as the layers firm up, and the flavor develops more depth.
It’s best to refrigerate the tiramisu for at least 4 hours, though overnight is recommended for the most indulgent results. During this time, the strawberry flavor infuses into the cream, and the ladyfingers become soft and delicious, allowing the tiramisu to become perfectly set for serving.
Presentation: A Visual and Culinary Feast
When it comes to serving, presentation is everything. The strawberries not only offer a vibrant color contrast to the creamy layers, but they also bring a fresh element to the dessert. To make your Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu even more visually appealing, you can garnish it with additional fresh strawberries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even fresh mint leaves. These additions not only elevate the presentation but also add a refreshing aroma that enhances the overall dining experience.
If you’re looking to make a statement with your tiramisu, consider serving individual portions in glass cups or jars. This adds a modern twist and allows your guests to enjoy the dessert in a more intimate and personalized way. The layers will be beautifully visible, showcasing the creamy filling, ladyfingers, and strawberries – a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Why Choose This Recipe?
This Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu offers all the indulgence of the original tiramisu but with a fresh and vibrant twist. The bright, natural sweetness of strawberries cuts through the creamy layers, creating a dessert that feels light and refreshing while still satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party, a holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this dessert is sure to impress.
Moreover, the simplicity of the recipe makes it easy for anyone to recreate. With no baking required and minimal ingredients, it’s an ideal dessert for those who are new to cooking or want a no-fuss dish to share with family and friends. You can easily adapt it to suit dietary preferences as well. For example, if you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can swap the mascarpone and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives, and it will still taste just as delicious.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu is a delightful, refreshing take on the classic Italian dessert. The combination of strawberries, mascarpone cream, and ladyfingers creates a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for more. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy during warmer months when strawberries are in season or any time you want to treat yourself or guests to a light and indulgent dessert.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, requires no baking, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The refreshing fruitiness of the strawberries and the rich, creamy filling create a dessert that is both familiar and unique. With its simple preparation, ease of customization, and stunning presentation, the Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.