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Strawberry tiramisu is a bright, fruity treat that brings a splash of spring and summer right to your table in just thirty minutes. It’s egg-free, super simple to pull together, and a big crowd-pleaser at every get-together. I first made this when my family went on a picnic. Ever since then, my sister asks for it every single time we meet up.
When I tasted this the first time, I was surprised how the sweet-tart strawberry mixes with the creamy mascarpone. It’s like biting into summer, even on cloudy rainy days, and always puts some pep into coffee time.
Ingredients
- For decorating: top with extra strawberries, lemon balm for a pop of flavor, and some chopped pistachios if you want it to look fancy
- Cream: whip up some full-fat cream so it’s airy and smooth
- Sugar: use superfine granulated sugar so everything blends perfectly and really brings out the fruity sweetness
- Mascarpone: go for real Italian mascarpone for that signature creamy touch
- Ladyfingers: make sure they’re crisp so they soak up the berry goodness and aren’t stale
- Strawberries: be sure to use ripe, local berries if you can, for color and freshness
Step-by-step guide
- Top it off and chill:
- Sprinkle on some fresh strawberries, lemon balm, and pistachios. Stick your dessert in the fridge at least two hours before eating so the layers blend and the ladyfingers soak up all the flavor.
- Cover with cream:
- Spoon the fluffy cream mixture on top of everything. Use a spatula to get it smooth right to the edge so nothing peeks through.
- Whip and fold in the cream:
- Whip the cold cream until it’s stiff, then gently mix it into the mascarpone blend. It should be super fluffy, and you don’t want any runny cream left.
- Mix up the mascarpone cream:
- Blend the mascarpone and sugar with a big spoon or mixer until it looks light and smooth. Taste and see if it’s sweet enough for you.
- Spread on extra strawberry puree:
- Pour the rest of your berry puree on top of the cookies. Don’t forget to spread it all the way to the edges so every bite is moist.
- Layer the ladyfingers:
- Set the ladyfingers side by side on top of the first batch of puree. One layer does the trick—they’ll soak up the berry stuff but still hold their shape.
- Prep the strawberries:
- Give the berries a good rinse and trim off any stems or leaves. Mash up half into a puree and press it into a baking dish. Set the rest of the puree aside for later.
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What to know
It’s super easy—even if you hardly bake! The taste really pops with sweet, local strawberries. This one’s awesome for parties since you can make it a day ahead and not stress at the last minute.
My favorite part
I’ve got a soft spot for the crunchy pistachios on top. Every bite pops and brings extra freshness. When we made this for Mother’s Day brunch and decorated it together, it was the icing on the cake for a great afternoon.
How to keep it fresh
Keep your strawberry tiramisu covered in the fridge; it’ll stay good for a solid two days. The longer it sits, the softer the ladyfingers get. After that, don’t push it or it’ll get too watery.
Switch things up
If you want something lighter, swap the mascarpone for cream cheese or quark. Try blueberries or raspberries for a fun change. Got no pistachios? Use almonds or hazelnuts instead.
How to serve
This works great in little cups or glasses. For a group, serve mini portions—they look super cute. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it turns into a cool summer treat.
Quick look at the history
Tiramisu started off in Italy, but the strawberry twist is especially loved in Germany when berries are everywhere. People began mixing fruit into old-school desserts sometime in the ’90s and never looked back.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap mascarpone for quark?
Sure! If you want the cream lighter, quark works well and just makes it a bit fluffier than usual.
- → How long do I chill this sweet?
At least two hours in the fridge helps soak everything through and brings out all those good flavors.
- → Is it okay to make this one day ahead?
Yeah, that actually works best! It’s extra tasty and keeps its texture if fully chilled.
- → Is this something for kids?
Definitely, nothing boozy in there. Kiddos will love the fruity bits and the smooth cream.
- → Can I mix in other fruit?
Absolutely—try it with raspberries or peaches for a fresh twist and new flavor.