Strawberry tiramisu is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert that combines the richness of mascarpone with fresh strawberries and delicate ladyfinger cookies. This no-bake strawberry tiramisu recipe requires no oven and can be assembled in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want to create an impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The result is a creamy, refreshing dessert that captures all the elegance of traditional tiramisu while celebrating the sweet, vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Layer
- 100g (3.5 oz) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
For the Cream Layer
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar
- 200g (7 oz) mascarpone cheese, room temperature
For Assembly
- 200g (7 oz) Savoiardi ladyfinger cookies
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberry Mixture
Begin by washing and hulling the fresh strawberries. Slice them into thin pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Add one tablespoon of granulated sugar and one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the sliced strawberries. Gently toss the strawberries with the sugar and lemon juice, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Set aside for 10-15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their natural juices and create a light syrup.
Making the Cream Layer
In a large mixing bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream and begin whipping with an electric mixer on medium speed. Gradually increase to high speed and whip until soft peaks form. Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and the remaining tablespoon of sugar. Continue whipping until the mixture reaches stiff peaks, being careful not to overwhip and create butter.
In a separate bowl, gently fold the room temperature mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy. Carefully fold the whipped cream mixture into the mascarpone in three additions, using a gentle folding motion to maintain the light, airy texture of the cream.
Assembling the Strawberry Tiramisu
Take your serving dish or glass baking dish and begin creating layers. Start by arranging a single layer of Savoiardi ladyfinger cookies at the bottom of the dish, breaking them if necessary to fit snugly. Spoon half of the strawberry mixture over the cookies, including some of the accumulated juices for extra flavor.
Next, spread half of the mascarpone cream mixture over the strawberries, using a spatula to create an even layer. Add another layer of ladyfinger cookies, followed by the remaining strawberry mixture. Top with the final layer of mascarpone cream, smoothing the surface for an elegant presentation.
Final Assembly and Chilling
Arrange fresh strawberry slices decoratively on top of the final cream layer. If desired, add small mint leaves for color contrast and aromatic appeal. Cover the assembled tiramisu with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap doesn’t touch the surface of the dessert.
Refrigerate the strawberry tiramisu for a minimum of 3-4 hours, though overnight chilling produces the best results. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the cookies to soften slightly while maintaining their structure.
Nutritional Information
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10 portions
Per Serving (approximate):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin C: 15mg
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Fruit Variations
Replace strawberries with other seasonal berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Mixed berry combinations create beautiful color variations and complex flavor profiles. For tropical variations, try using diced mango or passion fruit pulp.
Cream Alternatives
For a lighter version, substitute half the mascarpone with Greek yogurt or cream cheese. Vegan alternatives include cashew cream or coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar. Those avoiding dairy can use dairy-free mascarpone alternatives available in specialty stores.
Cookie Substitutions
While Savoiardi cookies are traditional, you can substitute with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even crushed amaretti cookies for added almond flavor. For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free ladyfingers or almond-based cookies.
Flavor Enhancements
Add a tablespoon of strawberry liqueur or rum to the strawberry mixture for adult versions. Incorporate lemon zest into the cream layer for extra citrus brightness. A thin layer of strawberry jam between the cookie and cream layers intensifies the strawberry flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make strawberry tiramisu ahead of time?
Strawberry tiramisu actually improves with time and can be made up to 2 days in advance. The flavors continue to develop and meld together during refrigeration. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What’s the best way to prevent the cookies from becoming too soggy?
The key is balancing moisture content. Don’t oversoak the cookies, and ensure your strawberry mixture isn’t too watery. If your strawberries are very juicy, drain some liquid before layering. The natural moisture from the cream and fruit should be sufficient to soften the cookies appropriately.
Can I freeze strawberry tiramisu?
While technically possible, freezing isn’t recommended as it affects the texture of both the mascarpone cream and the cookies. The cream may separate upon thawing, and the cookies can become mushy. For best results, consume within 3-4 days of preparation.
How do I know when the mascarpone cream is properly mixed?
The mascarpone cream should be smooth, light, and free of lumps. If the mascarpone is too cold, it may not incorporate smoothly with the whipped cream. Allow it to reach room temperature before mixing, and fold gently to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream.
What should I do if my cream layer becomes too thick or too thin?
If the cream becomes too thick, gently fold in a tablespoon of milk or cream to loosen it. If it’s too thin, you may have under-whipped the cream initially. Try placing the mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then gently whisk again to help it set up properly.
This no-bake strawberry tiramisu represents the perfect balance of convenience and elegance, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy mascarpone, and delicate cookies creates a dessert that’s both impressive and accessible, making it ideal for dinner parties, family gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special without the complexity of traditional baking.
