Name: Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup strawberry jam; 1/4 cup water (or prosecco); 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice); 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups sliced strawberries (1 pint); 24 ladyfingers

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 26 reviews

If you’re looking for the ultimate show-stopping summer dessert, look no further than this Strawberry Tiramisu. It’s a dreamy, no-bake treat that layers juicy, sweet strawberries, luscious mascarpone cream, and soft ladyfingers that soak up all that berry goodness. With no coffee, alcohol, or raw eggs, it’s refreshingly light and kid-friendly, making it perfect for any gathering. Even better, you can whip it up in just 20 minutes (plus chilling), so you don’t have to sweat over the oven during those steamy months. Your summer cravings have finally met their match!

Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beautiful thing about Strawberry Tiramisu is how each ingredient plays its part in creating a dessert that is as gorgeous as it is irresistible. These simple, everyday items come together to highlight the strawberries’ natural flavor, create that unmistakable tiramisu texture, and give this dessert its perfectly pretty layers.

Strawberry jam: Intensifies the strawberry flavor and keeps the ladyfingers moist and fruity.
Water (or prosecco): Thins out the jam and gives you flexibility—prosecco brings a slight sparkle for grown-up gatherings.
Balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice): Adds a subtle brightness and balances sweetness—don’t worry, you won’t actually taste vinegar!
Heavy whipping cream: Whips up light and fluffy to help stabilize the mascarpone cream layer.
Mascarpone cheese: The heart of tiramisu—ultra-creamy, slightly tangy, and luxurious in every bite.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the mascarpone without any grittiness for an extra-smooth filling.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the cream with an aroma that works like a flavor hug in every spoonful.
Sliced strawberries: Fresh, juicy, and colorful—these really make the Strawberry Tiramisu pop!
Ladyfingers: Absorb the jam mixture and form that classic, tender base that’s essential in tiramisu.

How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu

Step 1: Whip the Mascarpone Cream

Grab a medium bowl and add your mascarpone cheese, heavy whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer (or stand mixer), beat everything together on medium-high speed for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. You’ll want a mixture that’s smooth, thick, and holds a soft shape. This is where your tiramisu gets its signature, silky texture, so don’t skimp on the whipping!

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Soak

In a small bowl, stir together the strawberry jam, water (or prosecco for a celebratory twist), and balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice). Use a fork to really break it up and combine. This is the magic step that brings a pop of strawberry flavor into every bite and keeps the ladyfingers perfectly moist without turning soggy.

Step 3: Layer the Ladyfingers

Take each ladyfinger and quickly dip it into the strawberry jam mixture—just enough to coat. Arrange a single layer of soaked ladyfingers on the bottom of an 8″x8″ dish or something similar-sized. If you have to break a few to make them fit, don’t stress; no one will ever know once it’s layered up!

Step 4: Add the Mascarpone and Strawberries

Spoon half of your whipped mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, spreading it gently and evenly. Top this creamy layer with half of your sliced strawberries, arranging them however you like. The fresh strawberries not only add brightness but also make that first scoop totally irresistible.

Step 5: Repeat and Chill

Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the rest of the mascarpone mixture, and finish with the remaining sliced strawberries. Cover your dish tightly with cling wrap and chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the flavors to blend and the layers to set—so be patient; it’s worth every minute!

How to Serve Strawberry Tiramisu

Garnishes

Take your Strawberry Tiramisu to the next level with a shower of powdered sugar, a few extra strawberry slices, or even a sprinkle of fresh mint. For a fun twist, some people love a scatter of white chocolate shavings or a drizzle of berry syrup. Essentially, anything that adds sparkle and freshness is fair game.

Side Dishes

This dessert is a star on its own, but if you’re serving a full spread, consider pairing it with a bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream, a platter of fresh berries, or a simple fruit salad. Lemon sorbet or a crisp Moscato d’Asti are also lovely companions to the creamy, berry-forward flavors of the Strawberry Tiramisu.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try making mini Strawberry Tiramisu trifles in glasses or mason jars for individual servings—perfect for picnics or parties. Another fun idea: cut out rounds with a biscuit cutter and serve as elegant plated desserts, or pile high in a big glass trifle bowl for dramatic effect at the dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Strawberry Tiramisu fresh, cover it tightly with cling wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, staying just as luscious and flavorful as the day it was made. In fact, the flavors will meld and deepen as it sits!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Strawberry Tiramisu for longer storage. Slice it into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic and foil (to prevent freezer burn), and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture—just know it may be a bit softer after defrosting, but still totally delicious.

Reheating

No reheating required for this dessert! Strawberry Tiramisu is best enjoyed straight from the fridge, cold and creamy. If you’ve frozen it, just allow enough time for it to thaw gently in the refrigerator. Resist the microwave—it will melt and lose its beautiful layers.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Tiramisu in advance?

Absolutely! Strawberry Tiramisu is a make-ahead marvel. Preparing it the night before gives the flavors time to meld and the texture time to set, resulting in an even more amazing dessert when you’re ready to serve.

Which ladyfingers work best for this recipe?

Savoiardi (Italian ladyfingers) are the gold standard, but any store-bought variety will do. If they’re especially dry, you can dip them a little longer in the strawberry mixture, but always avoid soaking so long that they fall apart.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture, but if you only have frozen, thaw them thoroughly and blot dry before slicing. Just note that frozen berries may release more liquid, so your dessert could be slightly softer.

Is there a non-dairy option for the cream layer?

You can try swapping in a non-dairy whipping cream alternative and vegan cream cheese for the mascarpone. The flavor and texture will change, but you’ll still have a satisfyingly creamy Strawberry Tiramisu.

How do I prevent the mascarpone layer from being runny?

Make sure you’re using cold mascarpone and cream, and beat the mixture just until it thickens and holds a soft peak. Overbeating can cause it to split, while underbeating leaves it too loose.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to homemade tiramisu or a lifelong devotee, Strawberry Tiramisu is pure joy in every spoonful. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and totally irresistible—the kind of treat you’ll want to make all summer long. Invite your friends and family, and don’t forget to treat yourself to an extra slice—you deserve it!