Strawberry Tiramisu: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Dessert

If there’s one dessert that never fails to impress, it’s tiramisu. But when summer hits and strawberries are at their juiciest, swapping out the traditional coffee for berries is a no-brainer. This article dives into the delight of Strawberry Tiramisu—a fruity, no-bake dessert that captures the magic of the classic Italian favorite with a seasonal spin. We’ll explore its origin story, step-by-step prep, tips to avoid common mistakes, and everything you need to make this dish a show-stopping treat.

The Heartwarming Journey Behind Strawberry Tiramisu

A childhood summer and the scent of strawberries

Every summer growing up, my grandmother would visit with baskets of handpicked strawberries from the local farm. She’d always let me hull them while she whipped up her secret creamy dessert. It wasn’t until years later that I realized she was making a playful version of tiramisu—without the espresso but packed with the flavor of fresh strawberries and a hint of citrus. That memory inspired me to recreate her magic with this Strawberry Tiramisu, which quickly became a family favorite.

It’s a dessert that speaks of nostalgia and warmth, a dish that brings people together. What I love most about this recipe is how it honors tradition while embracing something new.

Why strawberry tiramisu is perfect for any occasion

This version of tiramisu has everything you want—layers of delicate ladyfingers, juicy macerated strawberries, and rich mascarpone cream. But it also brings a vibrant, fruity twist that feels fresh and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something sweet, Strawberry Tiramisu delivers elegance without stress. It’s make-ahead friendly, keeps beautifully in the fridge, and makes everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious Strawberry Tiramisu for 9 servings:

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Cream Layer:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 8 oz (225g) mascarpone cheese, softened

For Assembly:

• 18-20 ladyfinger biscuits (savoiardi)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk or orange juice (for dipping)
• Fresh strawberries, for garnish
• Mint leaves, optional

Equipment You’ll Need

• Hand or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• 8×8 inch (or similar) baking dish
• Spatula
• Small saucepan
• Knife and cutting board

How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
2. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the strawberries release their juices and soften.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Tip: You can mash some strawberries for a chunkier sauce, or blend them for a smoother consistency.

Step 2: Make the Mascarpone Cream

1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. In another bowl, beat the mascarpone until smooth and creamy.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone using a spatula, taking care not to deflate the mixture.

Chef’s Note: The cream layer is the soul of this dessert—rich but not heavy, with just the right touch of sweetness.

Step 3: Assemble the Tiramisu

1. Lightly dip each ladyfinger into milk or orange juice (do not soak!) and line the bottom of your dish.
2. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
3. Spoon half of the cooled strawberry mixture on top and gently spread.
4. Repeat the layers: ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and strawberry topping.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, top with freshly sliced strawberries and a few mint leaves for color and extra freshness.

Serving, Storing, and Creative Twists on Strawberry Tiramisu

How to store it and serve it like a pro

Storing Strawberry Tiramisu properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days. Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. The flavor deepens over time, making it even better on day two. If you’re hosting guests, prepare it the night before and keep it chilled until showtime.

When serving, use a clean, sharp knife to slice through the layers. Wipe the blade between cuts to maintain neat presentation. For extra elegance, garnish with thinly sliced strawberries and a sprig of mint. You can even dust it lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.

Variations to try for every preference

One of the joys of Strawberry Tiramisu is how adaptable it is. Want to go dairy-free? Substitute coconut cream for mascarpone. Need a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake layers.

For a richer version, layer in white chocolate ganache or mascarpone blended with a hint of vanilla bean paste. If you’re looking for a low-sugar twist, macerate the strawberries with monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.

Want to get kids involved? Let them help layer the dessert—it’s a great hands-on activity and a fun way to introduce them to the kitchen.

This dessert is more than just a treat—it’s a template you can tweak endlessly to match your taste and the season.

Tips for Elevating Your Strawberry Tiramisu

For more indulgent strawberry desserts, try our Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls or these adorable bite-sized strawberry treats.

Want something lighter? Explore our refreshing berry pairings or energize your snack game with these healthy strawberry snack ideas.

Feeling festive? Pair your dessert with a strawberry-infused drink for the ultimate fruit-themed finish.

FAQ

What can go wrong when making tiramisu?
Using watery or overripe strawberries, over-whipping mascarpone, and skipping chill time can all lead to a disappointing tiramisu. Avoid soaking the ladyfingers too long and be gentle when folding in ingredients.

Does tiramisu harden in the fridge?
Tiramisu doesn’t harden but firms up beautifully after several hours. The chilling helps the mascarpone mixture set and meld with the layers for that sliceable consistency.

How long does homemade tiramisu last?
When stored in an airtight container, homemade strawberry tiramisu keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge. Always keep it chilled until serving.

How do you keep tiramisu from getting soggy?
Dip ladyfingers briefly in syrup—don’t soak. Use dry, sliced strawberries and refrigerate for several hours to achieve the perfect consistency.

Strawberry Tiramisu

This Strawberry Tiramisu is a fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert. Layers of juicy strawberries, creamy mascarpone filling, and ladyfingers soaked in orange juice create a refreshing, no-bake treat perfect for spring and summer!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Chilling Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 9 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Hand Mixer
• 9×9 inch dish

Ingredients

  

Strawberry Mixture

• 1 lb fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Cream Mixture

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz mascarpone cheese softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Assembly

• 7 oz ladyfinger cookies (savoiardi)
• 1/2 cup orange juice or strawberry juice for dipping
• fresh mint leaves and whole strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with honey and lemon juice. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to macerate.
• In another large bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
• Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the juice. Do not soak too long.
• Arrange a layer of dipped ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish.
• Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Smooth with a spatula.
• Spoon half of the macerated strawberries over the cream layer.
• Repeat the layers: dipped ladyfingers, cream, and strawberries.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
• Garnish with fresh mint and whole strawberries before serving if desired.

Notes

This dessert is even better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully. Use strawberry juice for a more intense berry flavor.

Keyword No-Bake, Strawberry, Tiramisu

Conclusion

Strawberry Tiramisu isn’t just a twist on a classic—it’s a fresh, vibrant dessert that’s perfect for any time of year. With a bit of prep and the right technique, you’ll have a showstopping sweet that balances creaminess, fruitiness, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special event, it’s a guaranteed hit.