Delightful Strawberry Tiramisu: A Perfect Spring Dessert
Imagine indulging in a light and refreshing dessert that beautifully captures the essence of spring. This Strawberry Tiramisu is just that! With layers of fresh strawberries, ladyfingers soaked in a delightful mix of orange juice and elderflower liqueur, paired with a creamy mascarpone-yogurt blend, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Tiramisu
This captivating dessert takes the classic Italian favorite and gives it a delightful twist by incorporating fresh strawberries. Rather than traditional coffee liqueur, we utilize St. Germain (elderflower liqueur) combined with orange juice, creating a subtly floral and citrusy flavor in the ladyfingers. The result is a refreshingly light dessert that is perfect for spring!
We ensure that our ladyfingers maintain just the right amount of texture by dipping them briefly in the soaking liquid—just a few seconds is ideal. This allows for a lovely balance without them getting soggy.
If you’re planning ahead for a party, you’ll be pleased to know this dessert can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 8 hours. For the best taste and texture, serve it the same day you prepare it. Chilling helps the mascarpone cream firm up beautifully, so aim for at least an hour in the fridge before serving. Plus, we skip any raw eggs, making this a simple and safe choice for everyone!
Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe Ingredients
- Strawberries: Try mixing in blackberries or blueberries, or even peaches for a delightful twist!
- Ladyfinger cookies: A classic component in tiramisu that provides texture and sweetness.
- Mascarpone: While cream cheese is a viable substitute in a pinch, please adjust the sweetness accordingly.
- Greek yogurt: Opt for plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier consistency. Whipped cream can also be used as a substitute.
- Elderflower liqueur: St. Germain is a great option, but you can use elderflower syrup and skip the honey if preferred.
- Orange juice and zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the overall flavor tremendously!
- Sugar: To sweeten the mascarpone blend—avoid using honey here, as it can curdle the cream.
- Honey: This helps sweeten the orange juice and liqueur mixture.
- Mint leaves: A lovely garnish that adds a burst of fresh flavor.
- Vanilla extract: For a hint of warmth and sweetness.
- Optional garnishes: Consider topping with toasted coconut, fresh mint, or a drizzle of elderflower syrup for an elegant presentation.
How to Make Strawberry Tiramisu
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Start by slicing the strawberries and tossing them in a bowl with sugar—adjust the amount based on their sweetness. Don’t forget to add the fresh orange zest as well! Let the strawberries rest to macerate; this will help release their beautiful natural juices.
2. Create the Mascarpone Cream
Combine the mascarpone with sugar in a stand mixer or electric mixer and beat until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold in the Greek yogurt until everything is blended smoothly.
3. Mix the Soaking Liquid
In a medium bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, elderflower liqueur, a splash of water, vanilla extract, and honey until well combined. This mixture will infuse your ladyfingers with a lovely flavor.
4. Assemble the Dessert
Begin the assembly by placing a dollop (about 2 tablespoons) of your mascarpone mixture at the bottom of each glass. Next, one by one, dip the ladyfingers into your orange juice mixture for just a quick second—no more than five seconds to avoid sogginess—then break them into three pieces. Layer these into the glass over the mascarpone cream. Repeat until you’ve filled your glasses.
Next, layer half of the sliced strawberries on top of the ladyfingers, followed by another layer of the mascarpone mixture and remaining strawberries. Finish with a sprinkle of any leftover mascarpone cream, or let the berries take center stage.
5. Chill
Cover the assembled tiramisu and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. This will allow the mascarpone to firm up nicely.
6. Garnish
Before serving, top each glass with a handful of toasted coconut, fresh mint leaves, or a delicate drizzle of elderflower syrup for an elegant touch.
Chef’s Tips
- Select ripe strawberries for the best flavor impact!
- Make sure to dip ladyfingers quickly into the soaking mixture for optimal texture
- Chill for at least one hour before serving for the best results.
- Make ahead! You can prepare this dessert up to eight hours in advance.
- Feel free to switch up the fruits—blackberries, blueberries, and bucketfuls of seasonal fruits await you!
- Mini servings make this dessert ideal for parties. Use mini cups or shot glasses for individual servings.
- Experiment with toppings! Try cocoa powder, citrus zest, or fresh fruit sauces to give variations each time you prepare this dessert.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the Strawberry Tiramisu up to eight hours before serving. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Leftovers? They’ll last up to three days in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining!
Serving Suggestions
This recipe yields six delightful servings, roughly one cup each. If you prefer, feel free to prepare it in an 8×8 baking dish to create two layers, or serve in your favorite mini dessert cups for a fun party treat! Mini cups can yield anywhere from 16 to 20 servings, depending on their size.