Irresistible Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu (No-Bake!)

Making dessert doesn’t have to be complicated! This Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dessert, perfect for warm weather gatherings. It combines the creamy richness of mascarpone with the bright, fresh flavors of strawberries and a zesty lemon twist. Best of all, it requires no baking, making it a quick and easy treat to assemble. This version skips the coffee and alcohol, making it family-friendly. Let’s get started on this delicious no-bake dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The bright, fresh flavors and creamy texture will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

Bright and Zesty Flavor: Adding lemon zest and juice to the mascarpone cream and macerating the strawberries with lemon juice truly elevates this dessert. It brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.

No-Bake Convenience: This recipe requires absolutely no baking, making it ideal for hot summer days or when you’re short on time. It’s a great dessert to make with family and friends.

Prevents Soggy Ladyfingers: The lemon in the macerated strawberries prevents the ladyfingers from becoming overly soggy, maintaining a perfect texture contrast.

Refreshing and Elegant: This dessert is a refreshing and elegant treat, perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions. The vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it a showstopper.

Ingredients Needed

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 ((see tip above))

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ladyfingers (Savoiardi): It’s important to use hard ladyfingers, also known as Savoiardi, for this recipe. These Italian ladyfingers are dry and porous, allowing them to soak up the strawberry mixture without becoming mushy. You can usually find them in the Italian section of your grocery store. Soft ladyfingers will result in a soggy tiramisu.

Mascarpone: Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese that’s essential for the authentic tiramisu flavor. It’s rich, smooth, and slightly sweet. Cream cheese is not a good substitute, as it has a tangier flavor and different texture. For a dairy-free alternative, look for plant-based mascarpone substitutes, but be mindful of the taste and consistency. Mascarpone cheese is known for its high butterfat content which gives it a rich and creamy texture.

Strawberries: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. Slicing them evenly will ensure a consistent texture throughout the tiramisu. The balsamic vinegar enhances the strawberry flavor; if you don’t have balsamic vinegar, lemon juice is a great alternative.

Strawberry Jam: You can use store-bought or homemade strawberry jam. If using store-bought, opt for a high-quality jam with a good strawberry flavor. Making your own allows you to control the sweetness and ingredients.

Prosecco: For a little extra flavor, you can use prosecco instead of water to soak the ladyfingers. This adds a subtle bubbly and fruity note to the dessert.

Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream with a fat content of at least 30% for best results when whipping. Make sure it’s cold before whipping to achieve a stable, fluffy cream. For more information, you can check out this article about the difference between heavy cream and whipping cream.

Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ladyfingers. You can find these at specialty stores or online. For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free mascarpone and cream alternatives.

How to Make Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu

This Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu is easy to assemble, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to create this delightful treat.

Step 1: Preparing the Mascarpone Cream

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup mascarpone cheese, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until smooth and thickened, until it’s light and fluffy. The cream should be well combined and have a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 2: Infusing the Ladyfingers with Strawberry Flavor

In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup strawberry jam, 1/4 cup water (or prosecco), and 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar. Stir with a fork until combined. Dip the ladyfingers in the mixture to coat them. You’ll notice a wonderful strawberry aroma filling your kitchen! Line the ladyfingers in a single layer, in the bottom of a 8”x 8” or similarly sized baking dish. Avoid soaking the ladyfingers; just a quick dip will do!

Step 3: Assembling the Tiramisu

Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers and layer with half of the 2 cups sliced strawberries.

Step 4: Repeating Layers

Repeat with the remaining ladyfingers, mascarpone mixture, and sliced strawberries.

Step 5: Chilling

Cover with cling wrap and chill at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the ladyfingers to soften, resulting in the perfect Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu.

Make Your Own Strawberry Jam

While store-bought strawberry jam works perfectly well in this recipe, there’s nothing quite like homemade. It allows you to control the sweetness and ingredients, resulting in a jam that perfectly complements your Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu.

Here’s a basic recipe for strawberry jam:
– 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
– 4 cups granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the jam has thickened. To test the consistency, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and chill in the freezer for a minute. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.

Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

The advantages of homemade jam are the fresh flavor and the ability to adjust the sweetness to your liking. Speaking of controlling ingredients, have you tried making your own homemade oat milk?

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Here are some pro tips and common mistakes to avoid when making this Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu.

Pro Tips

* Use hard ladyfingers for the best texture.
* Don’t skip the balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice) for enhanced flavor.
* Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best taste.
* Chill the tiramisu for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
* Macerate the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice for an intense flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

* Over-soaking the ladyfingers, which can lead to a soggy dessert.
* Using cream cheese instead of mascarpone, which alters the flavor.
* Skipping the chilling time, which prevents the flavors from developing properly.

Serving & Storage

This Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

Serving Ideas

* Serve chilled in a baking dish or individual glasses.
* Garnish with fresh blueberries or mint leaves.
* Pair with a light, fruity dessert wine like Moscato d’Asti.

Storage and Make-Ahead

* The tiramisu can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
* Cover tightly with cling wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

This Strawberries and Cream Tiramisu is a delightful no-bake dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors. The lemon twist adds a unique touch, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and discover your new favorite dessert! Feel free to share your creations and explore other recipes on the blog. You might also enjoy these gingerbread cheesecake bars.

FAQ

Can I use soft ladyfingers instead of hard ones?
No, it’s important to use hard ladyfingers (Savoiardi) because they absorb the liquid without becoming soggy. Soft ladyfingers will result in a mushy tiramisu.

Can this Strawberry Tiramisu be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the mascarpone cream and strawberries. The tiramisu is best enjoyed fresh.

What can I substitute for ladyfingers?
If you can’t find ladyfingers, you can use sponge cake cut into strips, but the texture will be different. Gluten-free ladyfingers are also a good alternative for those with dietary restrictions.

How far in advance can I make this dessert?
You can make this dessert 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

How should Strawberry Tiramisu be stored?
Store the tiramisu covered tightly with cling wrap in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out.

Can other fruits be used instead of strawberries?
Yes, you can use other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. Adjust the jam accordingly to complement the fruit you choose. Thinking of other fruits, this easy grape salad is another recipe you might enjoy.