Strawberry Tiramisu is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dessert. The combination of sweet strawberry puree, fluffy mascarpone filling, and ladyfingers creates a light, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The orange zest and liqueur enhance the flavors, making this a fresh, fruity, and indulgent dessert that will wow your guests.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Strawberry Puree:

• 16 oz fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced; can substitute with raspberries or blueberries)

• 2 tbsp orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)

• 1 tbsp orange juice (can substitute with lemon juice)

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar

• ¼ cup strawberry preserves (can substitute with strawberry jam)

For the Strawberry Tiramisu:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 4 large egg yolks

• 1⅓ cups heavy whipping cream

• 16 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)

• ½ tbsp orange zest

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 8 oz fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)

• 24 crispy ladyfingers (also called Savoiardi)

Directions:

For the Strawberry Puree:

1. In a large bowl, add sliced strawberries, orange liqueur, orange juice, and sugar. Stir until well combined, then let the mixture stand for 15 minutes.

2. Using a food processor or blender, add strawberry preserves and half of the strawberry/liqueur mixture. Puree until smooth.

3. Transfer the strawberry sauce mixture back into the bowl with the remaining sliced strawberries. Stir until well combined and set aside.

For the Strawberry Tiramisu:

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and egg yolks for 4-5 minutes on medium-high speed. The mixture should expand in volume and turn pale yellow in color. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream for 1-2 minutes, or until soft peaks form.

3. Add the mascarpone cheese, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the whipped cream, then beat on medium speed until well combined.

4. Fold the mascarpone mixture into the egg yolk mixture.

5. In an 8”x8” baking pan, spread about ⅔ cup of the strawberry puree evenly on the bottom.

6. Lay 8 ladyfingers in a single layer on top of the puree. (Tip: Place the ladyfingers in the pan and then flip them over to coat all sides with puree.)

7. Spread 1 cup of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.

8. Repeat the layering process with the remaining strawberry puree, ladyfingers, and mascarpone mixture two more times.

9. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.

10. Before serving, decorate the top with sliced strawberries.

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: ~300-350
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Sugars: ~25g
Protein: ~5g

This is a rough estimate, and actual values may vary based on specific brands and quantities used. Enjoy!

The Allure of Strawberries: Sweet and Fresh

Strawberries are among the most popular fruits, cherished for their vibrant color, natural sweetness, and versatility in both savory and sweet dishes. With their slightly tangy flavor and juicy flesh, strawberries add a refreshing component to any dessert. In Strawberry Tiramisu, the use of fresh strawberries creates a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, which complements the richness of the mascarpone filling and ladyfingers.

In addition to their great taste, strawberries are packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes healthy skin. They also contain fiber, which aids in digestion, making them a delicious and healthy addition to this indulgent dessert. For a more intense strawberry flavor, the recipe calls for both fresh strawberries and a strawberry preserves mixture, ensuring that the flavor shines through in every layer.

Mascarpone Cheese: The Creamy Base of Tiramisu

At the heart of traditional tiramisu is mascarpone cheese, a rich, Italian cream cheese that adds a velvety, indulgent texture. In Strawberry Tiramisu, mascarpone plays the same pivotal role by providing a smooth, creamy filling that pairs beautifully with the fruity strawberry puree. Its slightly sweet flavor and thick consistency help to create a luxurious layer in the dessert that contrasts perfectly with the light, airy ladyfingers.

Mascarpone is traditionally used in tiramisu for its ability to hold its shape while maintaining a creamy texture. It complements the strawberries’ sweetness without overpowering the dish. When mixed with heavy whipping cream, egg yolks, and a touch of vanilla, it creates the signature rich yet light filling that tiramisu is known for.

Ladyfingers: The Perfect Foundation

Ladyfingers, or Savoiardi, are the traditional cookies used in tiramisu. These light, spongy biscuits absorb the strawberry puree and mascarpone mixture, creating layers of flavor and texture. Unlike regular cake or cookie layers, ladyfingers maintain their shape even when soaked, making them the perfect vessel for the sweet, fruity filling.

For this recipe, ladyfingers are dipped in a strawberry liqueur mixture, allowing them to soak up the flavors without becoming soggy. The crispness of the ladyfingers adds a delightful texture to the dessert, offering a contrast to the smooth, creamy layers of mascarpone and strawberry puree. While the traditional tiramisu often uses espresso or coffee to soak the ladyfingers, the fruit and orange liqueur combination in this variation offers a fresh and vibrant twist.

Orange Liqueur and Zest: Enhancing the Flavors

One of the key elements that elevates Strawberry Tiramisu is the addition of orange liqueur and orange zest. Orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier, introduces a subtle citrusy depth to the dessert, enhancing the sweetness of the strawberries while also providing a delicate touch of alcohol. The orange liqueur infuses the strawberry puree, adding complexity and warmth to the dessert without overwhelming the fruit’s natural flavor.

In addition to the liqueur, orange zest is incorporated into the mascarpone mixture, giving it a refreshing citrusy note that brightens the entire dessert. This combination of orange flavors complements the strawberries perfectly, giving the tiramisu a light, fragrant aroma and a zesty finish that contrasts beautifully with the rich mascarpone.

The Layering Process: Building the Perfect Tiramisu

Making Strawberry Tiramisu is a straightforward process, with a few key steps to ensure each layer comes together perfectly. The first step involves preparing the strawberry puree, which combines fresh strawberries, orange juice, orange liqueur, and sugar. This puree is then mixed with strawberry preserves to create a smooth, flavorful sauce. The fresh strawberries are reserved to add texture and freshness to the final layers.

Next, the mascarpone filling is prepared by beating egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy, then folding in whipped cream and mascarpone cheese. The result is a smooth, airy mixture that pairs beautifully with the strawberry puree.

The layering process begins by spreading a portion of the strawberry puree in the bottom of a baking dish, followed by a layer of ladyfingers soaked in the puree. This is topped with the mascarpone mixture, and the layering is repeated until all the ingredients are used. After the final layer is added, the tiramisu is refrigerated for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.

Refrigeration and Presentation: The Finishing Touch

Refrigeration is crucial for this dessert to set properly. The layers of strawberry puree and mascarpone filling need time to firm up, allowing the flavors to blend and creating a smooth, cohesive texture. Ideally, the tiramisu should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours, but it can be left overnight for the best results.

Before serving, the tiramisu is garnished with freshly sliced strawberries, adding a burst of color and a fresh, fruity element to the top. This final touch enhances the visual appeal of the dessert and offers an additional layer of strawberry flavor.

Health Considerations

While Strawberry Tiramisu is a rich and indulgent dessert, it can still offer some nutritional benefits due to the inclusion of fresh strawberries. Strawberries are low in calories and packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They help to reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve digestive function. However, as with any dessert, moderation is key.

The use of mascarpone cheese and heavy whipping cream makes this dessert high in fat, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday indulgence. For those looking to reduce the calorie content, lighter substitutions such as low-fat mascarpone or whipped topping could be considered, though they may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

Conclusion: A Fruity, Indulgent Dessert

Strawberry Tiramisu is a delightful, fruity twist on the classic Italian dessert. Its layers of sweet strawberry puree, creamy mascarpone filling, and delicate ladyfingers create a deliciously light yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The addition of orange zest and liqueur enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries, adding complexity and depth to the dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a special gathering or enjoying it as a sweet treat for yourself, Strawberry Tiramisu is sure to impress with its vibrant flavor and elegant presentation. By incorporating fresh fruit and citrus notes, this version of tiramisu offers a refreshing and irresistible alternative to the traditional coffee-based version.