Strawberry Tiramisu Recipe That’s Creamy, Fruity, and So Easy

Strawberry Tiramisu might just be the dessert your summer dreams are made of. It’s fruity, creamy, light-yet-decadent, and looks like it took hours of culinary wizardry—when in reality, it’s a totally doable treat, even for the non-bakers among us. This chilled dessert layers strawberry-soaked ladyfingers, homemade (or store-bought—we’re not judging) jam, clouds of mascarpone filling, and bursts of fresh strawberries. You get all the comfort of a classic tiramisu, minus the espresso and cocoa, and all the fun of a fruity shortcake, minus the mess.

Best of both worlds? Pretty much. Whether you’re hosting a summer brunch, need something sweet for Valentine’s Day, or just have a craving for berries and cream, Strawberry Tiramisu is a show-stopper. And yes, this beauty is make-ahead friendly, which means no last-minute stress before dessert. This article walks you through exactly how to make it step by step, with everything you need to know to whip up this impressive treat with confidence.

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What is Strawberry Tiramisu?

Strawberry Tiramisu is a fresh twist on the beloved Italian classic, swapping out coffee and cocoa for juicy strawberries and sweet jam. Instead of soaking ladyfingers in espresso, this version gives them a dip in a luscious strawberry syrup made with jam and liqueur (or juice if you’re keeping it kid-friendly). Then comes the mascarpone layer—dreamy, lightly sweetened, and whipped to airy perfection with lemon juice and vanilla.

It’s stacked in layers with chopped strawberries and more jam, then chilled until it all comes together into one seriously irresistible bite. Unlike the traditional tiramisu, which leans into deep, bitter notes, this one is bright, fruity, and a little tart—perfect for spring and summer, or whenever you’re craving something light but still indulgent. It’s a make-ahead dessert that gets better the longer it sits in the fridge (hello, no-bake perfection). Think of it as tiramisu’s breezy, strawberry-loving cousin—easygoing, a little flirty, and always the life of the party.

Reasons to Try Strawberry Tiramisu

Let’s be honest—most of us are juggling a million things at once. Between work, kids, appointments, and trying to remember if we already fed the dog, complicated desserts just aren’t it. That’s where Strawberry Tiramisu comes in. First of all, it’s a no-bake dessert, so no oven drama. Just a little mixing, layering, and chilling.

Second, it’s seriously versatile. Make it boozy with strawberry liqueur or keep it family-friendly with juice. Use homemade strawberry jam for that “I totally made this from scratch” moment, or grab a good store-bought one when you’re short on time. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s got layers (literally and figuratively). There’s texture from the ladyfingers, freshness from the fruit, and that silky mascarpone filling that makes everyone do a little happy dance. Plus, it’s naturally make-ahead, which makes it perfect for entertaining. Prepare it the night before, and it’s even better the next day. It’s basically dessert’s version of a win-win.

Ingredients Needed to Make Strawberry Tiramisu

For the Strawberry Jam:
– 4 cups quartered strawberries (about 600g)
– 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
– 4 tbsp lemon juice

For the Strawberry Syrup:
– 1/3 cup strawberry jam
– 1 cup strawberry liqueur (or substitute with strawberry/orange juice or Grand Marnier)

For the Mascarpone Filling:
– 2 cups mascarpone cheese (452g)
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar, divided (62.5g)
– 3 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 3/4 cup very cold heavy whipping cream (420ml)

For Assembling:
– 28 ladyfinger cookies
– 3/4 cup chopped strawberries (112g)

For the Topping:
– 1/2 cup whipping cream, cold
– 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries (28g), powdered

Instructions to Make Strawberry Tiramisu – Step by Step

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Jam

Let’s start by giving your strawberries the spotlight they deserve. Add the quartered strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a medium saucepan. Bring the heat up to medium-high, stirring now and then. When the mixture hits a boil, drop the heat to medium-low and simmer it down. You’re looking for that jammy texture—thick, glossy, and darkened. If it starts sticking, turn the heat down even more. Don’t stress if you don’t have a thermometer—just keep cooking until it’s thick and reduced. Once it’s ready, transfer it to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin), and refrigerate. This can chill for a few hours or overnight. Want to skip this step? You can absolutely use store-bought strawberry jam instead.

Step 2: Whip Up the Mascarpone Filling

Grab two mixing bowls. In the first, combine mascarpone cheese, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Beat it just enough to blend everything—don’t overdo it. It’s okay to use cold mascarpone, no need to soften it. In the second bowl, whip that chilled heavy cream with the remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar until you get slightly stiff peaks. Not whipped cream frosting stiff—just enough to hold shape. Gently fold half the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture to lighten it, then fold in the other half. The result should be smooth, creamy, and ready to layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Syrup

This part is easy-peasy. Just whisk together the strawberry jam and liqueur (or juice). If you’re going the booze-free route, strawberry juice or even orange juice works like a charm. Want to get fancy? A splash of balsamic vinegar gives it a sophisticated tang that balances the sweetness.

Step 4: Dip and Layer the Ladyfingers

Choose your dish—I used a 9×9-inch square pan, but 8×8 or 11×6 will work too. Dip each ladyfinger into the syrup, one at a time, and lay them snugly across the bottom of your dish. Don’t let them soak too long or they’ll fall apart. Just a quick dip and they’re good to go.

Step 5: First Layer of Creamy Heaven

Scoop half of your mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers. Spread it out gently with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Next, drizzle about 1/2 cup of jam over the mascarpone layer. If your jam is super thick and being a diva, mix in a splash of water or liqueur to help it spread. Sprinkle the chopped strawberries over the jam. Already looking good, right?

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Now we go in for round two. Dip the remaining ladyfingers and arrange them on top of your fruit layer. Gently press them down just a tad to help them nestle into place. Spread the rest of the mascarpone filling over the top. Use your spatula to smooth it out like icing on a cake.

Step 7: Chill Time

Let your Strawberry Tiramisu chill in the fridge—overnight is best, but at least 6 hours will do. This helps the flavors mingle and the ladyfingers soften into cakey perfection.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Before serving, whip up a quick topping by beating 1/2 cup cold whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Add it to a piping bag if you’re feeling decorative. Then blitz the freeze-dried strawberries in a mini food processor until powdered. Sift that gorgeous red dust over the top. It’s like edible pixie dust. You can finish it off with fresh strawberries for extra flair. Slice and serve with a smile.

Want more strawberry goodness? Check out our Strawberry Crunch Topping or Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Puppy Chow for snackable options.

What to Serve with Strawberry Tiramisu

Strawberry Tiramisu is a whole vibe on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your spread, here are a few ideas. For something savory first, try a light dish like Rainbow Orzo Salad or Garlic Butter Orzo with Mushrooms and Spinach. These are fresh, satisfying, and won’t compete with the sweetness of dessert. If you want to go full pink-and-pretty, pair it with Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowls for brunch or Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes for a dessert table that dreams are made of.

Key Tips for Making Strawberry Tiramisu

Keep your whipped cream cold and your mascarpone cheese cool—this helps everything hold together better. Don’t oversoak the ladyfingers. It’s tempting, but trust me, they’ll soften as the tiramisu chills. Chill it long enough! This dessert needs time to set up, so overnight is your friend. If your jam is stubbornly thick, stir in a little liquid to help it spread nicely between layers. Want more zing? Add lemon or orange zest to your mascarpone filling. Oh, and if you’re out of mascarpone, cream cheese can work, but it’ll be denser. Still delicious, though!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Strawberry Tiramisu

This dessert keeps beautifully. Store your Strawberry Tiramisu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It actually tastes better after a day or two—like the flavors all had a sleepover and bonded. As for reheating… don’t. This is a cold dessert, so just slice it straight from the fridge and enjoy. If you’re prepping ahead for a party, you can make it up to 48 hours in advance, and decorate just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Strawberry Tiramisu without alcohol?
Yes! Sub the liqueur with strawberry or orange juice. You won’t lose the flavor magic.

Can I use store-bought jam?
Totally. It saves time and still tastes amazing.

Can I freeze it?
Not ideal. The texture won’t be the same after thawing. Stick to chilling in the fridge.

What if I don’t have mascarpone?
Cream cheese works, but it’ll be thicker and slightly tangier. Let it soften before using.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free ladyfingers. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Tiramisu is the kind of dessert that looks impressive, tastes like a dream, and fits into your real-life, busy-schedule world. It’s fruity, creamy, and full of those little happy-moment bites that make you want to slow down and savor it. Whether you’re making it for a gathering, a date night, or just because strawberries were on sale—this recipe’s got your back. Remember, the beauty of this dish is that it comes together step by step, and with a few smart shortcuts and personal touches, you can make it your own. Next time you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s simple but spectacular, whip this one up—and don’t be surprised if there are zero leftovers. For more strawberry-loaded dessert ideas, check out our Easy Strawberry Crunch Cake or Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake. Let’s nourish well, one delicious bite at a time.

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